Are you thinking about the best road bike tires for your cycling adventures? When it comes to choosing the right road bike tire, there are many options available on the market that can be difficult to choose from. For that reason, I’ve rated four of the best road bike tires to buy overall in 2022.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Continental Grand Prix 4000 S II Bike Tire | Best Overall |  |
| WTB ThickSlick Comp tire | Budget Pick |  |
| Continental Contact Speed Bike Tire | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Continental Grand Prix 4000 S II Bike Tire
Pros:
- Features Continental’s Black Chili Compound which reduces rolling resistance by 26%
- Vectran protection to ensure abrasion resistant
- Lightweight
- Integrated tread wear indicators
Cons:
- The tread does not do well in slick conditions
- Some users complained about the short mileage
This Continental Grand Prix 4000 S II Bike Tire is the perfect choice for those looking for a good grip, puncture protection, and a smooth ride. These are not the fastest tires on the market, but considering the durability, cost, and performance, they are one of the best-selling tires on our list.
Moreover, I should mention that Continental is my preferred tire brand and I test every tire, of any brand, against their products first.
2. Continental Contact Speed Bike Tire
Pros:
- Double puncture protection
- Durable casing and long tread life
- The easy fitting Klever protection belt adds aero benefits
- Weighs less than competing tires
Cons:
- The material is slightly sticky
- It can be considered too noisy
The Continental Contact Speed Bike Tire is a slick road bike tire geared toward endurance efforts. It comes in a variety of sizes which guarantees that you will find the perfect one that suits your needs. Moreover, it will work with the rim size that you choose to compliment your bike.
Even if the smaller sizes might come across to some as skinny tires, they might change their mind in the middle of the road when it comes to performance options. It’s not too skinny and not too fat.
It's the perfect choice for city bikes, single-speed, and fitness bikes due to the roughened and fast Slick profile that makes it suitable for asphalt.
3. WTB ThickSlick Comp tire
Pros:
- Slick design
- Puncture Protection
- 2X the Rubber
- Smoother Ride guaranteed
Cons:
- Suitable only for pavement
- Some users complained regarding the weight
These WTB ThickSlick Comp tires are the perfect choice for those who want to use their bike for commuting. They are made from a durable material, therefore, are suitable for those long rides.
4. SCHWALBE Durano Black Wire Bead Tire
Pros:
- Dual Compound
- Great grip for training on wet winter roads
- Affordable price
- RaceGuard protection belt
Cons:
- Not as puncture resistant as expected
- The tire wall might split in time
These SCHWALBE Durano Black Wire Bead Tires are a good choice for those looking for a qualitative yet affordable option. The name would suggest it, the Durano line is developed for the ultimate comfort and efficiency. It features all of the attributes you would expect from a high-end road tire: balance of grip and rolling resistance, low weight, low rolling resistance, puncture protection, long life.
The Black-Wire casing ensures low weight and, according to Schwalbe, more puncture protection. Pricing is at a good value level which makes the Durano a serious competitor of the well-established Continental Grand Prix, Vittoria Rubino, and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best tires for road bikes?
For this article, we won’t be considering hybrid tires. They’re usually a compromise between versatile road tires and the durable knobbies used on dedicated mountain bikes.
Why do I keep getting flat tires on my road bike?
With the huge proliferation of puncture-resistant tires over the past couple of decades, including the trend of using tires that are more low-volume than typical training bike tires, the number of flats cyclists are experiencing has been on the decline.
However, if you occasionally find yourself with a flat tire, try not to be too discouraged.
If you have a tire that is fitted to your bike correctly and haven't made any drastic changes to your riding habits, it is very likely that something else is to blame.
In this guide, we hope to show you the top road bike tires you can buy in 2022. Hopefully, these tires will help you avoid punctures when you're riding; if you do, however, you'll be able to fix it quickly so you are back on the road in no time.
How long do tires last on a road bike?
Tires that are used for road biking typically last anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 miles. This is a rather wide range that depends on many factors, including the number of miles you ride, the tires that you use, and the level of rider you are.
Many road cyclists typically top out around about 3,000 miles, but it is possible to get even more out of them if you ride sensibly and take good care of the tires.
You should check for tire wear, specially when you hit the 1,000 mile mark, and replace the tires as needed.
How much difference do Tires make on a road bike?
Although many manufacturers are now supplying their entry-level bikes with slicks and keeping the knobbly mountain bike tires (which make a huge difference) to higher end models, it is possible to find road bikes in all price points with either.
For many, the difference between a good day on the road and a bad one can come down to the tires that are on their bike and, more than that, the quality of said tires.
Many bicycle tires may already come with puncture protection within the tread, but that is likely not enough to keep the bike and rider safe. This is probably why many manufacturers are going for proper touring tires in their 2022 models.
The most important thing to remember about road bike tires is that they are not all created equal. Many are at opposite ends of the range when it comes to performance, as well as cost.
Many a wise grandparents have warned us that we should never cheapen out for everything that goes between us and the earth. Tires are up there on that list.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things you need to consider when purchasing a road bike tire. We’ve made sure to cover all the questions that you’re probably asking yourself when looking for a road bike tire: price, tread, durability, puncture resistance, warranty. We believe we’ve identified the 4 best road bike tires in the market that will help you decide which one is the best option for you.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Continental Grand Prix 4000 S II Bike Tire | Best Overall | |
| WTB ThickSlick Comp tire | Budget Pick | |
| Continental Contact Speed Bike Tire | Upgrade Pick | |