Tires 101: An Introduction: Difference between revisions

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==Interpreting the sidewall data==

Okay, so we've got the codes... but what does it mean? How does a 130/80-16 differ from a 120/80-16, if both can fit on the same size rim?

Okay, so we've got the codes... but what does it mean? How does a 130/80-16 differ from a 120/80-16 if both can fit on the same size rim?

First of all, the most obvious characteristic is the width of the tire. The width, in concert with the diameter of the wheel, determines the size of the contact patch. The size of the contact patch in turn determines the load that the tire can bear, the amount of traction that will be available, how well the tire disperses water, and how much it resists steering inputs.

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The aspect ratio of the tire is the distance from the bead of the tire to the tread surface. The primary effect of the aspect ratio is on the shape of the tire. In general, a lower aspect ratio results in a flatter profile.

The profile of the tire is the cross sectional shape. It is affected by several elements~~: the~~ aspect ratio, ~~the~~ wheel width, ~~the~~ width of the tire, and the manufacturer's intentions for the tire all affect the profile. The profile in turn affects the handling. A triangular profile will cause the bike to turn in more easily, but may make it a little more prone to tucking or falling into the turn. On the other hand, a rounder profile may be a little more difficult to turn in, but might have a little more linear response to steering inputs. This is to a great extent motorcycle dependent -- some bikes may like a particular tire, others may not.

The profile of the tire is the cross sectional shape. It is affected by several elements. The aspect ratio, wheel width, width of the tire, and the manufacturer's intentions for the tire all affect the profile. The profile in turn affects the handling. A triangular profile will cause the bike to turn in more easily, but may make it a little more prone to tucking or falling into the turn. On the other hand, a rounder profile may be a little more difficult to turn in, but might have a little more linear response to steering inputs. This is to a great extent motorcycle dependent; some bikes may like a particular tire, while others may not.

All in all, this means that a wider tire will tend to steer more heavily, but will also offer more traction. A larger rim will also steer slower, as will a broad, relatively flat tire.

==Buying the right size==

@@ Line 174: / Line 174: @@
 ==Interpreting the sidewall data==
-Okay, so we've got the codes... but what does it mean? How does a 130/80-16 differ from a 120/80-16, if both can fit on the same size rim?
+Okay, so we've got the codes... but what does it mean? How does a 130/80-16 differ from a 120/80-16 if both can fit on the same size rim?
 First of all, the most obvious characteristic is the width of the tire. The width, in concert with the diameter of the wheel, determines the size of the contact patch. The size of the contact patch in turn determines the load that the tire can bear, the amount of traction that will be available, how well the tire disperses water, and how much it resists steering inputs.
@@ Line 182: / Line 182: @@
 The aspect ratio of the tire is the distance from the bead of the tire to the tread surface. The primary effect of the aspect ratio is on the shape of the tire. In general, a lower aspect ratio results in a flatter profile.
-The profile of the tire is the cross sectional shape. It is affected by several elements: the aspect ratio, the wheel width, the width of the tire, and the manufacturer's intentions for the tire all affect the profile. The profile in turn affects the handling. A triangular profile will cause the bike to turn in more easily, but may make it a little more prone to tucking or falling into the turn. On the other hand, a rounder profile may be a little more difficult to turn in, but might have a little more linear response to steering inputs. This is to a great extent motorcycle dependent -- some bikes may like a particular tire, others may not.
+The profile of the tire is the cross sectional shape. It is affected by several elements. The aspect ratio, wheel width, width of the tire, and the manufacturer's intentions for the tire all affect the profile. The profile in turn affects the handling. A triangular profile will cause the bike to turn in more easily, but may make it a little more prone to tucking or falling into the turn. On the other hand, a rounder profile may be a little more difficult to turn in, but might have a little more linear response to steering inputs. This is to a great extent motorcycle dependent; some bikes may like a particular tire, while others may not.
 All in all, this means that a wider tire will tend to steer more heavily, but will also offer more traction. A larger rim will also steer slower, as will a broad, relatively flat tire.
 ==Buying the right size==