City bike tyre promo Black Friday and wheels

What to check before buying a tyre?

Firstly, the size, which is readable on the sidewall. The ETRTO notation is the most reliable: in 37-622, 37 is the tyre width in millimetres and 622 is the rim diameter, which corresponds to 700 or 28-inch wheels; 584 is for 650B, 559 for 26-inch mountain bike, 507 for 24-inch, and 406 for 20-inch. Next, ensure that the width fits in the frame and under the mudguards.

Then comes protection and usage. A puncture-resistant belt underneath the tread reduces stops on daily commutes, at the cost of a bit of weight. A tyre with a rigid bead fits like a flexible tyre but does not fold. For an electric bike, check the manufacturer's marking: some tyres are rated for up to 25 km/h, others, approved ECE-R75, for up to 50 km/h for speed bikes. Lastly, approved reflective sidewalls eliminate the need for orange reflectors attached to the wheels.

What to check before buying a wheel?

A replacement wheel must retain three elements from the bike. The hub: freewheel type, cassette, integrated gears such as Nexus, or dynamo hub that powers the lighting. The braking system: braking surface on the rim for V-Brake, disc with six bolts or Center Lock, or drum brake. The attachment: nuts on a solid axle, quick release or through axle, with the spacing of the frame's dropouts. The complete guide is available on the permanent page of city bike wheels and tyres.

Discounted tyres: same size and version

The same model comes in many sizes, with either a rigid or soft bead, sometimes with or without reflective sidewalls, and often in several levels of protection. So compare two offers of the same ETRTO size, bead, and version, and check if the price is for a single tyre or for a pair. The crossed-out price of a tyre in 37-622 is only for that size: the same range in 47-559 has its own price and thus its own discount.

Which tyre and wheel brands are on offer?

Continental, a German manufacturer, equips the Ride Tour with an ExtraPuncture Belt; approved for electric bikes up to 25 km/h, it is available in a version with reflective sidewalls.

Schwalbe offers the Marathon, its reference for touring and city tyres, from the base model, protected by a GreenGuard layer of 3 mm partly made from recycled latex, to the Marathon Plus and the Marathon Mondial.

Michelin, a manufacturer from Clermont-Ferrand, offers the Protek, its anti-puncture city tyre, here in a reflective version, and the Diabolo City for children's bikes.

Velox, a French brand for wheels and maintenance, assembles Mach1 wheels, including front wheels with Shimano dynamo hubs and reinforced Kargo wheels for cargo and electric bikes.

The other wheels and tyres in the operation

Race tyres and wheels are in the road wheels and tyres in Black Friday, those for trails in the MTB wheels and tyres in Black Friday; inner tubes, rims, and mudguards are listed in the wheel parts in Black Friday. For top braking performance, check out the braking in Black Friday and other wheels and components. Outside the operation, check the clearance sale and new items.

Frequently asked questions

Why change your tyres during Black Friday?

The operation, which follows Thanksgiving, comes before the months of rain and slippery roads: it’s a good opportunity to replace worn tyres before they puncture. Vélo-Store offers discounts on tyres and wheels throughout November.

How to know if a tyre is worn?

A flattened or smooth tread in the centre, cuts, cracks on the sidewalls, or visible fabric require replacement. Some tyres have wear indicators moulded into the rubber.

Should you change the inner tube at the same time?

There’s no obligation, but an inner tube covered in patches or one that no longer matches the new tyre’s width is better replaced at the same time. Also, check the type of valve, which should match the rim and your pump.

Is a puncture-resistant tyre slower?

It is a bit heavier and stiffer, which is especially noticeable on a sports bike. In town, where glass debris is common, the peace of mind it provides often outweighs this.

Can you fit a wider tyre than the original?

Yes, within the limit of the manufacturer's recommended rim width and the available space in the frame, fork, and mudguards. A wider tyre enhances comfort and grip, and it can be inflated less hard.