Black Friday road bike wheels and tyres: discounts

What do road wheels and tyres from the Black Friday have in common?

The road tyres make up the largest page, followed by the wheels, sold by pairs or individually, the inner tubes, and the pumps and repair kits. A tyre and its tube wear out and need regular replacement; a pair of wheels is an investment that transforms the bike's performance.

Tyres: reading the size and fitting

The ETRTO rating, moulded on each tyre, indicates its width in millimetres followed by the rim diameter: 28-622 corresponds to a 28 mm tyre for a 700 road rim. Then check the clearance in the frame and fork, and the fitting. A tubeless ready tyre, often marked TR or TLR depending on the brands, fits without a tube using sealant; a standard tyre requires a tube, and a tubular is glued to a dedicated rim. On a hookless rim, only use a tyre declared compatible.

Wheels: what must match the bike

• The brake: a wheel for disc brakes isn't suitable for a rim brake bike, and vice versa. For discs, note the attachment, either Center Lock or six bolts.
• The axle: quick release or thru axle, with its width, usually 12 x 100 mm at the front on most disc road bikes.
• The freehub body: Shimano, Sram XDR, or Campagnolo, depending on your cassette.
• The rim: its internal width determines the tyres that it can accept.

Assessing a discount on a wheel or a tyre

A rear wheel often comes with its freehub body: two discounted wheels with the same name may not fit the same cassette. For a tyre, align the width, tubeless or not, and soft bead, marked TS, or rigid, and then compare the displayed price with the crossed-out price, either for the pair or individually as per the listing. Outside of promotions, find the complete offer in road wheels and tyres. For another bike, check the MTB or urban wheels and tyres from the Black Friday, or the wheel parts for all needs; the clearance sales take over for the rest of the year.

Brands of wheels and tyres in the selection

Schwalbe, the brand most present in tyres, offers the One with its Raceguard protection for road use, and the G-One for off-road.

Vittoria combines its Corsa Pro, Rubino, and RideArmor tyres with A. Dugast tubulars, a Dutch specialist in handmade tubulars it has acquired.

Continental manufactures its racing tyres in its factory in Korbach, Germany: the Grand Prix 5000 S TR, its All Season version and the TT version are in the selection.

Pirelli, the Milanese manufacturer known for its car tyres, offers the P Zero Race for speed and the Cinturato, reinforced against punctures.

Zipp, an American specialist in carbon wheels, provides its 303 Firecrest, 404 Firecrest, and 303 XPLR, the latter designed for gravel.

Frequently asked questions

Inner tube, tubeless or tubular?

With an inner tube, fitting and roadside repairs remain accessible to everyone. Tubeless runs at a lower pressure and the sealant seals small punctures. The tubular, glued to the rim, is primarily for competition.

What pressure should be used for a road tyre?

The right figure varies with the rider's weight, the tyre section, and the state of the road: a wider tyre inflates less than a narrow one. Stay between the minimum and maximum indicated on the sidewall, and respect the limit of the rim, which is lower on a hookless rim.

Can you fit wider tyres on your bike?

Yes, if the frame and fork leave enough space, a few millimetres on each side, and if the internal width of the rim is suitable. The bike manufacturer indicates the maximum width accepted.

Which pump to choose for a road bike?

A floor pump with a pressure gauge for inflating at home, and a mini pump or CO2 cartridge on the bike for emergencies. Ensure the nozzle fits Presta valves, the most common on road bikes.

Do discounts on road wheels and tyres last after Friday?

Yes. The Friday after Thanksgiving gives its name to the event, but the discounts on tyres, inner tubes, and road wheels extend throughout November. A tyre showing wear or deep cuts should be replaced immediately.