Wheels & Tyres
What are Tyres?
The only part of your bike that actually touches the road.
Simplified schematic — not to scale.
In plain English
Tyres are the rubber, air-filled (or tubeless-sealed) rings that grip the road, cushion bumps and carry your weight — everything else on the bike is built to support what they do.
A simple analogy
“Two small patches of rubber, roughly the size of a credit card each, are all that's holding you to the road.”
How it works
Air pressure inside the tyre supports your weight and absorbs shocks, while the tread pattern and rubber compound provide grip on different surfaces.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Visible cracking on the sidewall
- ⚠Bald or worn-flat central tread
- ⚠Frequent punctures on the same tyre
Rough UK cost
£15 – £70 per tyre
Always get a written quote. Prices vary by bike, region and parts brand.
Heads up: Bikeautonomy is for general guidance only. If your bike is behaving oddly or you're not confident, get it looked at by a qualified bike mechanic.