Hybrid tires have taken the tire world by storm. With time, they are replacing the other type of tires. But not every one of us has a hybrid bike to enjoy these tires.
Even if you do not have a hybrid bike, you can still have the comfort of their tires. But how is it possible? Can you put hybrid tires on a road bike? Well, our answer to these questions is affirmative.
Let us answer your query in detail and find out much more about hybrid tires in this article. Go ahead and keep on reading!
What Are Hybrid Tires?
Let’s begin with what hybrid tires actually are. We know that all-terrain tires and mud-terrain tires are two different types of tires. Hybrid tires, known better as Hybrid Terrain tires, are a combination of the elements of both these kinds of tires.
All-terrain tires are suitable for both well-built roads and poorly-built ones. Whether it is a properly constructed road or a rough one, these can be used. Although these are made for both conditions, they gear more towards the smoother road.
On the other hand, mud-terrain tires are specifically made for uneven, bumpy paths known as off roads.
Hybrid tires combine the characteristics of both these tires. These tires are suitable for both favorable and unfavorable conditions.
How Are Hybrid Tires Different from Road Tires?
Hybrid tires are in many ways dissimilar to regular road tires. There are a couple of differences between the two kinds of tires.
First of all, the purpose of the tire. The main purpose of a hybrid tire is to provide you a comfortable ride. On the other hand, since road tires produce less amount of friction, their main purpose is to provide speed.
Secondly, hybrid tires have a specific dimension. It is not usually changeable. Manufactures produce tires of similar size or dimension. According to this dimension, their diameter is more than the road tires.
Now, since the overall diameter of road tires is lesser in comparison, they are also speedier. It is because the diameter is directly related to contact. And contact is related to friction. When the diameter reduces, the friction reduces as well. Less friction means more speed.
And finally, a hybrid tire is more suitable for traveling a long distance. Since it is more comfortable for a user, you can travel long roads using it. But if you are looking for a tire that will help you produce speed quickly, a road tire is your way to go.
Can You Put Hybrid Tires on a Road Bike?
Yes, you can put these tires on a road bike. Although it is a difficult task to do, it is not completely impossible.
Since these tires are very different from regular road bike tires, this is quite a hot topic of debate. Many users wonder whether it is possible to put hybrid tires on a road bike or not. But it can indeed be done.
You may have already read that hybrid bike tires have a certain dimension. All hybrid bike tires are made in a similar dimension. Hence, they have the same size. As they are naturally bigger with a larger diameter, it is difficult to fit them in a road bike. Road bikes usually integrate the smaller road bike tires.
However, the installation of hybrid tires is possible by measuring the amount of clearance available in your bike.
How to Put Hybrid Tires on a Road Bike?
Putting on hybrid tires on a road bike is a bit of a task. It is tricky not because the job itself is hard but because it requires a proper set of calculations and inspections. Follow these steps to find out how it is done.
Step 1: Inspection of the Tubes
The very first step is the inspection of down tube clearance on the frontal portion of the bike. Here, you will need to inspect whether there is any additional space available or not.
You are required to find out this space before the frontal tire pulling the down tube of the bike. It is an imperative step because it holds on to the lasting state of the frontal tire.
Step 2: Fork Clearance
After the first step, even this step is connected to the front of the bike. Fork clearance is essential while putting hybrid tires on a road bike. Below the fork crown, a certain amount of additional width and height is to remain.
Step 3: Observing Tire and Frame Size
This is the final step concerning the front of the bike. Putting hybrid tires on a road bike requires a lot of consideration. You need to observe whether the hybrid tires are perfect in size for the frame.
Step 4: Checking Backside
All the steps starting with this one are related to the backside of the bike. You should check if the hybrid tire you are planning to use brushes up against the components on the back of the bike or not.
Step 5: Ensuring Hybrid Tire Avoids Contact with Frame Tubes
For the fifth step, ensure that the hybrid tire does not make any contact with the frame tubes that combine the bottom bracket shell to the shafts in the back. If you skip this step, the chances are that vehicle is not attending.
Step 6: Repeating the 3rd Step
Our final step is basically doing the third step again. Only this time, we do it for the back end of the bike. If you achieve clearance of the brake located in the back, you are done.
Ending Note
So, that was all. I guess it is safe to assume that we have answered that question thoroughly!
Now you know that you can indeed put hybrid tires on a road bike. You do not only have this information; you now know much about these tires. Most importantly, you received a guide to doing the task.
If you want to put hybrid tires on your road bike, you can get started. Good luck!
Related Article:
