# Tyre Knowledge

FAQ

Find answers on frequently asked questions

The performance and handling of your bike can significantly depend on your tire choice. After all, tyres are the only contact between your bike and the ground.
When it comes to maintenance there are multiple factors to take into consideration, from storage to riding conditions.

Learn here about other cyclists' questions and how to improve your personal riding experience. 

Conti Knowledge

How should I store my tyres?

Extreme temperatures will shorten the life of a bicycle tyre. Avoid leaving the tyre in direct sunlight for long periods and try not to let them get too cold during winter.

Which Continental tyres are compatible for pedelecs and E-Bikes?

Continental tyres with ProTection technology can be used on pedelces (e25).
Specialicts with ECE-R75 approval to be run on S-pedelecs are marked with e50 and are specifically designed to resist against the additional forces and come with higher mileage. Also they come with stronger puncture protection layers resulting in comparably higher Safety Levels. 

What is the ideal rim sizing for my tyres? 

Working with ETRTO Continental tyres are developed in close relation to ETRTO's recommendations. By making your tyre choice keep in mind that in a tendencially smaller rim the tyre sits higher, whereas in wider rims the tyre would sink in. Therefore picking a medium size from the range makes a good go-to-solution. 

When is the right time to replace my tyre?

TWI refers to Tread Wear Indicator. All tyres will have a lifespan, even the most durable. Once the tread in the center of the tyre becomes too worn the performance will be compromised. The tyre will be more prone to punctures and will no longer grip the surface of the road adequately. On a road tyre, the center can start to feel a bit flattened or squared-off.  Continental tyres feature a TWI in the center of the tread, which is recognizable by a very small indentation on the surface. These do not influence performance and once they are worn away the tyre should be replaced.

What is the ideal tyre pressure?

The overall answer is there is no absolute wrong or right. Merely the tyre pressure of choice depends on the system weight (rider, bike), riding style and circumstances e.g. wet and cold, as well as personal preferences.
On the tyre sidewall you can always find the max pressure given. In our testing labs we are challenging tyres with much more and less air pressure than the recommendation range.

How often do I need to check the air pressure? 

All bicycle tyre systems are subject to continuous pressure loss. The volume of air in a tyre is directly related to the air temperature around. Check the operating pressure and the condition of your tyres at regular intervals. Ideally check the tyre pressure using a pump with a display (manometer) when the valve is at the 12 o'clock position.

How do I know if the tyre is tubeless ready?

All tubeless ready tyres from Continental state their technologies clearly on the sidewall.

Can I use an inner tube in my tubeless ready tyre?

Yes. Inner tubes can be used in a tubeless ready tyre without any problem. Simply remove the tubeless valve before fitting the new inner tube. 

Do Continental tyres contain animal ingredients?

Modern tyre compounds are very complex. Ingredients are added to the tyre’s rubber compound during production required for both processing and to achieve key tyre performance characteristics.

We strive to minimise the use of ingredients that are of animal origin and use as many plant based ingredients as possible, but the extent to which animal ingredients are used varies between tire specifications, due to  performance requirements, and local conditions at the production site so the products cannot always be described as vegan.

What is the rolling resistance of my tyre?

The rolling resistance depends on the air pressure, profile, tire design, material quality and tyre width. Continental tyres always provide the best possible combination of properties thanks to their purpose-oriented design and optimised compound mix. Less profile and lower weight tendencially are guarantees for smooth running tyres. Bare in mind that relatively wider tyres of the same type and with same air pressure run better and more lightly than narrow tyres.

What is the difference between 28'' and 29''?

Bicycle tyres are specified in different sizing metrics. This varies within the different segments and applications. From Road and Urban/Tour tyres you might be familiar with 622 mm (28") dimension. In MTB 622 mm corresponds with 29", due to the relatively higher tyre's sidewall and profile. 

What is the best way to mount my tyres?

In order to make the mounting as easy and safe as possible for you we have prepared a comprehensive overview available for download.

pdf 1 MB