#Tyre Knowledge #Bicycle

Hookless vs. Hooked Rims

General Information on Hookless

Fast facts

Hookless Checklist

  • Check hookless compatibility of tyre and rim
    • Check tyre packaging
    • Check hookless compatibility table by rim manufacturer
  • Never exceed maximum inflation pressure and maximum inner rim width!
  • Pay close attention to proper tyre mounting and rim guidelines

Hooked vs Hookless rim Hooked vs Hookless rim

A hookless rim is characterized by its hookless sidewall. Unlike hooked rims, hookless rims do not have a form closure between the tyre bead and the rim flange. On hookless rims, the tyre is only held in place by the tyre bead and the frictional forces between the tyre and the rim flange. On hooked rims, the tyre is also held by the form closure of the tire bead and the rim flange. 

From our point of view, hookless setups seem to be more sensitive to deviations in system tolerances. Customers must follow all guidelines regarding hookless compatibility by tyre and rim manufacturer. Tyre and rim combinations, which are not specified on the tyre’s packaging, are not approved by Continental. To ensure secure tyre and rim combinations, it is mandatory to check and follow the guidelines/standards of both the tyre and the rim very carefully, especially when using hookless rims. The maximum inflation pressure and permitted inner rim width are crucial for hookless applications.

The maximum inflation pressure for hookless and hooked applications as well as the maximum inner rim width can be found on the tyre packaging. Continental's mounting guidelines can be found here.

Hookless-compatible Continental bicycle tyres are fully functional without the usage of tyre inserts. However, tyre inserts are advertised to keep the tyre safely on the rim in case of a puncture. Therefore, this technology can be beneficial for tubeless applications on hookless rims.



Hookless compatible Continental bicycle tyres
TireDimensionMax. pressure
Bar | psi
Max. inner rim width
TSS
Grand Prix 5000 S TR30-5844.5 | 6525
32-5844.5 | 6525
25-6225.0 | 7221
28-6225.0 | 7223
30-6224.5 | 6525
32-6224.5 | 6525
Grand Prix 5000 AS TR25-6225.0 | 7221
28-6225.0 | 7223
32-6224.5 | 6525
35-6224.0 | 5825
Grand Prix 5000 TT TR25-6225.0 | 7221
28-6225.0 | 7223
AERO 11126-6225.0 | 7222
29-6225.0 | 7225
Grand Prix TR25-6225.0 | 7221
28-6225.0 | 7223
30-6224.5 | 6525
32-6224.5 | 6525

Hookless rim = *TSS rim (tubeless straight side)

Hooked rim = **C/TC rim (crotchet/tubeless crotchet) 

Further information to compatible tire and rim combinations can be found here