Bike Tire Basics

If you're looking forward to getting your bike out after a long hiatus, don't forget to take a few minutes to inspect your tires. Here's what to look for:

• excessive wear - i.e, threads showing through
  
• cuts, punctures or deep cracks in the tread
  
• gouges in the sidewall
  

If what you've found means that new tires are in your future, don't miss this primer on bike tires, and what you need to know when buying new tires.

• Before You Buy Bike Tires
  
• Photo Guide to Different Types of Bike Tires
  

More On Your Tires

• How to Avoid Getting Flats
  
• How to Fix a Flat Tire
  
• Patching an Inner Tube
  

Image: SamuraiGhost/Flickr