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Warning: Do not convert tire sizes from millimeters to inches. Read on for more details.
Tracking down the correct size of bike tire for your wheels can be incredibly time-consuming and frustrating. So, if you’ve been researching this and getting more and more confused, then you’re not alone.
There are many tire sizing systems in use throughout the world (your wheels are measured in millimeters) and unfortunately, it’s not a simple task of converting from one to the other. My advice is to stick with the tire size you have and pick a replacement tire with the same measurements.
But don’t worry, I’ve got some recommendations for you in a moment. A great tire and fantastic inner tube (because it’s always worth having a spare tube in case of blowouts).
Anyway, there’s no time to waste, so let’s go! Here are my recommendations.
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Struggling with bike repairs?
This is my recommended 700x42c tire for your bike
Once you’ve determined your bike tire size (which is often the first hurdle) the next step is to get a new tire that matches that size. The tire below is just the right size for your bike wheels.
Continental Contact Plus 700x42c Bike Tire
This is a fantastic all-rounder from Continental tires that is the perfect size for your bike and the ideal choice for cycling on a range of surfaces.
Continental have been manufacturing rubber tires since the 19th Century so, it’s fair to say, that they know how to make a quality bike tire. And the Contact Plus certainly lives up to the Continental name with a ton of positive reviews that mention excellent grip on a range of paved and non-paved surfaces, low rolling resistance (so you can go faster with less effort), and resistant to punctures.
Regarding the grip, take a close look at the pictures of the tire and you’ll see something interesting.
Along the center of the tire, you have an unbroken strip of rubber running all the way around the tire. This gives the smooth rolling that you want on paved roads and trails (knobbly tires would give lots of unpleasant vibration on these surfaces). Moving sideways on the tire you then get an open grip pattern. This gives you the grip you need when you’re cornering on looser surfaces, like gravel. Finally, there’s a reflective circle running around the tire which goes just above the wheel rim. Excellent for side-on visibility for you and your bike.
A great package and perfect for your bike.
These are my recommended 700x42c inner tubes for your bike
Whilst you’ve got tires on your mind right now, it’s also worth considering inner tubes as well.
Changing a bike tire is a simple job, but it’s useful to have a spare tube by your side in case you end up holing the existing tube when you’re taking the old tire off or fitting the new one.
Plus, I’d always recommend taking a spare, puncture repair kit, and a mini bike pump out with you on a bike ride. Punctures happen and it’s good to be prepared.
The inner tubes below are both excellent products and the perfect size for your bike. The choice here is which tube valve you go with. Best practice is to stick with the same valve as you have now. That way you’re bike pump will fit fine.
For Schrader valves, which are the car tire short stubby ones, go with this Schrader tube in size 700×35-43.
For Presta valves, which are longer and slimmer European style of valve, go with this great Presta tube in size 700 x 35-43.
