Tyre accessories for professional and recreational
cyclistsRiding a bicycle brings with it many surprises, one of which can be tyre problems. Therefore, the right tyre accessories are not just an accessory, but often a necessity to make your ride safe and comfortable. With the right accessories, many unpleasantries can be avoided and unexpected breakdowns can be dealt with quickly.
At Sportano we have taken care of professional tyre accessories, so with us you can find products from renowned manufacturers such as Tubolight, Peaty's, Continental, Zefal or Park Tool.Rim tapes: protection and stability for your tubes
and tyresEvery cyclist knows how important the quality and durability of the tyres and tubes on their bike are. However, we often forget about what comes in between - the rim tape. Rim tape is a key part of the wheel system, ensuring that the inner tube is protected from potentially damaging contact with the rim. When bicycle rims are manufactured, they can have bumps or a sharp edge that could damage the inner tube during the ride.
The risk of damaging the inner tube is much greater with heavy loads, uneven terrain or riding in difficult conditions. Therefore, rim tape is not only a protection, but also an element that provides better stability for the tyre while driving. It can be made of different materials, such as rubber, plastic or special fabrics, and its main purpose is to create a flat and smooth surface between the inner tube and the rim. This, especially for low-profile tyres or high performance bikes, where every detail matters.Tyre sealants: protecting against
unexpected puncturesEvery cyclist, whether a professional or a recreational rider, wants to avoid tyre punctures while riding. A tyre puncture not only disrupts our riding, but can also be dangerous. Tyre sealants are one solution to the problem of punctures, offering protection from objects that can cause damage to the tyre.
Tyre sealant is a special fluid that is injected into the inside of a tube or tubeless tyre. In the event of a puncture, the fluid quickly fills and plugs the hole, allowing the rider to continue riding with minimal air loss. The sealant's mechanism of action involves a chemical reaction that causes the fluid to become viscous and thick when it comes into contact with air. Importantly, sealants are effective against small punctures, such as those caused by thorns or small glass, but may not be sufficient for larger damage.
With sealants, cyclists can feel more confident when riding in rough terrain, on roads with lots of debris or simply in places where the risk of punctures is higher. Not only do they increase the safety of the ride, but they also reduce the need to frequently check tyre pressures or carry extra tubes and repair kits with them.Repair kits: an essential tool for every
cyclistEvery cyclist, regardless of their level or preferred type of riding, needs to be prepared for unexpected technical problems. One of the most common problems faced by cyclists is tyre punctures. In such situations, the repair kit becomes an indispensable tool, allowing to quickly and effectively remove the defect and continue the ride.
The repair kit is not only patches and glue. It also contains a number of other essential items, such as chisel tools to remove the foreign body from the tyre, sandpaper to prepare the tyre surface before applying the patch and small tools that can prove useful in various emergency situations. Thanks to their compact size, the repair kits fit easily into shirt pockets, down tube bags or backpacks, so they are always at hand when needed.
Investing in a quality repair kit is a small expense compared to the potential costs associated with a damaged tyre or a long walk with a damaged bike. In addition, being able to repair a punctured tyre yourself adds to your confidence on long rides in areas where access to a bike service is limited.Anti-puncture inserts: an extra layer of protection
for your tyresBicycle tyres are exposed to all sorts of hazards - from glass and nails on the road to sharp stone on mountain trails. That's why anti-puncture inserts are so important, offering an extra layer of protection between the road surface and the inside of the tyre. These are specially designed sheets made from tough materials such as rubber or special plastics that are placed between the tyre and the inner tube, creating a barrier against potential objects that could damage the tube.
Choosing the right anti-puncture inserts can significantly extend the life of a bicycle tyre and reduce the risk of punctures. Although these inserts do not guarantee total puncture resistance, they definitely reduce the risk of such incidents, especially on dangerous stretches of road or in difficult off-road conditions.
It is worth bearing in mind, however, that the addition of an anti-puncture insert increases the weight of the wheel, which can affect the overall performance of the bike. Therefore, it is important to weigh the benefits of additional protection against the potential performance trade-offs. Nevertheless, for many riders, especially those who ride in urban conditions or on challenging mountain trails, the benefits of using anti-puncture inserts far outweigh the potential drawbacks.Self-adhesive patches: a quick fix in emergency situations
emergenciesWhen you are on the road and your tyre experiences a puncture, time is key. Stopping long enough to thoroughly repair the damage may not be an option, especially if you are in a hurry or on difficult terrain. This is where self-adhesive patches come to the rescue. They make repairing a punctured inner tube quick, easy and effective.
Self-adhesive patches are small flat strips or pieces of material which have a firmly adhering surface. When a tube is punctured, it is sufficient to clean the damaged area, remove the protective layer from the patch and stick it directly onto the puncture site. The entire repair process usually takes no more than a few minutes and does not require the use of traditional glue or waiting for the adhesive to dry.
While self-adhesive patches are incredibly convenient, it is worth remembering that they are best treated as a temporary solution. While they are effective and can last a long time, it is advisable to replace the inner tube or make a more thorough repair at a more convenient time. Nevertheless, in emergency situations where every minute is at a premium, self adhesive patches are invaluable.Vents: invaluable in maintaining the correct
tyre pressureEvery bicycle tyre is fitted with a valve - a small but critical component that allows the tyre to be inflated to the correct pressure. Correct tyre pressure is key to a comfortable, safe and efficient ride. The valve bridges the gap between the pump and the inside of the tyre, allowing the tube to be inflated, or directly the tyre in the case of tubeless systems.
There are different types of valve, including the most common: Schrader, Presta and Dunlop. Each has its own unique characteristics and is suitable for different applications. The Schrader valve is commonly used on MTB and kids' bikes, has a wide bore and is compatible with most standard pumps. The Presta valve, which is more slender and long, is often found on road bikes and racing bikes, and allows for more accurate pressure regulation. The Dunlop valve, although less common, can be found on some city and touring bikes.
A key aspect of valves is their ability to keep air inside the tyre and prevent it from escaping. This includes special caps and covers that protect the valve from dirt and damage. Regularly checking the condition of valves and replacing them when necessary is important to maintain optimum tyre pressure and overall riding safety.
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