The tyres of the trial bike are a key part of the performance of the whole and the effectiveness of the rider in the area. The great advantage in this discipline is that the tyres have a more than considerable durability compared to other specialties.
Obviously this point will always depend on the type of use, whether it is more excursion or sporty, and also on the terrain, since a high-grip stone does not wear the same as the earth. However, the general lines of the wheel consumption of a trial bike could be contextualized in one or two rear tires on average per year for amateur use. The front tire is normally replaced every two or three rear tire changes.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRIAL TYRE
In trials, tyre sizes are standard and do not vary. It is likely that the nomenclature of the measure will change depending on the model, as is the case with Michelin, but in the end it is the same size of tires. There are also no differences depending on the displacement. All trial bikes over 125cc. and most 80cc. They also mount the same measurements as the 250, 280 and 300cc models.
Trial front tyre size: 2.75-21 (equivalent to 80/100-21)
Rear trial tyre size: 4.00 R18 (equivalent to 120/100-R18)
The most important thing when choosing a trial tyre is to be clear about the type of use we are going to give it. Each brand manufactures with different types of compound and hardnesses, which ends up being decisive for performance.
For example, an excursion trial bike with an excessively soft tyre will have problems with premature wear and the advantage of its performance will not be noticeable. And the same in the opposite case. If we use our bike more sportily, an excessively hard tire will have greater durability, but we will sacrifice traction, stability, grip and precision.
Another important point is the fitting of a trial tyre. The rear, as it does not have a tube, requires a more complex process for the tire to achieve perfect beading. To help you out, we’ve put together a
tutorial on how to fit a trial rear tyre
.
For the butt replacement process, if you’re doing it on your own, you’ll need a
tire bead breaker
and a
tire mounting mousse
.
CHEAP TRIAL TYRES
No brand equips them as standard, but there are cheap trial wheels with the measurements mentioned below. These are brands that do not have a presence in competition and the expectations of their products is to offer a valid alternative but with low sporting expectations.
The brands that offer cheap trial tyres are Pirelli, Vee Ruber or Mitas. The savings of a rear tyre such as the Pirelli compared to a Michelin X Light is approximately 40%. In economic terms, about €30.
Fitting a cheap tire on the trial bike makes sense if we are dealing with a classic bike or the use is limited to tracks, trails or a very simple trial. The shells are harder and better withstand the excess weight of the set, but it is worth paying attention to the inflation pressures that we are going to carry. An incorrect inflation pressure due to excess will lead to greater wear in its central part, while if the pressure is too low we will have stability problems at medium and high speeds.
Here we tell you what are the
recommended inflation pressures for the trial bike
.
THE BEST TRIAL TYRES
When we talk about the best trial tyres, we’re focusing on the most expensive ones. The great news in this range of tyres is that the supply is getting bigger and bigger. In the face of Michelin’s monopoly in recent decades, Dunlop has made a strong comeback, hitting the market hard by launching the new Dunlop D803GP. The GP variant has been designed for the most demanding users and has been tested in high competition.
Michelin also offers two models of Trial tyres: Michelin Trial Competition X11 and Michelin X Light
MICHELIN TRIAL TYRES
After several years of coexisting the standard model and the X Light, Michelin has positioned itself in the highest range with two products of the highest quality and a more than proven experience.
The Michelin X Light Difference It is based on the fact that its weight is 6% lower and it receives important technical evolutions with the aim of increasing the overall stability of the set, maintaining more effectively the rigidity of the sidewall with respect to the rim in order to avoid movement and, in general, allowing the rider to work with lower inflation pressures without losing performance.
The Michelin Trial Competition X11 is the most traditional and offers a fantastic compromise between quality, price and grip. The radial structure of the tyre, together with the rigid bead area and the deformable crown, ensures optimum tread wear and considerable durability.
Like the X Light, the X11 is designed to be mounted on the rim without the need for a tube.
Michelin TrialX Light price: €75 front and €113 rear
Michelin Trial X11 price: €73 front and €102 rear
DUNLOP TRIAL TYRES
Dunlop also offers two trial tyres in its catalogue. The standard Dunlop D803 and the GP variant. The Trialworld team has had the opportunity to carry out an
in-depth test of the Dunlop D803GPs
, giving a good account of the great work to propel the brand to the elite of the specialty.
A good example is that more and more brands, such as Montesa or Sherco, choose to fit all their production models with the Dunlop D803GP.
Dunlop D803GP front price at Trialworld Store: €75
Dunlop D803GP rear price at Trialworld Store: €99
PIRELLI MT 43 PRO TRIAL TYRES
Pirelli offers in its catalogue a set of cheap trial tyres of optimum quality, ideal for adventure and excursion use, but without high sporting pretensions.
These tyres are also often fitted to enduro bikes with the aim of increasing the versatility of the bike and the durability of the tyre compared to other specific enduro tyres.
The Pirelli MT 43 Pro Trial is priced at approximately €70 for the rear tyre and €45 for the front.
MAXIS TRIALMAXX TRIAL TYRES
Maxis has also entered the trial sector. It does so through the TrialMaxx model, which is designed according to resistance and durability values, so they are emerging as an interesting alternative for mixed use.
It’s the tyre used by some of the most popular trial, touring and enduro models, such as the KTM Freeride.
Maxis TrialMaxx price: €63 front and €85 rear.
VEE RUBBER TRIAL TIRES
Vee Rubber V-308 Trial tyres price: €53 front and €74 rear
