tpi banner

Home > general information > Tips and Guides > Technical guides > Bikes >

Why should we care about the TPI value?

Soft or hard rubber, carcass, tire thickness and tire TPI value: when changing bicycle tyres, you have to choose the right combination from hundreds of references.

The size of the tire, its flexibility and the quality of the rubber are to be considered. These different elements greatly influence the five functions of the tire. It is also necessary to pay attention to the rigidity and the resistance to punctures. It is thanks to the TPI value that the latter are verified.

Discover the importance of the TPI value in your selection criteria.

What is the TPI value?

The TPI value is a data concerning the structure of the tire. Also called the tire carcass, this structure determines shape and use. In order to scale the different uses and tire hardnesses, the TPI value is used.

TPI stands for "threads per inch" (son par thumb), also called EPI (ends per inch). It refers to the number of threads that the tire carcass has par thumb.

The tire carcass is made up of numerous threads, in nylon, cotton or silk, providing flexibility and lightness, but also performance and robustness to the tire.

This value is usedepar all tire manufacturers, for all disciplines, from racing bike tires to mountain bikes, including par the electric bike.

The higher the TPI of the tire casing, the better the quality. The carcass has more threads, which are finer. The carcass also has less rubber, but the price suffers. A high TPI also means more lightness, improves tire flexibility and makes it faster. On the other hand, a high TPI translates par less resistance to punctures and par faster wear.

Lower TPI tires have a carcass that has fewer threads (which will be larger) and more rubber. They are less flexible, heavier and offer more rolling resistance. On the other hand, they are less expensive and more resistant to punctures.

Is the TPI value important?

The TPI value determines the quality of the tire.

The higher the TPI value of the tread in contact with the ground, the more resistant the tire will be to punctures. It should hold your attention in addition to reading the sidewall of the tire.

For mountain bikes, the TPI value scales between 33, 66, 120 or 300 TPI.

For road bikes, a TPI value between 100 and 120 gives a good quality tire.

Some bicycle tire carcasses can be constructed with multiple plies of rubber. In this case, it is necessary to check if the TPI value relates to the total TPI of each layer, or only one. Par For example, a 130 TPI tire can be two ply 50 and one 30 or a single ply 130.

Generally, TPI values ​​also differ depending on the practice the tires are made for.

As for each part or accessory, your choice will be made according to the practice.

Fans of mountain biking, racing bikes, more like hiking or even recreational cycling, you must adapt your bike tires. Depending on your practice, your tires should be more or less thick. They must also be resistant to abrasion or limiting rolling resistance.

What TPI value for a road and racing tyre?

On the road, the main constraint is to limit the rolling resistance, while absorbing a minimum to swallow the kilometres. Par elsewhere, from par the high inflation pressure imposed on them, the most durable tires are those with the strongest carcass. For your next road tires, look at the TPI values ​​beyond 100.

What TPI value for a mountain bike?

Par definition, the mountain bike must have resistant tyres, with a high capacity for grip and damping. They have to withstand lower inflation pressures, but are frequently subjected to severe shocks. In different price ranges you will find MTB tires with varying TPI values.

What TPI value for a gravel tire on trails, paths, even road?

The practice of gravel is halfway between road cycling and mountain biking. Gravel tires have to handle both road and gravel paths.

The strength really depends on the type of terrain you are going through.

The TPI value of your next tires depends on your needs. Choose it according to your practice and the performance criteria that you will require of your tyres!

The higher the TPI value, the softer the tire.

On the other hand, the finer the threads, the more vulnerable they are to punctures.


100% of products shown as in stock actually are!