TPI numbers on bicycles tires?

Question

buying bicycly tires, the higher TPI number on the tires the tougher the tires agance punch flats and cuts? Is a 123 tpi better than a 50 tpi? Thanks

Answer 1

Unfortunately, some of the above statements are incorrrect:

1) Higher TPI numbers mean thinner fibers, and a lighter tire that is sometimes more prone to puncture, not the other way around. A tire, while it looks like it's made of rubber, is actually constructed primarily of cloth. Cloth fabric is woven between the two beads to form the body or "carcass" of the tire and determines its shape. The fabric threads are arranged in layers or "plies" of parallel threads. Some tires use thick thread, some use thin thread for the fabric. The higher the TPI (Threads Per Inch) number, the thinner and more flexible the tire fabric is. Thin-wall (high TPI) tires tend to be lighter and have lower rolling resistance, but they're more easily damaged by road hazards.

2) Another falsehood: "1 ounce saving off each wheel is equivalent in performance to saving 1 POUND off anything else" - this has been disproven many times over, but has become a bit of cycling lore. Saving wieght at the wheel is not 16 times better than saving it elsewhere. Because of the dynamic nature of a bicycle in operation, the weight of the wheels/tires can impede or enhance the efficiency. Higher weight at the rim increases inertia and helps the tire keep rolling at speed. This is not generally true at the speeds reached when climbing steep hills, but in that case the overall weight of the bike and rider far outweigh the effects of wheel weight.

So, back to your question: "Is a 123 tpi better than a 50 tpi?" - that really depends on the tire itself, as well as a number of other factors, including intended use, type of roads in your locale, rider weight, etc. If you're thinking about getting a tire, go to roadbikereview.com and search in both the reviews section and the forums for the particular model you are interested in. You'll be able to tell from others experience if the tire is worthwhile or not, particularly if other riders circumstances are similar to your own .

Answer 2

Tpi Number

Answer 3

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RE:
TPI numbers on bicycles tires?
buying bicycly tires, the higher TPI number on the tires the tougher the tires agance punch flats and cuts? Is a 123 tpi better than a 50 tpi? Thanks

Answer 4

TPI numbers have more correlation with the suppleness of the tire casing (higher TPI means more comfortable ride and better grip as tire is able to conform to road surface easier). Higher quality tires usually have higher TPI.

Answer 5

TPI is threads per square inch, refering to the cord and/or other reinforcing material used to fuse with the rubber...

both of the above posts are correct, the higher the number, the stronger the tire, but it does add a little bit of weight

but let's face it, sometimes you flat, sometimes you don't... depends on what you run over, how fast you are going, and if your tires are pumped up to the proper pressures...

Answer 6

Regarding puncture resistance, yes, your 123TPI is better than a 50TPI. However, dollars to donuts the 123 is probably heavier. Keep in mind that a 1 ounce saving off each wheel is equivalent in performance to saving 1 POUND off anything else.So, if performance is your issue then get the 50, if reliability is paramount then get the 123.

Answer 7

What Is Tpi