Grip compound is the foundation of grip. No matter how good a bike’s frame design is, it will fall apart if the tires are bad. Grip compound is a type of lubricant that is used to provide a smooth, slip-free grip for tools and objects. It is typically a mixture of oil and waxes, which are melted and mixed together to form a goo that can be applied to surfaces. Grip compound can be applied to wood, metals, and even some plastics.
When riding off-road or in wet conditions, grip compound becomes essential. Here we’ll tell you everything you need to know about grip compound and How to choose the right grip compound for your riding conditions (wet, dry, rocky, etc.). We’ll also cover pros and cons of each type so that you can make an informed decision.
What Is Grip Compound?
Grip compound for mountain bike tyres is a vital component that determines the level of grip and durability of a tyre. The durometer scale is the measure of a compound’s softness, with a durometer of 70 being a hard compound and 40 being very soft for mountain bike tyres. For mountain bike tyres, a durometer in the 50 to 60 range offers good grip and durability.
The tread shape can also be altered accordingly based on riding conditions. For example, tread with sharp edges helps with grip and traction on hard surfaces such as tarmac, while treads with knobs offer good traction on wet surfaces. Besides, treads with lugs are best for cross-country riding as they offer enhanced puncture protection.
An important factor to consider while choosing mountain bike tyre grip compound is its level of durability. A high durability compound ensures consistent grip even under harsh conditions, whereas lower durability compounds wear faster but provide consistent grip.
Enhanced puncture protection is available for mountain bike tyres, which adds little extra weight but could save time when repairing a tubeless tyre. Hand pumps and CO2 cartridge & inflator are also available to inflate mountain bike tyres quickly and conveniently.
Tips To Choose The Right Grip Compound For Your Riding conditions (wet, dry, rocky, etc.)
– Before making a choice on tire compound, consider the type of terrain you’ll be riding on and the conditions you’ll be riding in.
– A tire’s tread compound can vary depending on riding conditions. A tire with greater traction in wet conditions is usually made of a harder rubber compound in the center and a softer rubber compound on its edges. This provides better rolling efficiency while cornering grip. A tire with lower rolling resistance is made of a single compound that has been optimized for traction in both wet and dry conditions.
– The tread pattern can also vary depending on riding conditions. For example, a tread with multiple knobs or blocks improves traction over rough terrain when the surface is slick or uneven. On the other hand, treads with large gaps between the treads help improve wet grip by reducing water droplets.
With so many tire compounds available, it can be hard to find one that works for every rider and condition. However, it’s important to consider factors like riding style, riding conditions, and budget to find the best option for your ride.
Wet Grip
Tire pressure for cyclists depends on their weight, riding gear, and terrain. Mountain bike tires should have a tire pressure of 25-50 PSI, gravel tires should have a tire pressure of 40-80 PSI, and road bike tires should have a tire pressure of 80-120 PSI.
Digital tire pressure gauges can be more accurate than pumps with built in gauges. Running more tire pressure in rougher terrain will decrease the chance of getting a flat. When riding in wet conditions, lower tire pressures may be required to reduce rolling resistance and improve handling. However, care must be taken to ensure that the correct pressure is used. Wet grip can be improved by running lower tire pressures.
When riding, it is important to pay attention to several factors, such as weight and riding gear. Proper tire pressure for cyclists depends on these factors and their riding conditions. To ensure safe and comfortable cycling, proper tire pressure must be maintained at all times.
Dry Grip
Dry grip compounds are designed to provide a firm, secure grip on the handlebar. They are effective in dry conditions, such as when the bike is wet from the rain. Dry grip compounds can be used on both mountain bikes and road bikes, depending on your riding preferences and needs. The right grip compound for your riding conditions may depend on factors such as terrain and surface of the bike. To ensure you get the best grip possible, it’s always a good idea to test various options and find one that works best for your riding style and preferences.
Rocky Grip
Rocky grip is a type of grip compound that is designed for riders who ride in wet, dry, or rocky conditions. This type of grip provides good traction and prevents slipping. It is comfortable to wear and easy to apply. But the best part about rocky grip is that it maintains good grip even after repeated applications.
Rocky grip offers several advantages over other types of grip compound, making it a popular choice for riders who ride in all types of conditions. Whether you are riding on smooth pavement or rough terrain, rocky grip will ensure you stay safe and comfortable on your bike.
Wet Grip Conditions
When riding in wet grip conditions, riders must be prepared to ride with extra care and attention. These conditions can be challenging and make riding more difficult.
Deterioration in grip performance may depend on several factors, including traction on the tires, surface conditions, and available traction. Riders should look for a compound that provides good traction in wet conditions and stay away from slip-resistant compounds that may cause falls.
Riders should also consider riding with dry grip compounds to avoid slipping and falling over multiple surfaces. For riders in dry conditions, a slip-resistant compound will help avoid falls. Carbon-based compounds provide good traction in dry conditions because they do not absorb water.
Dry Grip Conditions
Different tire compound compounds are measured in Shore A (sA) and range from 0-90 with higher scores representing a stiffer compound. For dry grip conditions, a tire compound with a lower score of 0-40 is recommended.
For traction in wet conditions, a tire with a higher score of 60-80 is preferable. In general, softer tires provide better grip than harder tires, so when choosing a tire for dry grip conditions, look for one with a lower Shore A score. Besides, it is important to note that the dry grip conditions vary from one geographic region to another.
Rocky Grip Conditions
Rocky terrain requires tires that have the traction to grip and stay stable on challenging surfaces. However, different riding conditions require tires with different tire compounds. For instance, wet rocky terrain requires tires with a hard compound that offers good traction.
However, dry rocky terrain would benefit from a tire with a softer compound for superior traction. Besides, it is also essential to choose tires with bigger horizontal side knobs to help with cornering traction. For XC and trail riding, consider riding Schwalbe Nic tires which are known for their good cornering grip but may not be suitable for downhill or Enduro riding.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Each Type Of Grip Compound?
The type of grip compound you use can have a big impact on the feel and performance of your golf swing. There are three main types of grip compounds: A traditional grip compound is made up of small granules that are similar to sandpaper. This type of compound is typically used on golf clubs with a softer, more forgiving feel.
A high-performance grip compound is designed to provide maximum grip and control for better accuracy and consistency. It usually has a harder, smoother surface with less give than traditional compounds.
Hybrid compounds are a combination of traditional and high-performance compounds, offering the best of both worlds. These compounds provide the optimal combination of grip and control while still allowing the golfer to finesse their shot.
How To Choose The Right Grip Compound For Your Riding Conditions?
Tire compounds are designed to provide varying levels of grip, durability, and ride comfort. When selecting a tire compound, it is important to consider tread width, casing width, tread pattern, and compound hardness. The tread width of the tire should be selected based on the riding conditions and desired level of grip.
The casing width should be selected based on the tire size and desired ride comfort. The tread pattern can also play a role in determining which compound is best for a given tire.
A tread with sharp edges provides better grip than one with taper or rounded edges. A tread width of 2-3 mm is ideal for both road and mountain riding conditions. A tread width of 4 mm or greater is best suited for racing tires, while a tread width of 6 mm or less is best for commuting tires.
The type of casing used in the tire can also influence its grip performance. Some casing materials are more durable than others and can be used to increase the durability of a given compound.
Tire engineers measure tires compound in Shore A (sA) with a higher score indicating a stiffer compound. Soft compounds provide more grip but roll slower and wear out more quickly than harder compounds.
Conclusion
Grip compound is an essential part of riding where traction and control play a vital role. A grip compound that offers the best traction on wet roads and rocks can help you steer easily, while a dry grip compound can help you maintain better grip on dry surfaces. It all boils down to personal preference and riding style.
Choosing the right grip compound for your riding conditions depends on factors such as terrain, weather, and personal preference. If you’re looking for a solution to a slippery bike surface or better grip when it’s dry, we suggest checking out our range of tire sealants that offer better traction in all conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How Do I Choose Bike Handlebar Grips?
Ans: When it comes to bike handlebar grips, there are many different materials and shapes that exist. Some of the more common grip materials include rubber, silicone, and foam. In addition, different shapes and sizes of handlebar grips are available, depending on an individual’s riding style and preferences.
2.How Do I Know What Size Handlebar Grips To Get?
Ans: To find the right size grip compound for your riding conditions, you’ll need to experiment a bit.
Some grip compounds are better for dry conditions, while others are better for wet conditions. You may also want to try a variety of different grip compounds to find the perfect combination for your riding style.
3.How Do I Choose A Mountain Bike Grip?
Ans: When selecting a mountain bike grip, you first need to consider the tire rubber compounds. softer rubber contributes to better grip, while compound types like hard casing or knobs provide different levels of side grip.
Next, you need to be aware of your riding intensity. More aggressive riders may prefer more side knob grip, while more laid-back riders may prefer a tire with a higher tread depth.
4.What Tire Pressure For XC Racing?
Ans: For XC racing, tire pressure should usually be set to 25-50 PSI. However, mountain bike tires should be set to 25-50 PSI when riding on surfaces like gravel or dirt and 40-80 PSI when riding on roads. Gravel bike tires should be set to 40-80 PSI, while road bike tires should be set to 80-120 PSI [101].
Riders who weigh less than 160 lbs may want to run less than 25 PSI, while those who weigh more may prefer riding with more than 25 PSI. Maximum tire pressure should never exceed the pressure marked on the tire.
5.What Tire Pressure Does Nino Schurter Run?
Ans: Nino Schurter runs the following tire pressure: 80 psi front and rear. For optimum grip, tire pressure should be set to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Always check your tire pressure before a ride.
