What tyres will my road bike come with?

Numbers on the sidewall refer to the size of the tyre on the wheel and width of the tyre when inflated. - Simon von Bromley / Our Media
Most road bikes come with slick or  road bikes reviews very lightly treaded tyres. While extremely narrow tyres used to be commonplace, it’s become more common to spec wider tyres on road bikes in recent years. Race bikes are often fitted with 25mm-wide tyres, while endurance bikes come with 28mm or even 32mm tyres.

Regardless of the width, all of these tyres will roll fast and the wider tyres give you a little more cushioning (and speed over rougher road surfaces) in exchange for a little more weight. The best road bike tyres will offer a combination of speed (low rolling resistance), grip and puncture resistance. Tyres are one of the easiest things to change and one of the best bike upgrades. So you don’t need to worry much about what the bike comes with. That said, if you are keen on maximising the comfort of your bike, make sure the frame has clearance for wider tyres. Again, race bikes that favour aerodynamics will typically skew towards skinny tyres, while the endurance bikes that deliver comfort will generally have plump rubber.

If you’re unsure how to pump up your tyres or how to change your tyres, check out our comprehensive guides.

How to get the correct road bike size

Man on bike fitting machine
A bike fit from a good shop is an invaluable investment. - BikeRadar
Bike fit is critical. A budget road bike that fits you like a glove will feel and handle much better than an ill-fitting superbike.

While most brands have bike fit charts on their websites, it’s vital to just go and sit on the thing if you are new to cycling. Once you learn what fit works for you, you can shop using the charts; in the meantime, try bikes as you would shoes. Once you have selected the right size frame – which any good bike shop can help you with – you then need to get your bike’s saddle height correct and adjust the handlebar height for comfortable riding. Again, a professional fit at a good shop is invaluable here.

Most good shops will work with you to fine-tune other elements of your fit too, such as the distance to the handlebar, the angle of the handlebar and even the feel of the saddle. Just try a few until you find something comfortable – many saddle manufacturers will also offer demo services via their dealers.

Note that saddle preference is highly personal; there’s no universal right answer here. The best road bike saddles will be supportive while allowing sufficient blood flow in your delicate areas, and won't get in the way of pedalling. Many saddles are considered unisex, but some of the best women’s road bike saddles have features specifically tailored to female anatomy.