• Why are there reflective lines on the side of tires?

  Reflective lines are clearly visible when illuminated by a car headlight. The material is retroreflective, i.e. it reflects in the direction of the radiation source. The two tire sized circles of light make a cyclist easily seen and recognized. In many countries, a reflective strip is allowed as an adequate replacement for wheel reflectors. Other reflectors are only permitted when they form a similar circle of light like the reflecting rings on the tire. Because of this considerable safety advFew readers

• How are tires made?

  A bicycle tire consists of three basic elements: the carcass, the bead core, and the rubber tread. Furthermore, almost all Schwalbe tires have a puncture protection belt. The bead core of the tire determines its diameter and ensures a secure seat on the rim. Generally the bead core of a tire consists of a wire bundle. In folding tires, the wire is replaced with a hoop of aramid fibers. The carcass is the “framework” of the tire. The textile material is rubber coated on bothFew readers

• What does EPI mean in relation to the carcass?

  The density of the carcass fabric is expressed in EPI or TPI (Ends Per Inch, Threads Per Inch). The range of carcasses used, for example, for bicycle tires are 20, 24, 37, 50, 67 and 127 EPI. In principle, the more close-meshed a carcass is woven, the higher the quality of the tire. A dense carcass is important for low rolling resistance and good riding properties. At the same time, puncture protection increases, because carcasses with a high strand density are difficult to puncture.Few readers