Everything you should know about your tires    /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

How do I read the dimensions ?

There are two distinct ways of measuring tires : the standardised dimensions and the ordinary dimensions.
The dimensions standardised by ETRTO are expressed in millimetres (e.g. 23-622 – QUARTZ), and correspond to the width, then to the inside diameter (beads) of the tire.
The ordinary dimensions are expressed in millimetres (e.g. 700x23 – QUARTZ) or in inches (e.g. 26x2.10 – BULLDOG) and correspond to the outside diameter (indicative value) then to the tire width.
HUTCHINSON always displays the measurements using both systems.

What is ETRTO ?

HUTCHINSON is a member of the European Tire and Rim Technical Organization, whose purpose is to make the different measurement systems for all tires uniform.

What is the tire bead ?

A tire bead is a bundle of copper, aramid or carbon wires that forms the tire bead, which is the part of the tire that anchors it to the rim.
Rigid beads (RB) are made of copper while flexible (i.e. folding) beads (FB) are made of aramid or carbon. The flexible folding beads provide more LIGHTNESS, more resistance and make it possible to bend the tire without damaging it.

What is TPI (Thread Per Inch) ?

The density of the threads that make up a casing is measured in terms of the number of threads per inch. A 33 TPI casing uses a low-density weave made up of thick threads imparting stiffness to the tire. In contrast, a 127 TPI casing uses a high-density weave made up of extremely thin threads, providing the tire with flexibility.

What is a Skinwall tire?

Skinwall technology (SKW) consists of placing a layer of rubber on the central section of the tire only, in order to form the tread. Prior to this, the sidewalls are covered with a very thin rubber coating. This technology reduces the tire's weight and increases its flexibility, therefore improving its performance and comfort.

What is a Gumwall tire ?

Gumwall technology (GW) consists of placing a layer of rubber over the whole tire casing, from one bead to the other.
In this way, the sidewalls are stiffened and protected from outside stresses. This technology improves the tire handling at high speed and increases
resistance to sidewall perforation.