??Ere Boothy, what are the best tyres these days"? is a question I get asked a lot. And it?s one that I?ve never been able to answer. In fact if anyone tells you they can, they?re talking out of their ring piece. The worlds best racing slick would be absolutely turd on a cold winters commute to work. Just like a motocross tyre would be pants to go touring on. We all use our bikes for slightly different things, so when someone says they want the best tyre, what they really mean is that they want the best tyre for the job. And every jobs different, so each needs a very different tyre choice.

Racing

If you?re on a lovely dry racetrack, with tyres that are up to temperature, the best tyre for you is undoubtedly a racing slick. That?s why they are used from MotoGP to club level racing. The grip and the feel is second to none, but they do have their downsides. Unlike a road tyre, a slicks optimum working temperature is a lot higher, and a lot more crucial. In other words, they?re shit until they’ve warmed up. That?s why using them without tyre warmers is a bad idea. It?s also why using them on the road is a bad idea; not to mention the fact that it?d be illegal.
Bridgestone V02Bridgestone W01

It?d also be illegal to run racing ?wets? on the road. It would also be pretty bonkers because they wouldn?t last five minutes. They?re made of soft, supple rubber that does its best to key into the tarmac even in the pissing rain. A heavy tread pattern dispers...