t.p.i how to interpret?

[teachndad]

Hi,

Can anyone shed any light on how to intrepret the t.p.i figure when looking at tires? I assume it’s threads per inch.

When you look at the nokian site http://www.suomityres.fi/bike/dhspecs/index.htm
In the Gazz 3.0 row and the t.p.i. column it displays another figure (tot.192tpi) along with 32 t.p.i. What is that?

This all came up when I am going to run a new hot rod tire made by Kenda called the Kenda Flame. It is supposed to be 32 t.p.i which I am not sure tells me anything significant. I was looking for a comparison to the Noki gazz, not that they are comparable. It just happened to be what I am familiar with.

Thanks.

Kenda Flame tread pattern below.

[DK1]

I think TPI has tom do with the casing and sidewalls. Sorry i couln’t help more.

[Gilby]

From a competitor’s site, http://www.maxxis.com/products/bicycle/faq.asp

What does TPI stand for?

TPI stands for threads per Inch. It defines the number of threads contained in one inch of the tire casing. The lower the number of TPI, the larger the gauge cords in the casing. Thus, the more durable the tire becomes. The higher the TPI, the more lightweight the tire becomes and the more supple the ride of the tire. The majority of our tires are 60 TPI, and our race tires are 120 TPI.

I think the lower number is how much per layer and the total number is counting all layers. So 32 tpi per layer, with 6 layers totaling 192 tpi.