Tires and tubes are often the last thing considered about a bike, but have a big impact on your ride.
Tires
Construction
Tires have a casing that provides the shape and structure of the tire. There may be a protective layer, and a rubber compound with thread pattern.
Different tires have various materials and construction that make them more suitable for certain conditions.
Types
Tubular
Tubulars, or sewups have an inner tube sewed into the tire, and are glued onto the rim. These were the original bike tire, and are still used today for racing and cyclocross, as they are lighter and more compliant.
Clincher
Clinchers are the most common type, with inner tubes and rim hooks. They offer the most variety and lowest cost.
Tubeless
Tubeless tires seal the air between the tire and the rim. They allow you to run lower tire pressures and avoid pinch flats. There has been new research showing that rolling resistance is not impacted, while increasing compliance. There are a few different rim types for tubeless, with "hookless" becoming the new standard. Some wheels can be converted to run tubeless tires.
Bead
The tire bead hooks into grooves in the rim.
Non-folding tire
Non-folding tires have a rigid wire bead, so they can't be folded. These are slightly heavier than folding tires.
Folding tire
Folding tire beads are made from kevlar, which is strong but flexible. Folded tires are much more convenient for carrying a spare.
Hookless
Tubeless tires have square hookless beads and must be matched with tubeless ready rims.
Direction
Tire threads have a rotational direction, which should be specified on the sidewall.
Tubes
Material
Most tubes are made from rubber. They range in size for various wheels and tires, and thicknesses for protection vs speed.
Lightweight tubes made of latex or polyurethane are available for racing.
Valve
Schrader values are larger, used on old mountain bikes and older or cheaper bikes.
Presta valves are used on most road bikes, and modern mountain bikes.
Stem lengths vary and you can match a longer or shorter one to your rim depth.