Author Topic: 700X40 on LHT?  (Read 9523 times)

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Offline John Grossbohlin

700X40 on LHT?
« on: March 04, 2017, 01:19:07 pm »
I'm looking at the Schwalbe MARATHON PLUS TOUR HS 404 size 42-622 (700 x 40C) for my LHT with fenders. Will this tire actually fit the LHT with fenders?

I anticipate a trip that includes on and off road sections. I rode my loaded Trek 520 with 700 X 35 road tires on much of the off-road section previously. The surface was sticky when wet/damp, i.e., you sank into it and it created a lot of drag. During the week or so I was on the route the path was only dry one day... Ugh.

Thoughts?




Offline etsisk

Re: 700X40 on LHT?
« Reply #1 on: March 04, 2017, 04:26:00 pm »
I don't have wisdom for ya (just ask anyone that knows me!) but I'm interested in the discussion. I usually tour on a bike that I built up around a 1981 Schwinn Voyager frame and forkset, with 700c/35 tires. But I'm starting to build up my old Specialized Ground Control mountain bike for trips involving a lot of crushed rock bike trails, for the very reason you described. I won't go into it, this is your thread, but I am interested in hearing what folks have to say!

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Offline Jason

Re: 700X40 on LHT?
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2017, 02:58:42 pm »
John

You *should* be fine

Currently, I'm running Schwalbe Mondails (in 40mm) with SKS P50s on my 700c LHT.

You'll read around the web that Schwalbes general over states the width of their tires.   I used Marathon Pluses for years, and can attests to them being narrower than the sidewall label.

-j
singlespeed touring - life generally requires just one speed.
Southern Tier, TransAm, tons of places in between.

Offline DaveB

Re: 700X40 on LHT?
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2017, 03:33:01 pm »
Surly says it will.  Here is the tire clearance spec from their web site: 

"700c: 42mm with fenders, 45mm without fenders Individual tire and rim combos affect tire clearance."

Offline Pat Lamb

Re: 700X40 on LHT?
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2017, 04:23:27 pm »
I anticipate a trip that includes on and off road sections. I rode my loaded Trek 520 with 700 X 35 road tires on much of the off-road section previously. The surface was sticky when wet/damp, i.e., you sank into it and it created a lot of drag. During the week or so I was on the route the path was only dry one day... Ugh.

If you get this "lucky" again, I'm not sure another 5 mm is going to help much.  Have you considered trading the LHT in for a ECR or Ice Cream Truck?
« Last Edit: April 03, 2017, 04:30:30 pm by Pat Lamb »

Offline John Grossbohlin

Re: 700X40 on LHT?
« Reply #5 on: April 03, 2017, 08:57:33 pm »
I'd seen the description on the Surly site and the "Individual tire and rim combos affect tire clearance" caveat is what I am attempting to assess.

I could use my first "touring bike" for this trip. A 1983 Trek 850 Mountain Bike that I outfitted with racks and street tires.  It served me well on a 3,142 mile trip back in '86. I don't have the Trek 520 any longer... I passed it along to my son. That said, I'm inclined to use the LHT with the widest 700C tires that will fit. It's what I used on my last trip from FL to NY and with a bit wider on/off road tire it should be pretty good on the route I plan to use. I'll be packing lighter on this trip which will help too... no cooking gear, computer, big camera, etc. as I will not be traveling with my sons nor do I plan to post a journal this time.

Offline John Grossbohlin

Re: 700X40 on LHT?
« Reply #6 on: May 28, 2017, 10:53:05 pm »
John

You *should* be fine

Currently, I'm running Schwalbe Mondails (in 40mm) with SKS P50s on my 700c LHT.

You'll read around the web that Schwalbes general over states the width of their tires.   I used Marathon Pluses for years, and can attests to them being narrower than the sidewall label.

-j

After not being able to locate the MARATHON PLUS TOUR HS 404 tires I ended up going with the same tire as you have...

I think they will be fine for the coming trip and certainly less prone to punctures than the current tires. On my last ride I flatted and found that there were already 6 patches on the tube. It was clearly not the original tube. Ugh.... I'll be glad to be back on Schwalbes!

Offline John Grossbohlin

Re: 700X40 on LHT?
« Reply #7 on: July 22, 2017, 10:05:30 pm »
I anticipate a trip that includes on and off road sections. I rode my loaded Trek 520 with 700 X 35 road tires on much of the off-road section previously. The surface was sticky when wet/damp, i.e., you sank into it and it created a lot of drag. During the week or so I was on the route the path was only dry one day... Ugh.

If you get this "lucky" again, I'm not sure another 5 mm is going to help much.  Have you considered trading the LHT in for a ECR or Ice Cream Truck?
It turns out that the route was even worse this time... long stretches of mud. The mud packed up between the SKS P50 fenders and the Schwalbe Mondail 700x40 tires, covered the brakes and generally got on everything. I ended up in a self service car wash at one point to clean it off! 

The tires worked great!  I had no problem maintaining control in the mud and they performed well on the road, crushed stone, and other surfaces I encountered.