Wider tires on same rims

[tiarossi]

My Specialized Source Expert Disc came with 700 x 30 tires, which have served me well for my mostly pavement riding. As they wear, though, I'm considering going with 35mm or even 38mm tires to replace them to give handle loads better and allow some gravel and dirt road riding.

Here's my question: How much over factory size can you usually go with tires? The rims are only 21mm wide on the outside of the bead, and I want to avoid getting new rims laced onto the existing hubs. The bike has factory fenders, but up to 38mm will fit under them.

[John Nelson]

Check with Sheldon:

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

In addition to rim compatibility, you'll also have to check clearance with your bike. Note that not all 35mm tires are the same height and width, so some experimentation may be necessary.

[tiarossi]

Thanks for that reference. The rim is marked as 16mm inside bead to inside bead, and according to Sheldon should accept a tire up to 37mm wide. I'm probably going to go with 700C x 35, and the fenders still have a little bit of wiggle room.

[DaveB]

I'm probably going to go with 700C x 35, and the fenders still have a little bit of wiggle room.

You want to maintain that bit of wiggle room.  You want enough clearance between the tire and fender of allow some mud build up or a rock or stick to slip between them without locking up the wheel.

[walks.in2.trees]

I'm probably going to go with 700C x 35, and the fenders still have a little bit of wiggle room.

You want to maintain that bit of wiggle room.  You want enough clearance between the tire and fender of allow some mud build up or a rock or stick to slip between them without locking up the wheel.

Yes, and remember that once you add your body and gear weight, there won't be as much clearance as it seems to be when it's up on a stand once you consider the flare of the tire as this weight compresses it, and the play in the bearings and frame that appears naturally with weight and the flexing of the wheel components.  My front tire on my road bike rubs the fender whenever it gets wet and dirt sticks to it, even though when I look at it, it looks as though there should be a ¼” of clearance. Similarly, when I bought my 32c rear tire, that also looked like there was plenty of clearance on the stand, but once I began riding, the very outer tips of the tread rubbed on the frame. It was barely touching, and didn't slow me down so I ignored it, figuring the tread would wear off. And it did, but it took a divot out of my frame along with it

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