Author Topic: Touring Tire Question  (Read 11344 times)

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Offline JunkMan

Touring Tire Question
« on: January 20, 2005, 12:56:23 am »
I'm getting ready to put new tires on my bike and was looking for input on the size.  It has 700 x 23 tires on it right now, but I am thinking of going up to 700 x 38's. There is plenty of clearance on the frame.
What I am looking for is a smoother ride, and possible increased load capacity.  I weigh 230, and want to tour with the bike (unsupported).  Will a larger tire give me a better ride? Will it carry the weight better?  

Thanks,
Jeff in South Dakota

Offline OmahaNeb

Touring Tire Question
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2005, 01:44:08 pm »
Yes on both questions.  Go to the Sheldon Brown articles on tires at the Harris Cyclery web site.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/articles.html
I don't use his advice on tire width.  I find that a 32 width suites me just fine, but I tour light and weigh 170 lbs.  I think Spoke cross (4 vs. 3) could effect the ride also.

Offline MikeJuvrud

Touring Tire Question
« Reply #2 on: January 30, 2005, 02:39:40 am »
I use 700x28 and get by completly fine (200 lbs + full gear). The smaller the tire width that you can get by with...the less effort it is to move ;)

This message was edited by MikeJuvrud on 1-29-05 @ 10:40 PM

Offline NickPayne

Touring Tire Question
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2005, 07:36:05 am »
I fitted Continental Sportcontact 700x37 to my bike before touring in Switzerland last year. At only 145lbs I can get by with much smaller tyres, but I like the larger size because a) the ride is more comfortable, b) they feel more stable and secure on winding descents, and c) a hit that would completely pinch flat a smaller tyre or completely squash it and flatten the rim doesn't faze these - on a couple of occasions while descending mountain passes at high speed I struck trenches cut across the road, and although the bump was hard enough to raise me off the saddle, the wheels were completely undamaged.


Offline JunkMan

Touring Tire Question
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2005, 12:43:30 pm »
Thanks for the replys.  I installed a pair of 700 x 38 tires.  Since it's winter here in South Dakota, I haven't been able to get very many miles in lately, but the tires seem to ride smoother and take the potholes, cracks, and other imperfections in the road much better.  I may have been able to get away with a smaller tire, but I think these will give me more options.


Offline daveM

Touring Tire Question
« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2005, 11:52:09 pm »
Ok, I need some help picking out new tires for my Trek 520.  I will be taking a multi-week trip beginning in May and am considering the Armadillo 700x35 Infinity.  Any other suggestions?  This is my first tour and am trying to get all the pieces in place so any help is appreciated, thanks, dave m