Mnt bike tires on a road bike

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2009-07-06 9:24 PM

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Champion
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Subject: Mnt bike tires on a road bike
I'll most likely just end up getting a mountain bike.. but........

since the 29'er mnt wheels are really the same size as road bike tires [to my understanding] could I just get a set of mnt bike wheels and put them on my old road bike when I want to do some very simple trails or light off roading??

2009-07-06 9:43 PM
in reply to: #2266219

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Mnt bike tires on a road bike

I'm pretty sure the universe would end. 


Just kidding.  I don't really know the answer, but it seems like the two variables would be fork spacing and rim width (i.e., can your brakes adjust to handle a different rim size)?  Oh, and tire height (it would have to be able to freely rotate without hitting the y in the fork, or the frame).

2009-07-06 10:54 PM
in reply to: #2266219

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Subject: RE: Mnt bike tires on a road bike
You should be able to mount a 28mm tire to your existing rims and have clearance. Vittoria makes a very durable randanneur tire that works great on gravel/dirt roads and smooth trails.

scott
2009-07-06 10:55 PM
in reply to: #2266219

Veteran
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Subject: RE: Mnt bike tires on a road bike
have a look at cyclocross stuff maybe ? (these guys are insane I am sure)
2009-07-06 11:50 PM
in reply to: #2266219


12

Subject: RE: Mnt bike tires on a road bike
they make mtn tires for road bikes, cyclo-cross.  29" is not the same as a 700cc.  That is an insane sport and road bikes have no business on a mtb trail.  Make sure the tires will fit in your frame and fork, most cc tires are like 30-35 mm, my road bike wont fit them.  Also cross bikes have a short top tube so theres less reach to the bars.  Any hard trails on a real road bike you will flip over the bars.  enjoy
2009-07-06 11:57 PM
in reply to: #2266219


12

Subject: RE: Mnt bike tires on a road bike
and i didnt finish reading what you wrote, unless you have cantilever brakes you will not be able to use 29er wheels with mtb tires or cc tires, there wont be enough clearance

2009-07-07 12:12 AM
in reply to: #2266219

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2009-07-07 6:10 AM
in reply to: #2266350

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Subject: RE: Mnt bike tires on a road bike
serenityau - 2009-07-06 11:55 PM

have a look at cyclocross stuff maybe ? (these guys are insane I am sure)


I resemble that remark!

It can fit, but not easily. I have a set of Vredestein cyclocross tires which are 700x28 and can get those on a road bike. The clearance is pretty much at the limit with these. The grip and traction leaves much to be desired too. Most cyclocross tires are 32 or 34, 28's are rare so shop carefully.

The brakes are terrible in muddy or sloppy conditions and will quickly become unuseable without a manual clean out.

Your gearing will be way off, even if your road bike has a compact. Most cyclocross bikes have a 46x36 crankset and a 12-27 cassette and even then, it's tough gearing in the single-track.

Can be done, but it's really not a great option. IIWY: Buy a true cyclocross bike. Kona Jake is a great value at ~$1000 as are the Bianchi, Felt and the Redline.

Edited by pitt83 2009-07-07 6:11 AM
2009-07-07 9:06 AM
in reply to: #2266537

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the colony texas
Subject: RE: Mnt bike tires on a road bike
pitt83 - 2009-07-07 6:10 AM
serenityau - 2009-07-06 11:55 PM have a look at cyclocross stuff maybe ? (these guys are insane I am sure)
I resemble that remark! It can fit, but not easily. I have a set of Vredestein cyclocross tires which are 700x28 and can get those on a road bike. The clearance is pretty much at the limit with these. The grip and traction leaves much to be desired too. Most cyclocross tires are 32 or 34, 28's are rare so shop carefully. The brakes are terrible in muddy or sloppy conditions and will quickly become unuseable without a manual clean out. Your gearing will be way off, even if your road bike has a compact. Most cyclocross bikes have a 46x36 crankset and a 12-27 cassette and even then, it's tough gearing in the single-track. Can be done, but it's really not a great option. IIWY: Buy a true cyclocross bike. Kona Jake is a great value at ~$1000 as are the Bianchi, Felt and the Redline.


thanks... that is some great advice...
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