Bicycle Mechanics - 700x-?

Hello,
I'm new here and thanks for having me. I've looked around a little and it looks like a really nice site. I have a tire question: I ride a Specialized Sirrus Comp with Mavic CXP21 rims. Tire size is 700X26c. I noticed on my before ride inspection, that my sidewalls are getting cracks from dryrot. So, now I'm in the market for new tires but 700X26c seems a hard size to find. What other sizes will fit this rim? I ride only on paved roads, someone got any tire recommendations? I currently have Specialized Turbo/Armadillo. Thank you for all your help.
Bill

Look for some 700X25c as a similar size. the 25 is the approximate width. You can go lower if you want a narrower tire or higher for larger so long as you have fork clearance for the tire.

Specialized no longer makes the Turbo Armadillos. Instead, you can use the All-Condition Armadillos. Or, look at some Continental Ultra Gatorskins if you want a lighter tire that has reasonable flat protection.

Usually, depending on your rims, you can fit anything form 700x20 up to as wide as 700x32, if you have enough clearance.
I've been running Maxxis Detonators (NO, they don't explode!) on our tandem with above average results in both tire wear and puncture resistance. They should be great on a single too. They are a folding bead tire and quite easy to install on most rims without using any tire tools.
That's my 25c worth of input (inflation took care of the 2c part)!

Thanks guys for all your good advice. bye the bye, in 700X26c what does the "c" stand for?
Bill
p.s. Also, my bike has the "Body Geometry" seat. Well, my butt still get sore. Has anybody got a seat they like? How about The "Easy Rider" seat?

brooks b17 leather saddles- still the best saddles for long term comfort

Thanks guys for all your good advice. bye the bye, in 700X26c what does the "c" stand for?
Bill
p.s. Also, my bike has the "Body Geometry" seat. Well, my butt still get sore. Has anybody got a seat they like? How about The "Easy Rider" seat?

Can't remember what the "c" stands for...

In regards to a seat; a common misconception is that the plusher a seat the more comfortable it is. While if you ride very seldomly, this can be true, most realize after awhile that a firmer seat is more comfortable the more you ride. Do some searching on seats and you'll come up with about a million threads (not really of course :) ), and you'll get a better feel for what you're looking for. Search in the forum that best describes your style of riding (road vs mountain vs commuting, etc).

There are letter designations applied to rim configurations, but they usually appear in conjunction with the bead diameter (eg. 650B, 700C, 650C etc.) I don't know if that is what the "c" means in this case....I suspect it does ie 700c rim. (yeah a 700 rim is actually a 622 so lets all get really confused!) Tire width is a bit blurry as well.....some mfg. 25 looks like anothers 23 and so forth. If you have time on your hands, go to sheldon browns dissertation.

Thanks for all your good advice. I'll keep you posted.
Bill

Thanks guys for all your good advice. bye the bye, in 700X26c what does the "c" stand for?

It's just a tire size designation from long ago. It doesn't stand for anything. There used to be 700a, 700b, and 700d tires also.

Every now and then I see someone selling 700b tubes.

Don't bother going lower than 700x25. 700x23s have a higher rolling resistance on all but the smoothest of roads (i.e glass).

http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/tires_tubes/10043.html