Mountain Biking - Tire question

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amdaily
07-14-05, 06:16 PM
I bought a Trek 4500 earlier this spring and need to replace the tires, which are to large and cumbersome for the trail and paved trail areas I've been riding more of lately: http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2005/mountain/4500.jsp

But what size tire will work? Is it dependant on the wheel, which appears to be a Shimano M495? The current tires are Bontrager ACX, 26x2.2", 52/54. How small of a tire would fit on there?

Dannihilator
07-14-05, 08:47 PM
This is the first time that I have ever heard of a 26x2.2 tire being too big.
chis51hd
07-14-05, 09:27 PM
2.2" tires are fine. But if you ride mostly on paved roads, get narrower tires. I use 26 x 1.5" road slicks.

GoMonkeyGo
07-14-05, 09:37 PM
Hey amdaily,

How cumbersome do your tires actually feel? Don't focus solely on the rolling resistance of your tires unless you are super fit and in a super hurry. I say stick to a good all-round off road tire...In the worst case scenario, you may work a little harder (your body will reward you for this eventually), and you will always be ready for any off-road conditions.

Tires with a kevlar bead are lighter (and therefore faster), so get a good all-round tire with a kev. bead and you will be faster AND trail ready...that way everybody's happy :)

trust your local bike shop,
gmg
Dannihilator
07-14-05, 10:18 PM
Tires with a kevlar bead are lighter (and therefore faster), so get a good all-round tire with a kev. bead and you will be faster AND trail ready...that way everybody's happy :)

trust your local bike shop,
gmg

And just how is this theory justified? While a certain tire is fast for one thing, they aren't worth a crap in a different condition. Remember weight doesn't mean squat in certain situations.
A suggestion:
http://www.wtb.com/products/tires_allterrain.html Bottom Right.