Tire Choice?

[World Tour]

Hi folks,
I'm trying to figure out what rear tire to buy for my bent. My weight is 230lbs.. And I'd like the highest pressure tire that could fit on a 26x1.75 rim. Someone said I could put a 26x1.5 tire on that rim, but at nashbar that tire only goes up to 75psi. Could that tire take perhaps, 85psi?

Otherwise I would have to buy a new rim for a smaller tire?

With the tires shown in the picture, my top speed is very limited.

Cheers,
Dan--Ft. Lauderdale

[BlazingPedals]

On average, as tire diameter goes up, max pressure goes down. That's because wider tires stress the rims more. It appears that you have steel rims. That means a rolled bead, whereas modern aluminum rims have a hook bead that holds tires more securely, enabling higher pressures. I would feel uncomfortable going above 70 psi regardless of which tire you're using on that rim.

If you want faster, get a slick or semi-slick. Knobs or treads, or for that matter excessive rubber, let the rubber squirm, which destroys rolling efficiency. You can get Primos in matching 20" and 26" sizes (Primo Comet and Primo Racer) that will take 85psi and are pretty light and fast, IF they will work with those rims.

[World Tour]

Thanks.

The rim shown is not the one I'm using, just shows the current tire. I have an alum. rim ready. Kenda Kwests were recommended and I ordered a 26x1.5 and 20x1.5. The front rim shown is a narrow alum. bmx rim. The Kenda Kwests are 100psi.