Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Can I put 35mm tires on a Coda Comp?

I have learned a lot from reading this forum and am about to upgrade to a nicer bike.

My first choice is the Jamis Coda Comp. Most of my riding is on bike paths and gravel/dirt trails. My current bike has 38mm tires and they work well for me.

Can I replace the 28mm tires that come on the Coda Comp with 35mm or 38mm tires? The LBS is cannot help as they do not have any Coda's in stock.

If anyone has made this change, what tires would you recommend?

Thanks

There are two considerations to keep in mind:

First - is there adequate clearance at the seat & chain stays for the wider tires? If not, then no, you can't go there.

Second - and probably more important - is the rim rated for the wider tire? This is often overlooked, but can be a source of DISASTER if not considered. Many rim makers specify a maximum tire size for specific models of rim. Just because you can shoehorn on a wider tire doesn't mean that the rim will work with it. I had a Mavic CXP-33 rim (supposedly a PREMIUM rim) split while I was riding because I had 37mm tires on it. I still have permanent injury from that accident. Don't rely on the guess of the bike shop on this. Get the make & model of the rim & go to the rim-maker's website. If they don't specify, e-mail the maker directly and ask - your life depends on it.

Good information...thanks.

Has anyone actually made the change to 35mm tires on the Coda Comp and if so, did you have to change the wheels? What tires did you you use?

Thanks.

From the Shimano website, that wheelset has a recommended tire width of 19-28mm. You could probably get away with a 32 safely; a 35 would be sketchy and I would not go up to 38.

These trails: are they thick loose gravel with big ruts, or are they pretty smooth? I was able to ride local bike trails just fine (albeit slowly) with 25s, but it all depends on the trail and your comfort level.

I appreciate all the help so far. Has anyone installed 35mm tires on a Jamis Coda Comp and, if so, what rims and tires did you use?

The paths I frequent don't have big ruts or large gravel but do have patches of small loose gravel and sand.

Thanks

Update.

I installed Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700C x 32mm tires on my Jamis Coda Comp. I bought them from biketiresdirect.com (fast shipping, good website).

These have been a big improvement over the stock tires...smoother ride and more grip on loose surfaces.

I think 35mm's would also fit on this bike, but the 32's were a good compromise.

Thanks for the helpful advice.