I have a 1980's Schwinn Prelude that has 700x25 tires. Being 6'2" 240 lbs, I've been wondering if the ride would be made better by getting some fatter tires, but I keep hearing about tighter clearances being an issue. I have no intention of putting fenders on this bike.

So I'm wondering, if I put on some 700x32 or 700x35 road tires, as long as the rims can handle it, do I have enough clearance? I took some pictures of the front tire near the fork:

http://img407.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tireclearance1ud9.jpg
http://img409.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tireclearance2yu0.jpg

I'd say you be hard pressed to get 32 or 35 on a normal road bike, especially on the back. You will need to check your spacing on your chain stays right at the bottom bracket area. I can fit a 28 on mine Specialized, but it's real tight. A 28 should give you a pretty plush ride. While you could mount a 32 on a 15mm rim, I wouldn't do it and I would not go above a 32.

Got just the thing for you.
http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/tires_tubes/10043.html

Got just the thing for you.
http://www.rivbike.com/webalog/tires_tubes/10043.html

Whoa. $43 per tire is a lot. :eek:

Whoa. $43 per tire is a lot. :eek:

I used to think so. I spend more now. I rode those tires
for years and loved them. You will too.

Whoa. $43 per tire is a lot. :eek:

Could be worse... some of the ultra light race tires are double that...

If you need to save a couple bucks, the roly-poly's are about $3 dollars less a piece.

I also really like continental ultra-sports (I like all their tires actually) they are really inexpensive 19-25 depending on your retailer, they wear like Iron, are quiet, smooth, and again very inexpensive for the price.

As far as size go you might try taking the bike to the lbs and see what the biggest tire you can fit in is. If the 32's fit, so much the better, but if not, I have trouble believing that the 28's wouldn't.

Paul

Continentals run small. He might get a 28c in there. But I'm not a fan of Contis
for Clydes.

Continentals run small. He might get a 28c in there. But I'm not a fan of Contis
for Clydes.

Why? I run Continental Ultrasports in 630X32 and love them! (I have 27" wheels though and a touring frame).

Why? I run Continental Ultrasports in 630X32 and love them! (I have 27" wheels though and a touring frame).

I use Schwalbe Marathon Racers. They are brand new this year, and it's not entirely fair to compare them to designs that are older and cheaper.

Anyway... I tried the 28c Gatorskins, the ride was awful. I have a rule, if I get more than one flat a year I get something bigger, tougher, or better. I simply don't get cheap tires anymore. In terms of their other tires, I don't buy tires that weigh
over 400 grams, so that leaves out the other ones. There may be something like the Marathon Racer now, they came out with a new line this year. But when I looked at their website, nothing grabbed my attention.