General Cycling Discussion - Silly tire question...but I have to ask

Is it possible to put a 700 x ?? tire on a bike that is currently running a 26 x 1.95 tire? If so...any good recommendations for a lighter, smooth-rolling, puncture-resistant, thinner tire for an older Trek Navigator 200? I'd like to start using this bike to commute to the gym...but the knobby, fat tires on it are sluggish and heavy, not to mention old and probably rotted. If a can't use a 700 tire, then what would be the best 26 x ?? tire to put on the bike for my intended use? Thanks!

No, won't work.

No, won't work.

Ok...thanks! But can you recommend a decent 26 x ?? tire to run on my bike? Something lighter, thinner, faster, and puncture-resistant than the stock 26 x 1.95's that are on there now.

The first number refers to the diameter of the tire. A 700 is 70 cm. A 26 is 26 inches. The discrepancy is diameters is just too great to allow a switching of tire sizes on the same wheel. The second number is loosely the size of the width of the tire. The weird thing is that tire manufacturers do not seem to agree as to just what a mm is. I have seen 700 X 23 tires that were as wide if not wider than 700 X 25 tires. I mean how hard can it be?

Is it possible to put a 700 x ?? tire on a bike that is currently running a 26 x 1.95 tire? If so...any good recommendations for a lighter, smooth-rolling, puncture-resistant, thinner tire for an older Trek Navigator 200? I'd like to start using this bike to commute to the gym...but the knobby, fat tires on it are sluggish and heavy, not to mention old and probably rotted. If a can't use a 700 tire, then what would be the best 26 x ?? tire to put on the bike for my intended use? Thanks!

There's lots of tires in the 26 X 1.5" size. Get one with a smooth tread and you'll definitely feel a big difference. Don't be afraid of using a bit more air pressure than you're probably used to on your Navigator.

I'd recommend Continental SportContact 26x1.3". Great tyre!

I'd recommend Continental SportContact 26x1.3". Great tyre!

Can recommend this one but one better for less rolling resistance is the Conti- Grand prx. Very narrow tyre that takes 110psi and last a long time too. Only problem is that it will require High pressure tubes (Presta Valves) and to get to 110 psi will require a floor pump.

Can recommend this one but one better for less rolling resistance is the Conti- Grand prx. Very narrow tyre that takes 110psi and last a long time too. Only problem is that it will require High pressure tubes (Presta Valves) and to get to 110 psi will require a floor pump.

Nice tire but it won't fit on the OP's 26" wheel.

Ok...thanks! But can you recommend a decent 26 x ?? tire to run on my bike? Something lighter, thinner, faster, and puncture-resistant than the stock 26 x 1.95's that are on there now.

Sorry I cant help with smaller tires. If I am buying something for a 26 inch wheeel I am buying mt tires so im lookinh a 2 or 2.1.

Tire sizing is subtle:

http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

Take a look at Harris Cyclery's offerings and see what looks good...you can definitely get something more suited to street use and can also think about getting a Kevlar-belted, more puncture-resistant tire. I have good experiences with Panaracers, so their Pasela Tourguard would be my pick:

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/tires/559.html

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

Linda