I have a comfort bike, with the not hugely fat tires, but much fatter than the typical hybrid bike tires. I have heard that some people put skinnier tires on their bike that have the fat tires cause it makes for faster and easier rides? Is this true? If one decides to change to skinnier tires, do the wheels need to be replaced as well, or will the skinnier tires fit on the wheels that had the fat tires on them?

I am considering because when I bought the bike, I had not planned on commuting. But now that I am, those big ol fat tires are making it lots more work.

Or should I just wait until next spring and buy a new made for commuting bike? Skinny tires, and all..not really in the budget...but..

Your advice and or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

There's a range of tires that will fit on a given rim. See https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html#width

I'm guessing you could go down to skinnier tires within that range without any problem.

Depends on the route too. Part of my commute is on a dirt tail around a lake so skinny tires and panniers are a bad match.

Consider different tires for the fat tires. I use Kenda Kross tires and they work very well. The key is to loose the knobs and this will make the ride much nicer.

Dave

I have an old rigid mountain bike that had 1.95" tires and I changed to 32mm slicks with no problem. I ride on a dirt/gravel towpath for 3 miles then on roads for 7 miles. The narrower slicks make my commute SO much easier, especially on the hills! I don't think I'd go any skinnier than 32mm if you're going to ride on unpaved roads, though.

Details of what bike, tires, wheels etc. would allow us to give better advice.
Most likely, you can go down a size or 2 with great benefit. I have.

Loosing those nobbies makes the big difference on hard surfaces. . . even more so then going narrower.

2003 Specialized Expedition Sport Comfort/Hybrid. Tire size= 26x1.95 I don't know what the wheel size. How do I find out what size my wheel/rim is?

If at all possible, I would like to purchase the correct tires and tubes and do the change myself, rather than going to my LBS. I like my LBS, but they would charge me more than if I do it myself.

Advice on what tires? Slicks? Small tread? I know that knobbies are worse for commuting. I am not sure what type..or brand...

Thank you for any help or advice given..I'm a newbie with this