Cyclocross - max tire width on cross bikes

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supi
12-10-08, 08:56 AM
I have wheels with 700x47 tires, and was thinking of getting a used cyclocross frame for them. So my question is - can most cross frames out there take a tire this fat? I know the Surly Crosscheck can, but am not sure about the rest. Any feedback is appreciated.

flargle
12-10-08, 09:05 AM
So my question is - can most cross frames out there take a tire this fat? No.
supi
12-10-08, 09:55 AM
So what's the biggest tire most of them can take?

justinb
12-10-08, 10:12 AM
So what's the biggest tire most of them can take?

I think a 40 is a reasonable estimate for a lot of the modern frames, especially those intended to be versatile do-it-all types. IME, purebred racing frames, especially older ones tend to be down in the 37mm range.

Perhaps we could turn this thread into a database... What tires on what rims clear which frame.

Motobecane Fantom Cross (red) clears IRC Mythos CX Slicks (700x40c) on Open Pro's in the rear, and a 700c x 44mm MutanoRaptor on OP in the front.

Voodoo Wazoo (853 w/o the sliding drops) clears the IRC's mentioned above.
CCrew
12-10-08, 10:13 AM
700x47 is a pretty darned big tire. 1.85 in inches. You're in 29'er MTB territory there.

My Gary Fisher Kaitai could take them, but it's essentially a 29'er in road trim and not a cross bike.

-Roger
mtbikerjohn
12-10-08, 10:48 AM
Anyone know the max tire size I could use with a Kona Major Jake? I'm using an Easton EC90X fork...John
BrianN
12-10-08, 02:23 PM
San Jose clears 44's, BARELY. Makes for some fun single track rides. Jamis Nova clears 40's well. My wife's TCX just takes 35's, could fit a 38 maybe....on a dry day.

-B
Cynikal
12-10-08, 02:37 PM
So, you want to buy a frame around a set of tires? I think you have things backwards.
jchabalk
12-10-08, 02:51 PM
do you run fenders?
jonestr
12-10-08, 06:38 PM
I am not even sure that a Surly could take a tire that big.
supi
12-11-08, 09:15 AM
Yep, fenders too. I know it's sort of backwards, it's a long story, but I already have the wheels and the tires, and I wanted them big.
Jawn P
12-11-08, 09:18 AM
Crosscheck is going to be the best option for you to run wider tires.

If you're really hung up on tire clearance, buy a 29er and build it up cross style.
justinb
12-11-08, 11:27 AM
The singular peregrine (http://www.singularcycles.com/bikes.htm) is the only one out there that may have more clearance than the CC. Singular is now exporting to N. America, and I believe someone on this board got one.
bugly64
12-11-08, 04:49 PM
Whose got a 29er built up for cross to show off here?
seat_boy
12-12-08, 05:30 AM
I recently bought the Singular Peregrine, first one in the US, to be exact :thumb:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y105/seat_boy/SingularMCcanR.jpg

Lots of tire clearance, that's a 2.1 29er tire front and rear in that picture.

I love the monstercross idea, but I really don't have a use for one where I live--most everything has been paved. So this is becoming my tour/errands/child seat bike. It's also a bit heavy for cross (not that I've ever raced cross, but still...)

With shipping ($100), it was about $660 for the frame and fork. The exchange rate is pretty good right now.

Eric