Folding Bikes - difference between 349mm and 355mm tires?

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oboeterry
02-09-09, 05:23 PM
Hi all,

I have been riding my Dahon Speed P8 for a few years (on and off... not an avid cyclist), and I just got a BF Season tikit... the tikit line uses the 349mm tires, which cannot take wider tires like Big Apples. So, my non-mechanical mind started wondering... if there's only a 6mm difference between the 349 and 355mm tires (which can use Big Apples), could I use the 355mm on my tikit? (sorry if this is a dumb question...)
Thanks so much!

Terry :)

jur
02-09-09, 07:32 PM
I suppose the biggest issue is whether there is enough clearance at the fork crown to accommodate the bigger wheel plus fatter tyre.

the second issue, also non-trivial, is the buy the different wheelset.

3rd issue, re-set the brakes for the new rims (checking they can move 3mm radially away from the axle is part of step 1).

If you thought simply to use 355mm Big Apples on 349mm rims, forget about it. They won't seat on the rims, they will blow off.
oboeterry
02-09-09, 08:08 PM
I suppose the biggest issue is whether there is enough clearance at the fork crown to accommodate the bigger wheel plus fatter tyre.

the second issue, also non-trivial, is the buy the different wheelset.

3rd issue, re-set the brakes for the new rims (checking they can move 3mm radially away from the axle is part of step 1).

If you thought simply to use 355mm Big Apples on 349mm rims, forget about it. They won't seat on the rims, they will blow off.

I was hoping that you might reply :) I don't know much about the clearances, but I can have my LBS guy take a look at it... and I would buy the whole wheel (rim and tire), as I figured that the slightly larger ones wouldn't seat properly.
Thanks so much for your reply!

vik
02-09-09, 08:12 PM
If you want a wider tire on your Tikit get some 40mm GS Scorchers in 349....very comfortable & fast tire. A very easy and effective upgrade.
jur
02-09-09, 08:50 PM
If you want a wider tire on your Tikit get some 40mm GS Scorchers in 349....very comfortable & fast tire. A very easy and effective upgrade.+1 - I would go this route as well, much cheaper and less risk. Pump to lower pressure (depending on your weight) for a soft ride.
joseff
02-09-09, 09:03 PM
^ This coming from a man considering 406 on his Birdy :D
makeinu
02-09-09, 09:09 PM
If you want a wider tire on your Tikit get some 40mm GS Scorchers in 349....very comfortable & fast tire. A very easy and effective upgrade.

+1+ I believe there was a discussion on the Bike Friday mailing list concluding that wider 355s would not fit.