Bicycle Mechanics - Stupid Tire Question #2. What Fits?

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ted3929
05-16-04, 05:08 PM
Recently bought a Trek 7500 FX with Bontrager 700x38 tires. As good as these are, they have 0 traction. I'm looking at other tires (casings is the proper term, I guess) and have found a bewildering number of sizes. Unfortunately, the owner's manual isn't much help and the Bontrager online page doesn't help either. The bike has the standard Bontrager dual spoke wheels.

Is is safe to stick any 700 series tire on this wheels or do I have to stay within a range? :eek:

Phil from VA
05-17-04, 05:22 AM
You need to stick with a hybrid tire. Wide rims require a wide tire and tube. I would guess that you may be able to go a couple sizes narrower- something in the 32 range. You should not have bad traction with a 38 tire, you should check the inflation. You have the option of buying new wheels if you want to upgrade to a racing tire. Probably not worth it.
The problem with a hybrid is that it can be used on road or trail, but its not real good at either.
bluejack
05-17-04, 09:20 AM
When you say you have bad traction, do you mean on road, or off?
For years I had thought that knobbly tires were best for traction, but
it turns out that smooth tires get better traction on the road,
especially in wet or icy conditions because more surface of the
tire is against the road at all times.

Under what conditions do you find yourself losing traction? It might
help to identify what tire you need.

ted3929
05-17-04, 04:30 PM
The tires seem to hold well on dry pavement, but anything approaching wet or the least bit of dirt or sand can make them slide like you wouldn't believe. I've tried letting some air out and that seemed to help some, but in Florida no sidewalk or road is safe from sand. Hate to be buzzing along at 30 or so and hit a patch I didn't see until too late.


When you say you have bad traction, do you mean on road, or off?
For years I had thought that knobbly tires were best for traction, but
it turns out that smooth tires get better traction on the road,
especially in wet or icy conditions because more surface of the
tire is against the road at all times.

Under what conditions do you find yourself losing traction? It might
help to identify what tire you need.
bluejack
05-17-04, 04:53 PM
So, the experts here can probably give you some good advice on brands
with extra traction. A great place to learn stuff is Sheldon Brown's site.
He even has a section on tire treads (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#tread) that might be helpful
to you.