Cyclocross - Tire Sizes for my 2004 Bianchi Axis

Hi Guys,

I've had my "04 Bianchi Axis for a while now but haven't had much chance to get out and about on it. The wheels that came with it are newer and are marked 622-14. I was wondering what range of tire sizes you think would be safe to use on it. I want to use it for the odd triathlon plus the odd dirt trail so I guess I'm looking for both really fast slicks and some real fat nobblies.

Nice bike.

This is just a 30mm 700c wheelset. Pretty standard. The wheel isn't going to be the limiting factor here, it's the frame. From what I've seen, you can easily fit from a 700/23 to a 700/38 tire on there.

From the website, it already comes with 700x35's so you should be able to go a little bigger and much smaller. My cross bike can easily fit 700x42's and I've also ran 700x23's on the same wheels. You should be able to do the same.

Thanks knobster, I looked last night and the tires that came with it (I got it used) are 37c and there is loads of room to the frame but they are pretty smooth (no nobbles). I guess I'll go to the local bike store and try some tires on there.
Since I've been riding triathlon races on the 37's I should be flying on 23's right? Well we can all dream.

Yes, you should see a significant speed increase with the 23's. Also a significant reduction in comfort, but there are always trade offs.

622x14 is a road rim so you can easily use road tires.

I've used continental gatorskins in 700x23, 25 and 28 widths as well as some specialized borough sport 700x32 tires and I like how the 700x28 conti gatorskins bridge the gap between the 23's and the 32's. Try them, you can pump them up to 116psi and still get more ride quality than you'll get from the 700x25's at like 100-105psi.

FYI I just got some Hutchinson Fusion 2 23's. Haven't tried them out but looking forward to learn how to ride on skinny tires!