Bicycle Mechanics - Can I change from 700x35 tires to 700x23 tires using the same wheel?

I have a trek 7100 that is a 2-3 years old. I would like to put road tires on it. I would like to put 700x23 road tires. I have been told that I can switch them and keep the wheel but I have someone that says I can't do it. The wheel is a matrix 550 with a 700x35 currently.
Thanks

The safest thing to do is measure the interior diameter of the rims and check this:
http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html#width

inner width of the wheel is usually the outside width subtracted by 5mm

but the other thing to worry about is tire clearance.
if you go from a 23mm to a 35mm tire, it will be 6mm wider and 12mm taller.
does your fork and frame have more than 20mm of space with the 23mm tires?

Dont think so, thats a pretty big difference in tire width.

You could have the wheels rebuilt with narrower rims. But in the long run if you want a road bike it's best to buy a road bike.

Al

Dont think so, thats a pretty big difference in tire width.

it's possible with 15mm internal width rims. I've done it.
that's pretty much the entire mavic road line which use 15mm internal width, not including the touring rims.
usually you can go internal width x2.5 for maximum.

but I have no idea how the matrix/trek rims measure.

it's possible with 15mm internal width rims. I've done it.
that's pretty much the entire mavic road line which use 15mm internal width, not including the touring rims.
usually you can go internal width x2.5 for maximum.

but I have no idea how the matrix/trek rims measure.

But he's trying to go from a larger tire to a smaller tire.

700*23 tires can be a bit jarring, even unpleasant to ride, especially if you're used to wider tires. I'd suggest trying a pair of good 700*28 tires first (I'm a fan of Panaracer Paselas). Tires of that width should fit on your rims without any trouble.

If you are set on the 23's, measure the internal width of the rim, and use Sheldon's table as a guideline.

I wouldn't rule out the use of 23 mm tires just because the table shows them being a little too narrow. I currently have 23s on a bike with internal rim width of 18 mm and have encountered no pinch flats (what Sheldon's page gives as the likely issue) nor any other problem.

But he's trying to go from a larger tire to a smaller tire.

I just realized that. I need more tea.

700*23 tires can be a bit jarring, even unpleasant to ride, especially if you're used to wider tires. I'd suggest trying a pair of good 700*28 tires first (I'm a fan of Panaracer Paselas). Tires of that width should fit on your rims without any trouble.

Foldable Rasela TG 28s are very light and have good puncture protection. You might be able to fit the 25mm.

I wouldn't suggest 700x23's. As stated earlier, you'll enter a whole new world of harshness. Plus, your wider rim is going to change the intended profile of the tire (it won't corner as well), and you open up the greater possibility of pinch flats.

There are lots of good, light, fast-rolling 28's out there. Buy one of them.

I searched and searched - can you tell us the interior or exterior width of that rim?

one of my bikes has 35s, and one has 23s. I can tell you there's a BIG difference in rim size.

i'm not sure you could do that. 25s maybe, 28s probably.

I am leaving work right now. I will measure as soon as I get home thanks for the help.

I truly doubt that a rim that came with 35's is going to allow 23's to replace them.

It would solve a lot of pondering if the rims - with the 35's - have a name you can give us. And a photograph or 3 would also be very helpful.

Also you can look up the manufacturer and see if they don't tell you on their website. My Mavic A719's would surely fit your 35's. But it's cutoff is nothing below a 28.

Just got home and measured.
Matrix 550 rims. on the label it says 622 x 20
I measured about 22mm I will try to take some pics after i eat.

Just got home and measured.
Matrix 550 rims. on the label it says 622 x 20
I measured about 22mm I will try to take some pics after i eat.

Much too wide for a 23.

Should I try for 25's or go for 28's?

Though you might be able (might) to get away with a 25, 28's are a sure thing. And there are some very nice 700 X 28C tires out there.

Oh Doh!! I get it - these are Matrix 550. Check this:

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=457615

Thanks for all the input, I am guessing that I should start seriously considering a road bike if i want a "road bike"

Thanks for all the input, I am guessing that I should start seriously considering a road bike if i want a "road bike"

ding ding ding! We have a winner! :thumb:

you won't look back.