Mountain Biking - Installing Slicks - Same Tube

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ifeelpretty2
07-30-04, 05:47 PM
Hello, probably a real stupid question...but..

I'm thinking of putting slicks on my bike. I was wondering, do I use my existing tube? If so, why is the max psi on a tire dependent on the tire and not the tube? (i.e. slicks go up to 100 psi while my existing knobby goes to about 80 psi). ???

FoX Rider
07-30-04, 05:59 PM
Its on the tire because some tires have stonger sidewalls. Slicks have weaker side walls then say the intense DH tires my friend has that can run at 16psi safely. Most tubes can hold the pressure.
Tom Pedale
07-30-04, 06:11 PM
Hello, probably a real stupid question...but..

I'm thinking of putting slicks on my bike. I was wondering, do I use my existing tube? If so, why is the max psi on a tire dependent on the tire and not the tube? (i.e. slicks go up to 100 psi while my existing knobby goes to about 80 psi). ???

The sidewalls of the tire support the tube, so it is the psi rating of the tire that matters. The only reason you might want to buy different tubes is if the slicks you're running are a narrower width than your knobbies which could mean installing the original tubes might be difficult or impossible.

Raiyn
07-30-04, 11:59 PM
Its on the tire because some tires have stonger sidewalls. Slicks have weaker side walls then say the intense DH tires my friend has that can run at 16psi safely. Most tubes can hold the pressure.
16 psi? Really? I'd think that any tube could hold 16 psi comfortably.:D

The sidewalls of the tire support the tube, so it is the psi rating of the tire that matters. The only reason you might want to buy different tubes is if the slicks you're running are a narrower width than your knobbies which could mean installing the original tubes might be difficult or impossible.Narrower tubes will make life easier when it comes time to install the slicks.