General Cycling Discussion - What am I to do?

I sort of a dilemma, I have been out of the loop for a while now and I am a little confused on some measurements and terms of “Today’s” parts and what not. From what you can see in my signature I have 700X38c tires. I have no idea what this means but I know that they are as thin as a 12 speed. (maybe a tad wider) but I was thinking about having options as I have different tastes of riding. I wanted to be able to go with some mountain bike tires and rims so I could inter change them from time to time, depending on my location. So, what do I get? I have no idea what rims to get nor tires and tubs. I’m lost. I am sure someone can help.
Thanks

You can get some more aggressive 38mm tires. That refers to width. You an go narrower, like 23mm for riding on the street, and some knobby 38mm's for off road. You can't put on genuine mountain bike tires/wheels because those are 26" (not 700C). 700C's are used on cyclocross bikes which see off-road duty so you should have no problem. Time for a trip to the local bike shop :)

First off. NIce bike! Check out your addy.

FOr the width of the trim. Im a little concerned about the width becuase I am not as slinder as I once was in my youth and just now getting back into riding again. if you are talking about putting wider tires on a narrow rim thats a bit risky right? I am under the asumtion thats not what you are saying. Ultamatly I want to keep what I have but get new rims for a wider ride. from what you are saying is look for the widest XXc 700 rims with tires to match. Correct?

How about this!
with having 700 rims what is the widest XXc that I can go?

The first number refers to the size of the wheel. 700 is the size normally used on road bikes. The second number is the width of the tire in mm. For some odd reason, bicycle companies have not been able to agree on what a mm is. One manufacturer's 23 mm can be easily as big as another comany's 25 mm. Generally 20-25 mm are used for road bike riding. Fully loaded tourists tend to use larger tires 25-32. Commuters tend to use larger tires also. The notion there is on busy roads you are sometimes forced to just ride over something.

GyverX: Thanks for the compliment. I really enjoy that bike, its the first bike I've had that fit me so well.

The width is no problem. Just inflate to the correct pressure noted on the sidewall and it won't be an issue. I'm a pretty big guy, 315lbs and a tad under 6'3". I don't run these wheels (yet) but I've run 2.1" tires on my 26" wheels, and at a very low pressure (like 30-40lbs) and had no issues. Its the pressure that *really* matters.

Like I said, ride down to your LBS (local bike shop) and see what they've got, and what'll fit your bike.

Some good resources to learn what the latest stuff is. I too am learning as I go, and I'm sure someone will correct my info if I'm wrong, right guys ;)

http://sheldonbrown.com/
Particularly this: http://sheldonbrown.com/tire_sizing.html

Oh, and as one of our favorite sayings around my office when it comes to finding something out "Google is your friend":D

If you have different sets of wheels with tires ready mounted to suit different riding conditions, make sure they have the same hub and sprocket set-ups. Otherwise you will spend ages fiddling with the derailler adjustment whenever you switch wheels.

Unless I'm reading your question incorrectly, you would be better served buying a used or low end mountain bike rather than getting new rims ($$) for your hybrid. Even a cheap set of 700c wheels and tires/tubes will run you at least $150.00 Not to mention the compatibility issues that can arise between the two cassettes (your rear cogs and chain wear together, mixing components of varied condition often leads to poor performance).

I have a trek 730 w/ 700c and was not comfortable on the trail. Packed limestone was fine, but dirt, mud, and sand require a wide tire and small rims (26").

I am begining to notice this. I live in Knoxville and its all up hill and down hill. Pumping those big wheels hurts this poor old man :) Im seriously thinking about going to Dicks and getting a mongoose :)

Im seriously thinking about going to Dicks and getting a mongoose :)
NOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Thought you looked at my site, man! ;) Seriously: http://www.geocities.com/rykoala/walmart.html

If you need a cheap bike, and it does sound like you'll want a mountain bike, get a trek 820 or something, from a bike shop. WAY better than some department store. Oh, and you'll get one that FITS you.