Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Need Some Tire Help

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View Full Version : Need Some Tire Help


Thrahl
05-05-10, 04:33 PM
Hi, I currently have 28mm tires on my AlexRims DC19's (http://www.alexrims.com/product_detail.asp?btn=4&cat=4&id=99) which are reportedly 16mm wide.
From what I understand this is well within the recommended widths for my rims.

However, I recently found someone who is selling tires on the cheap (very cheap).
But all of the tires are 23mm (and continentals which I hear run small).

I really would like to be able to use such thin tires and especially at this price.
But would I be risking anything by going slightly smaller than what Sheldon says is acceptable?

What exactly are the repercussions of riding a too-narrow tire?

I don't punish my bike and my streets are very smooth. Would I be ok using the 23s?

Thanks

Edit: browsing a bit more, I found this (http://www.bicycletires.com/a_49/tire_width/article.htm) site that says I should be totally fine with 23s so there seems to be some play.
I still want to hear your input though.


Wanderer
05-05-10, 04:51 PM
You will be fine with those - just watch your tire pressure....

Thrahl
05-05-10, 04:53 PM
As far as I know, these new tires are either 110 or 120psi max and my current tires are 90psi max.
I have no problem topping off tires as needed so pressure won't be a problem.


lz4005
05-05-10, 04:53 PM
C and mm are different. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

23's will probably be fine. As long as they fit its really a personal preference issue.

All other things being equal (tire compound, psi, etc) the 23s will probably feel a little faster, skid a little easier, ride a little rougher and be a bit less resistant to pinch flats.

Squirrelli
05-05-10, 07:22 PM
Here's the handy Sheldon Brown's rim-tire compatibility chart.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire_sizing.html#width

Thrahl
05-05-10, 07:34 PM
Here's the handy Sheldon Brown's rim-tire compatibility chart.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire_sizing.html#width

I had already known about that and was looking for some opinions perhaps based on first-hand experience, not to discredit Sheldon.
Just looking for some other opinions which I seem to have found.
Thanks though.