Bicycle Mechanics - Putting slicks on MTB

I'm replacing the knobby tires on my MTB for smoother road ride. My rim is 559x20 and current tire is 2.10 in width. If I replace with 1.75 tire could I use the same inner tubes? I think most tubes are good from 1.50-2.0 right?I checked the sheldon brown site about wheels but didn't see specifics. Thanks

Most tubes list themselves as being good from 1.75 - 2.25 or 1.95 - 2.50. It's a rough guide anyway, so trying the fit is the only way to really know for sure. Inflate the tube just enough to round it out, then try installing it. If it bulges out and needs to be forced in very much, you should just replace it with a narrower one. They're cheap anyway.

Just make sure the bead seats in the rim.

If you're looking for the rocket ride you're cheating yourself by using such a big slick. Tubes are just not that expensive and you need spares anyway. Go for a tire such as the Ritchey Tom Slick listed at 1.4 inch wide (it seems more narrow than that) or the Tioga City Slicker at 1.5 or 1.25. Or for a ride that truly mimics a full on road bike get a pair of Panaracer Pasela 26x1.25 TG's. The kevlar belt will really avoid a huge number of flats and the tire seats with a rather egg like shape that produces a tread width at the road more akin to a 1 inch wide tire. I've ridden all three at various times and heartily recomend all three with the one reservation that the Tioga loves to pick up small pebbles and to go tick...tick...tick... or if you ride faster than me it goes ticktickticktick... :D The other two are tick free otions with the Panaracers being that little bit faster and flat free. The Ritcheys and Tiogas look more "right" on a mountain bike though.

But regardless if you're looking to switch them for the speed don't limit yourself with the wider and heavier option of the 1.75 tires. Go narrow or go home! ! ! ! :D

I find the tubes stretch out to fill the tire casing an that becomes their final size. I usually leave the tube in the tire and get new tubes for new tires, esp if I will use the other tires again some day. Tubes that have been in a 2.10" casing will be kinda large for 1.75" tires, I'd get new tubes too. Performance Bike has great prices on City Slicks and tubes, I got a pair of tires and tubes for less than $40:

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1070099_-1_1511003_1511000_400237
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1034743_-1_1511003_1511000_400232

I'm in nearly the same situation. But I'm going from 1.5 city tires to Specialized 1.3 fatboys. I'll probably get new tubes as well just because the old ones are, well, old. I think the tubes are the original ones that came with the 2.1 MTB tires. I've also heard good things about the Pasela's

If you read the posts on BF for any significant period of time you will read of people who have had blow outs after changing tires. Most of these are caused by catching a portion of the inner tube under the tire bead. If you are careful you can certainly use a slightly oversized or stretched out inner tube on a smaller tire. It's easier, however, if you use a slightly smaller inner tube with your new tires.

Thanks for all the information. My old tires were 2.0 so I was able to use the tubes when putting on the new tires. I got 26x1.75 semi slick and the ride is alot firmer and smooth, but other than that I can't tell much difference. It rides like my old road bike when hitting a bump since I'm running it at 60PSI although max is 65PSI. The new tires have kevlar belt so hopefully that will help reduce flats. I was surprised that there wasn't a directional arrown on the sidewall similar to road bike tires, so I mounted them the way I thought the tread pattern should go. Atleast they don't make the whooping sound like the knobbies while going downhill, and both tires were $25.

i have 1.5" tioga city slickers on my mtn bike. lasted 19yrs. i got another set of wheels with continental town and country tires now. 1.9" i think? at 55psi. they seem to ride ok.

Thanks for all the information. My old tires were 2.0 so I was able to use the tubes when putting on the new tires. I got 26x1.75 semi slick and the ride is alot firmer and smooth, but other than that I can't tell much difference. It rides like my old road bike when hitting a bump since I'm running it at 60PSI although max is 65PSI. The new tires have kevlar belt so hopefully that will help reduce flats. I was surprised that there wasn't a directional arrown on the sidewall similar to road bike tires, so I mounted them the way I thought the tread pattern should go. Atleast they don't make the whooping sound like the knobbies while going downhill, and both tires were $25.You didn't make that much of a change, hence the minimal difference. If you went to 1.25" slick tyres @ 90psi, you would REALLY notice a significance in speed.