Cyclocross - cross tires on road wheels... how wide??

Hi... just bought a cross bike... many questions =)

it's a Kona Jake the Snake and has Mavic Ksyrium wheels on it... are those cross wheels or just road wheels?

Can those rims take a 35 tire? I think the mavic website suggests max 32 for the road wheels but is there a chance that there is a cross version that I may have?

anybody done this before? (put a 35 tire on these rims?) any problems??

thanks!

You'll be fine.

You'll be fine.

+1

+1

Sweeeeet, thanks!

It will be fine, and will work, but the performance of the tire will be compromised. In order to have the best cornering and bump absorbing qualities in a wide tire like that, the rim should be wide enough to be able to seat the sidewalls so they are essentially vertical, not angled down toward the rim. This ensures the tire is properly seated and supported, and the casing is shaped as it was intended.

I used to run 35mm's on some open sports, and then built up a wheelset with some Sun CR18's, and the difference in ride quality was astonishing. WAY comfier and it felt like it cornered much more predictably as well.

I would consider not passing 32mm tires with road rims, because even then, the sidewalls are still not properly supported and performance is compromised. I can't believe I never hear anyone mention this. I've searched this topic as well and all anyone ever says is "it will work just fine," or something along those lines.

Edit: Oh and everything I mentioned above will be greatly exaggerated if you run the tire at lower pressures.

might be wanting those 32's on the rims to make room for mudguards over them ..
bike in question not in front of me..
they have wide frame clearance around the tires as it is?

but 35,37,40 are some tire widths to check out ..

You dont say how wide the chainstays are apart.
nobody can measure and give that data before posting , here I guess.

so your limited to those who Own the same Bike as you answering.

It will be fine, and will work, but the performance of the tire will be compromised. In order to have the best cornering and bump absorbing qualities in a wide tire like that, the rim should be wide enough to be able to seat the sidewalls so they are essentially vertical, not angled down toward the rim. This ensures the tire is properly seated and supported, and the casing is shaped as it was intended.

I used to run 35mm's on some open sports, and then built up a wheelset with some Sun CR18's, and the difference in ride quality was astonishing. WAY comfier and it felt like it cornered much more predictably as well.

I would consider not passing 32mm tires with road rims, because even then, the sidewalls are still not properly supported and performance is compromised. I can't believe I never hear anyone mention this. I've searched this topic as well and all anyone ever says is "it will work just fine," or something along those lines.

Edit: Oh and everything I mentioned above will be greatly exaggerated if you run the tire at lower pressures.

Good call....

I was able to get the pair of continental 35 cross tires for $50 shipped so I figure I will try them out and see... I'm sure I can always resell them if they are a huge problem

Thanks!

Hey, they're going to work just fine. Use them for now, as long as you have fun you're doing it right. B) Don't let what I said deter you, unless you're seriously competitive. If not, have a blast! 35mm is a nice width.

Hey, they're going to work just fine. Use them for now, as long as you have fun you're doing it right. B) Don't let what I said deter you, unless you're seriously competitive. If not, have a blast! 35mm is a nice width.

Thanks! This is my 10th bike, so it likely won't get too much use =)

I have just always wanted a cross bike and it was a deal I could not pass up =)

Pretty much every CX bike comes with road wheels.

Pretty much every CX bike comes with road wheels.

they are 700c, you just have the dealer do a tire swap before you take it Home.