1980 raleigh competition largest tire size?
05-12-15, 06:06 PM
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1980 raleigh competition largest tire size?
Hello out there- I was wondering if anybody knows the largest tire I can fit on my 1980 Raleigh competition? Th enire has 700c wheels. Would 700 x 32 work? Right now it has conti 28s that seem to leave plenty of room. Any thoughts?
05-12-15, 07:52 PM
#2
Constant tinkerer
Unfortunately, largest tire size is essentially a "try it and see" thing. If you have plenty of room with 28s I would guess 32s will fit. You can try measuring the gaps between your current tire and the fork crown, bottom bracket area, and seat-stay bridge to get a rough estimate.
Your rims will be able to handle any tire that your frame can handle so don't worry about that.
Also, a good rule of thumb is that if the bike came from the factory with 27" clinchers, the bike should definitely fit at least 700x32 tires but probably 700x35. Due to the fact that almost ALL 27" tires are 27 x 1 1/4" (roughly 32mm.) Plus the fact that a 27" rim is 4mm larger in radius than a 700c rim. So that gives you a little wiggle room.
Your rims will be able to handle any tire that your frame can handle so don't worry about that.
Also, a good rule of thumb is that if the bike came from the factory with 27" clinchers, the bike should definitely fit at least 700x32 tires but probably 700x35. Due to the fact that almost ALL 27" tires are 27 x 1 1/4" (roughly 32mm.) Plus the fact that a 27" rim is 4mm larger in radius than a 700c rim. So that gives you a little wiggle room.
Last edited by FastJake; 05-12-15 at 07:56 PM.
05-12-15, 09:05 PM
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05-13-15, 05:52 AM
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Unfortunately, largest tire size is essentially a "try it and see" thing. If you have plenty of room with 28s I would guess 32s will fit. You can try measuring the gaps between your current tire and the fork crown, bottom bracket area, and seat-stay bridge to get a rough estimate.
05-13-15, 06:55 AM
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Thank you very much- that is really helpful- to be honest, as far as which tires I had in mind, I was just starting to think about it. Maybe Schwalbe marathons? It's just for commuting, so I'm looking for comfort and no flats.
Last edited by Climachus; 05-13-15 at 06:59 AM.
05-13-15, 08:28 AM
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The marathons are an excellent commuting tire. Very puncture resistant, long lasting, just not the tire to bomb down an alpine descent with 21 switchbacks. I have a studded set on my winter commuter, very, very tough.
05-13-15, 09:45 AM
#7
incazzare.
I can't tell you for sure, but I was able to fit 32mm tires on my 1979. It was tight, but it worked, and I *really* liked it with those tires. I ran Panaracer Pasela TG tires, which provide good flat protection and a very nice ride.
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1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter
1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter
