Aleforge

This is what I currently have,

(52-559) 26 x 2.0 Inflate to 40 P.S.I

That is the only thing listed on my tire. I am not sure what sizes can work on the wheel, or what size I should be running for my weight. I do know 40 PSI seems to be too low, and I recently jumped it to 50 but am nervous that going down hill pulling my kids its going to blow.

Don't want to spend a ton of cash and will be running mostly on pavement. I weigh 240, can anyone help me out to find a tire / tube set? I was looking through some of the online retailers but having a hard time finding something that says 26 x 2.0.

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/TopCate...10053_10052_-1

TYVM!

Tom Stormcrowe

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...west+Tire.aspx

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...tion+Tire.aspx

I've used both, and loved the Geax in the second link when I still had a mountain bike. It was great on pavement or on hard pack, and is VERY flat resistant.

Your tire doesn't have to be a 26X2, by the way, that's just what came on the bike and is the most common Knobbed tire size.

Wanderer

Get some slick type tires in 1.5" width. Better traction on the paved surfaces, higher pressure, for load, and much easier pedalling..... even, inch and a quarter would be fine.

Aleforge

So I just need to make sure its for a 16" rim, the width can vary? Now since I have NEVER bought or installed tires before is there any special tools I need to pick up to do so? And as far as tubes for lets say either the links you listed, so I just buy anything for a 26" tire with a standard stem?

Thanks and sorry for being so clueless.

jboyd

Sounds like you are riding either a Mtn Bike or a Hybrid.

Check these out. I turned another Clyde onto these and I think he loves them.

https://www.harborcountrybike.com/Pro...RE3313&click=2
Seems that $12 - $18 is the price range. I ran these or two years at 65# with no problem. Very fast.

Now, if you want great tires, but you are willing to blow your budget, take a look at these.
https://www.outsideoutfitters.com/p-1...e-26-tire.aspx

Good luck to ya. Get some new skins and get down here to the Tunnel Hill Trail and give me a call.

Aleforge

Ya its a hybrid, right now the thread is smooth in the middle and more aggressive on the sides. But as mentioned they are only 40 PSI and have some nasty rolling resistance at my weight. I figured bumping that up might make for a better ride. As I did notice some improvement by going from 40 to 50 PSI, the only problem is I just took them 25% over their rated number and now I'm paranoid they will blow.

I was looking just now at that Kenda Kwest tire but noticed on the pull down they offer two versions at 26". Black Hybrid 26 x 1.50 steel and black 100 PSI 26 x 1.50. I can't find out the PSI rating on the Hybrid or really the difference between the two? I'm guessing in my case the higher PSI ones might be more what I am looking for?

I showed my wife the link to Tunnel Hill and she was interested after seeing some of the photos. Looks like a really awesome scenic ride. We will get down there soon! As for this weekend we are doing some miles on the Katy trail starting in Augusta.

Thanks for the help everyone!

Wogster

With can very some, most MTB rims are actually narrower then they should be given the wide tires they put on them. As for tools, the same ones you use for fixing a puncture will do essentially a set of tire levers and a pump. The difference is you use a different tire instead of the same one.

When you move to a different tire, some tires are marked for direction, so you need to make sure that the direction is proper. You want tubes for the selected tire size, make sure you buy 3, one for each wheel plus a spare. The spare goes into your saddle bag with the tire levers. You can get pumps that can be bike mounted or used on the floor. Best is to keep a bike mounted pump on each bike, and a floor pump for home.

zoste

Changing a tire is an indispensable skill. Every cyclist needs to know how to do it, and it really is pretty easy. Like anything else, it gets easier with practice. Here's a pretty basic guide.

d4c4c8

You really shouldn't use more than 5psi over what it says on the sidewall of the tire or you risk blowing off the rim.

ANY 26" tire will fit the bike from 26x2.25 to however much space inside your fork/chain/seatstay gives you room for. If your'e riding on road, I strongly recommend a slick or minimal tread. As far as brand... What I love you may hate and vice versa. It's like recommending underwear. I don't do it.

Aleforge

Thank you all very much, going to go check that guide out now. And I will heed your warning on the PSI over inflation! Sounds like I might be happier in the end anyhow with better tires.

Wanderer

You will notice a big difference with narrower slick type tires, at higher pressures.

Aleforge

Ok so if I buy new 26" x 1.5" tires what size tubes do I need for them? And is there a particular brand I should stick with? I wasn't sure if I could use my old tubes or not.

Something like this?

Continental Conti 26" x 1.25-1.75" 36mm PV tube

socalrider

Pricepoint is having a tire and tube sale right now..

https://www.pricepoint.com/thumb.htm?...price&ascend=0

5 pack of tubes for 10.00.. https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/174...--Set-of-5.htm

Tom Stormcrowe

Yes

Mr. Beanz

Wow, I'm thrown for a loop! Poster says 26 inch tire, 16 inch rims, 40 psi and a hybrid.

I thought hybrids had 700c wheels
Most 26 inch 40 psi tires that I've seen have shraedar valves (not PV presta valves/stems).
16 inch rims?
Maybe I'm just getting old!

zoste

Good catch, Beanz!

Ale, you've got to make sure that you get the same type valve as you already have. Shrader valves are like the ones on your car tires, and probably what you already have. In your last post you mentioned: "Continental Conti 26" x 1.25-1.75" 36mm PV tube." The "PV" designation is for Presta valve. The tubes are not interchangeable.

(...and I'm guessing the 16 inch was a typo...)

Tom Stormcrowe

He had some typos, Beanz. Also, you can insert a rubber spacer grommet is\f you have to use a Presta Tube in a shraeder drilling. I did miss the PV coding, though.

Good point on the 700c being possible, since it's a hybrid. Look and make sure you aren't running a wide 700c sized tire.

d4c4c8

I've seen a couple of MFR's advertise 26" bikes as hybrids. usually lower end.

Tubes will fit a variety of size tires (they stretch) but it is limited. just make sure the tire is within the range of the tube sizes.

When mountain biking with my kids, I got in the habbit of carrying a #10 washer. the hole fits a presta valve fine, the washer still fits most rims. I still carry a couple of washers in my flat bag, along with cotton balls and a marker. Some people don't know to center the label of the tire over the stem as a reference to help find the offending glass, nail, staple, whatever. In these cases I mark the tire where the stem is before starting.

Aleforge

Sorry about the typos guys! I went ahead and placed my order, went with the Kenda Kwest High Pressure 26x1.5 Black/Black Steel (TR5103) (100PSI). And the Continental Conti 26" x 1.25-1.75" 36mm PV tube (TU9204).

I went ahead and ordered through AEBIKE since the warning about possible problems at Nashbar.

Ok so I did order the wrong tubes? I had no idea the stems didn't come with the tubes themselves, I thought they were hooked together for life. So I need to call AE and get tubes that are "Shrader" Style? Or can I just buy new valves to work with the ones I bought?

zoste

The valve stems are attached to the tubes. Go and look at the valves that are on your bike now. The stems will look like one of these:



The problem will be that the valve stem holes in your rims will be larger if you have shrader valves. If you try to put a presta tube in a shrader rim the hole will be too big and you will need some type of grommet so the valve stem won't move around.

I'm guessing that you have shrader valve tubes/rims. If so, the best thing to do is cal AE and order the proper tubes.

Aleforge

Yep I have Schrader, I tried to contact the company but they were closed. I dropped CS an email in case they get it first thing. Both tubes are the same price so hopefully they will just swap them before shipment. Oh well live and learn, I now know 100% more about tubes and tires then I did yesterday.

I appreciate everyone's help! And sorry to have asked so many newb questions. I think I have ran out for now.

jboyd

Probably like the rest of us, I am sure you have paid more for less education before now.

It really is kinda cool how much you can learn within a few hours on a thread of this nature. Good Stuff.

jboyd

While we are on the subject, I have a question.

Can you drill out a rim that has presta and replace with Schrader tubes?

I have presta's on my 29r and I think they are a pain in the butt. I have presta adapters everywhere, one stays in my floor pump, I have one wire tied to the bike frame and one in a bag. I just want to take the cap off and add air Grrrrrr!

deraltekluge

READ THIS

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

nashcommguy

Man, get Schwalbe Marathon Plus from https://www.biketiresdirect.com w/tubes and your worries are over. The best all-around tire on the market for commuting/utilitarian applications. Belive me you wont be sorry. Get a Kool Stop tire lever, too to go along w/your regular tire levers. Use some dish-soap on the beads, partially inflate the tubes, start at the valve and 'seat' both front and rear beads as you go around the tire. Until you get to 3-9 0'clock. Then pop the back side over the rim flange and work the front making sure to let air out of the tube and stuffing the excess tube under the bead on the front to avoid 'pinching' the tube. Then when you have about 6-12" of bead left to get over the rim flange break out the Kool Stop and it'll take you home w/relative ease. Again, just make sure you keep the tube from being pinched.

SMPs are a B**** to mount the first time, but get easier as they conform to your rim. Changing flats(should you ever get one) aren't difficult. I've got 3 pairs of SMPs and in over 10,000 combined commuting/recreational miles I've had 1 flat and 2 slow leaks(both pinch flats...totally my fault). They're the best, hands down. They can be over-inflated 15-20 psi w/no probs which creates lesser rolling resistance.