road tires on my MTB?
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road tires on my MTB?
I have a trek y-11 mountain bike with MTB tires for riding the trails here in Austin. My girlfriend bought a road bike and I'd like to ride with her but not make the investment in a road bike right now. Could I just buy some inexpensive wheels with road-like tires instead? I understand this would be a temporary fix but if I enjoy road cycling then I could buy a proper road bike later. My bike (carbon fiber frame) is very light so I figured that it could be similar to a hybrid with road tires on it. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
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The bike uses 26" wheels, of course, so all you need to do is buy some 26" mtb slicks and install them. You'll probably need some smaller volume 26" tubes, too, to better match the size of the narrower slicks. There are lots of mtb slicks to choose from, check out Nashbar, Performance, etc...........I'm not sure I understand your question entirely, but if you're saying you want to buy a separate "road" wheelset, keep in mind that most modern road bikes, and hybrids too, use 700c wheels. In addition, rear hub spacing is different from mtb (135mm) to road (130mm). If you really want an extra set of wheels, so you can switch back and forth between slicks and knobbies without having to remove the tires from the rims, just buy an extra 26" mtb wheelset. Even then, you'll want to make sure the width of the rim is the same as your existing wheelset so you don't have to adjust the brakes each time you make the switch (assuming your bike has rim brakes), and to make it all worthwhile you'll need another cassette, too, with the same gearing as your existing one (unless you want to remove and re-install the cassette each time you change the wheels). If you have disc brakes, and you want another 26" wheelset, make sure the new wheelset is compatible with your disc brakes.
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RE: road tires on my mtb
You are correct that I wanted a set of road wheels/tires that I could easily change out with my mtb wheels/tires. If I understand correctly I would need a set of MTB wheels with the same width as my current rims, slick mtb tires and a compatible cassette with the same gearing. I'm a novice but would you suggest doing this or finding a used (inexpensive) roadbike on craigslist instead? I appreciate your help!
Ivan
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I did the tire swap and have not had an issue, then again, I have not needed the extra traction yet. I have two bikes and may put the MTB's on one and leave the slicks on the other, but since they are in two different places (Ohio and NY), I will wait. My own opinion is that it takes about an hour to swap the tires/tubes on a bike. Not that big a deal.
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Originally Posted by ivanejackson
You are correct that I wanted a set of road wheels/tires that I could easily change out with my mtb wheels/tires. If I understand correctly I would need a set of MTB wheels with the same width as my current rims, slick mtb tires and a compatible cassette with the same gearing. I'm a novice but would you suggest doing this or finding a used (inexpensive) roadbike on craigslist instead? I appreciate your help!
Ivan
Ivan
Last edited by well biked; 07-26-06 at 07:11 PM.
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That's about what I did on my old mtb, and was able to do it with the same wheel set. You probably can too, unless you are getting really radical - or unless you need to be able to change back and forth without getting out the tire tools.
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I just put some GEAX Roadsters on my Gary Fisher yesterday, and I bet my riding efficiency on the streets increased at least 20% or more. Not only that, it's a lot more quiet than riding on the big tread. The tires, tubes, and labor at the shop only ran $50.
I didn't bother getting new rims because I don't go off the trail. I just ride it around in the city.
I didn't bother getting new rims because I don't go off the trail. I just ride it around in the city.
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I did that for a commuter. I had 2 sets of wheels for my Giant Iquana, during the week it had 1.5 slicks on it, on weekends the 2.25 knobbies went back on I was not a gonzo downhill rider, but enjoyed riding on the local forest trails, and after a good rain you definitely needed the knobbies. Check around on the wheel prices, you should be able to get a decent set of spare wheels with a cassette for
$120-$150. Maybe check you local LBS and see if they have a used set for sale.
Aaron
$120-$150. Maybe check you local LBS and see if they have a used set for sale.
Aaron
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Keep in mind that new cassettes + used chains can result in chain skip. It might be better to just get a set of tires and tubes. Some folding Panaracer Pasela 1.25" tires with extra-light tubes would be nice. The narrow width will cut air drag, which is important. Also keep in mind that the bike will be sitting about 1" lower to the ground on little tires, so be careful about pedalling through corners... your ground clearance is significantly reduced.
That said, you can put on slicks and pump 'em up to the max, and you still can look forward to being dropped with ease by an equivalent rider on a road-racing bike, if you're out for a fast road ride.
That said, you can put on slicks and pump 'em up to the max, and you still can look forward to being dropped with ease by an equivalent rider on a road-racing bike, if you're out for a fast road ride.
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Originally Posted by ivanejackson
You are correct that I wanted a set of road wheels/tires that I could easily change out with my mtb wheels/tires. If I understand correctly I would need a set of MTB wheels with the same width as my current rims, slick mtb tires and a compatible cassette with the same gearing. I'm a novice but would you suggest doing this or finding a used (inexpensive) roadbike on craigslist instead? I appreciate your help!
Ivan
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Originally Posted by Keith99
If you are going to go the route of a complete wheelset I would advise NOT having the same gearing. If possible try to get yourself something that gives you a higher top end. Years ago I went the slicks route with a MTN bike and found I ran out of gears at the highend.
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Originally Posted by mechBgon
Keep in mind that new cassettes + used chains can result in chain skip.
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One caveat with putting new higher-pressure tires on an older bike (with older wheels) is that braking may have worn the rims thin over the years. Pumping your new slicks up past 60 or 70 PSI for a fast road ride can warp the braking surfaces or even blow off the sides of the rim off. (yes, I have had both of these things happen).
If your bike has a lot of miles (and braking) on it, you might want to check the rim sidewall wear beforehand.. this can be a big safety issue if the front rim lets go while you are riding.
If your bike has a lot of miles (and braking) on it, you might want to check the rim sidewall wear beforehand.. this can be a big safety issue if the front rim lets go while you are riding.