Smart Sam 700-40C actual size on wheel (ie. will they fit my bike?)
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Smart Sam 700-40C actual size on wheel (ie. will they fit my bike?)
Hi,
I recently purchased my first new bike in 26 years, a Felt QX85 hybrid (QX 85 - Felt Bicycles). It's a fine bike but I'm constantly finding myself driving on paths and pothole-filled gravel roads for which the current tires (Schwalbe Spicer 700-35C slicks) may not be all that hot. I'm looking for a tire that would work well on gravel on lower pressures and Schwalbe Smart Sam seems to be the way to go on price (under 40 euros shipped per pair) / internet ravings ratio.
There is a 37C Smart Sam that would surely fit but the having that little extra air space on 40C intrigues me but it might be a too tight fit at least with fenders. If anyone has the 40C Smart Sam on a 622-18-ish wheel and would be kind enough to post the actual width and diameter I would be most grateful!
I recently purchased my first new bike in 26 years, a Felt QX85 hybrid (QX 85 - Felt Bicycles). It's a fine bike but I'm constantly finding myself driving on paths and pothole-filled gravel roads for which the current tires (Schwalbe Spicer 700-35C slicks) may not be all that hot. I'm looking for a tire that would work well on gravel on lower pressures and Schwalbe Smart Sam seems to be the way to go on price (under 40 euros shipped per pair) / internet ravings ratio.
There is a 37C Smart Sam that would surely fit but the having that little extra air space on 40C intrigues me but it might be a too tight fit at least with fenders. If anyone has the 40C Smart Sam on a 622-18-ish wheel and would be kind enough to post the actual width and diameter I would be most grateful!
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I have the Smart Sam in the 700x47 on a Velocity Dyad rim. It measures true-to-size. Like all tires with large knobs along the shoulder, the Smart Sam needs plenty of room between the chain-stays. After looking at the Felt website, I would inspect the existing tire fit to see if you have about 6 mms of clearance around the chain-stays, fork and seat-stays.
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 06-25-14 at 05:20 AM.
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We need a sticky here to help people identify bikes that can take up to 50 mm tires in the 700 C size.
Very few bikes can do it. Most bikes can go up to 35 mm (commuter and CX) with fenders and 40-42 without. That pretty much limits even wider tire options.
So what fat tire all round bikes like that are out there? The OP is not the only one with that question.
Very few bikes can do it. Most bikes can go up to 35 mm (commuter and CX) with fenders and 40-42 without. That pretty much limits even wider tire options.
So what fat tire all round bikes like that are out there? The OP is not the only one with that question.
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Thanks, after some eyeballing I decided to pull the trigger and ordered the 40C Sams. Looked like that there was at least a centimeter of space under the fenders and if they don't fit I should be able to return them.
Agreed on the sticky on bikes that could take big tires. I went searching for a bike for my wife with the tire clearance issue in mind and found out that Marin Muirwoods 29er should be able to take any 29" MTB tire - and has a steel frame and fork to boot. Could make for a nice budget grinder.
Agreed on the sticky on bikes that could take big tires. I went searching for a bike for my wife with the tire clearance issue in mind and found out that Marin Muirwoods 29er should be able to take any 29" MTB tire - and has a steel frame and fork to boot. Could make for a nice budget grinder.
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Well, the verdict is in. They do fit - I think that without Fenders the Felt QX could easily take at least 47C tires. With my SKS Velo 47 fenders I had to trim the fender flares a bit with a utility knife to clear the shoulder knobs.
As expected the ride on gravel became much better with the Smart Sams. Potholes don't jar nearly as much and I can take on loose gravel and sand with much better authority.
Speaking of fenders, it should not be too hard to come up with a two piece mudguard design that wouldn't restrict tire clearance at all. Do such exist already?
As expected the ride on gravel became much better with the Smart Sams. Potholes don't jar nearly as much and I can take on loose gravel and sand with much better authority.
Speaking of fenders, it should not be too hard to come up with a two piece mudguard design that wouldn't restrict tire clearance at all. Do such exist already?
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Well, the verdict is in. They do fit - I think that without Fenders the Felt QX could easily take at least 47C tires. With my SKS Velo 47 fenders I had to trim the fender flares a bit with a utility knife to clear the shoulder knobs.
As expected the ride on gravel became much better with the Smart Sams. Potholes don't jar nearly as much and I can take on loose gravel and sand with much better authority.
Speaking of fenders, it should not be too hard to come up with a two piece mudguard design that wouldn't restrict tire clearance at all. Do such exist already?
As expected the ride on gravel became much better with the Smart Sams. Potholes don't jar nearly as much and I can take on loose gravel and sand with much better authority.
Speaking of fenders, it should not be too hard to come up with a two piece mudguard design that wouldn't restrict tire clearance at all. Do such exist already?
They are huge and easily cover a 700x50 tire. They don't rob tire clearance, surprisingly.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 07-06-14 at 01:57 PM.
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