28 m. Tires
12-14-14, 12:31 AM
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28 m. Tires
Are 28mm tires enough for gravel grinding and maybe some single track?
12-14-14, 06:26 AM
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yes
12-14-14, 10:14 AM
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It's really going to depend on your roads/trails. I've ridden 28mm with no troubles but really preferr something bigger for the washboard, potholes, areas with deep sand or deep gravel where the 28's just didn't give enough shock absorption or flotation.
If you already have 28's, get out and ride them and see.
If you already have 28's, get out and ride them and see.
12-14-14, 01:58 PM
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Yes, as long as the gravel is finely crushed and well packed. Get a tough tire, like the Panaracer Gravel king or the Schwalbe Marathon Supreme. Rider skill matters, also. Pick your line carefully and avoid softer gravel near the edges.
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Last edited by Barrettscv; 12-14-14 at 02:05 PM.
12-14-14, 03:42 PM
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Yes, as long as your body is up to it because it will be a harsh ride if the gravel is not super fine.
I will say a tire like the Panaracer Gravel King in 28mm rides a lot better than most in conditions like that. I really like the set I have.
I will say a tire like the Panaracer Gravel King in 28mm rides a lot better than most in conditions like that. I really like the set I have.
12-14-14, 03:48 PM
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If your road bike is suitable for a 650b conversion (some are, some aren't), that is another option as you'd be able to run a considerably fatter tire at lower pressure.
12-14-14, 08:01 PM
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Interestng idea....so If I had long enough brakes calipers I could use 650 rims on my 700c bike and ride beefy tires?
12-14-14, 08:48 PM
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These are some useful guidelines:
650B Conversion Guidlines
12-15-14, 11:11 AM
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It is certainly possible to ride gravel and singletrack with 28mm tires. Whether it is a desirable option or not will depend on many factors, not the least of which is personal preference. For myself, 28 would work for a mostly paved road bike that I would occasionally take on short section of unpaved roads. For rides with many miles of dirt and gravel, I am happier with tires from 32mm up to 50mm depending on the surfaces and conditions I am likely to encounter. 35-40mm is my usual choice where I expect a wide mix of terrain from smooth pavement to rough gravel. YMMV.
12-17-14, 07:34 PM
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I'm currently running 28mm Gatorskins on my Raleigh rx 2.0. I mostly ride paved roads with occasional stretches of dirt or gravel. The 28's can handle relatively fine and packed gravel well and packed dirt well, but are not great on anything very loose and will beat you up on really coarse gravel. They're a good compromise if you want to be able to handle the odd unpaved road on a mostly smooth ride.
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