Questions about tires and wheels.......

[Mondo734]

Heres the deal, I am a newer rider who has recently started getting more serious about biking. I just purchased a cyclocross bike (Specialized Crux) and love it. However as with everyone else here I am constantly thinking about what can make my ride better and/or faster. From what I read wheels and tires are the first major upgrade most people recommend. I was searching the web and found that I know next to nothing about wheels and tires. So here are the questions.
1. Are all 700c wheels disc brake compatible, if not how do you tell if they are?
2. How do you know what the min and max tire size a rim can take?
3. What should I be looking for when buying a new wheelset?
4. Difference and +/-'s of the different types of wheels(clinchers, areo's,tubeless?

Also anything else that comes to mind regarding tires and wheels feel free to share. Thanks in advance.

[Rx Rider]

1. no. manufacturer will state if disc only
2. size is limited to the width your frame will allow, assuming you have canti brakes, you may squeak a 700x38, but no larger. the wheel may recommend a tire size but . . .
3.the most expensive is not the best.
4. open to debate, I don't feel like opening that bag of kittens, except to say the most expensive is not the best.

advice= 23's are fast, flimsy and brutal. 25's are fast, less flimsy and forgiving. 28's are forgiving and good for off-roading and commuting. 32's are good for off-roading, cyclocross and usually knobbies. I use a 38 for snow and ice and it barely fits my Bianchi.

[Mondo734]

thanks for the quick reply my bike runs disc brakes. Im glad to hear that the most expensive is not the best as I doubt I will be shelling out more than $500 on a set once I learn bout all this stuff.

[Bill Kapaun]

If you spent in the neighborhood of $2000 for a bike, the wheels that are already on it shouldn't be too shabby.

[Garfield Cat]

try the PSIMET web site. Get the Continental Grand Prix 4000-S from PSIMET when you get the custom wheels from him.

[ChowChow]

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html#width

The chart shows what size tires fits what size rims. Scroll down to the red and green chart. On your rims, it should say 622x15 etc. The 15 is the rim size.

[cyccommute]

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html#width

The chart shows what size tires fits what size rims. Scroll down to the red and green chart. On your rims, it should say 622x15 etc. The 15 is the rim size.

It may or may not say how wide the rim is. I seldom see a width measurement on rims.

Sheldon Brown's size ranges are very conservative on the upper end. I run XC717 rim on my mountain bike with 2.12" (55mm) tires mounted. That's way past what he says is possible. Of course, I run mine at low pressure to keep them from blowing off the rim. The lower end of his scale is okay, however.

[MichaelW]

Most disc hubs are for MTB/hybrid use and use 135mm axles. Road bikes use 130mm axles. Check the Over Locknut Dimension of your frame.
130mm disk wheels are quite rare and if you really, really want an upgrade, you may be better off getting a wheelbuilder to make you a custom set. Your current wheels are quite usable and dont need upgrading.

CX tyres generally suck on the road and wear out rapidly. Switch them for a road, commuter or touring tyre.
Clinchers are the std tyre.
Deep aero rims are for going solo at very high speed.
Odd designs may be faster and stronger (eg spokes with no bend) BUT spares support can be tricky.

[Mondo734]

Thanks for the chart. I believe my rims are 700cx17 so I should be able to use 25mm to 37mm I believe. Thats a pretty good range. The reason I am asking about all this is because Ideally I would like to have two sets of rims one for more road riding conditions and then my stock wheels for training and ruff use. As PSIMET I will probably look into that more once I feel comfortable that I understand all the wheel jargon and what it is that I want.

[rumrunn6]

your new bike's wheels and tires should be perfectly adequate

[Thor29]

I've thought about doing the same thing. The best way to do it would be to build your own (or have someone else build them). That way you can use light road rims laced to MTB disc hubs (you're bike uses 135mm rear hubs, which is the mountain bike standard). If you have the money, a set of DT Swiss 240S hubs laced to Mavic Open Pro rims with DT Swiss double butted spokes and alloy nipples would be sweet. Some light 700x25 road tires and you've got some significant weight savings. Don't forget that you would also have to buy another set of disc rotors and a rear cassette too. That's why I just swap tires every now and then - two sets of wheels is expensive.

[Mondo734]

Guys its not that my current rims are not good, in fact I really like them but I would like another set or wheels for racing. I dont want to have to swap tires and all that. Thor29 thanks for the suggestion your post was helpful.