turtleguy54

This is for all you 50 Plussers with more tire experience than I.

It's time for some new tread. I am currently using Ritchie Speedmax Cross 700x35 on Salsa Delgado X rims that are 22.5mm wide. According to what I read (Sheldon Brown), the 35's are at the low end of what is recommended for rims of this width. I wanted to try some tires that might be better for road riding although I do ride on hard-packed dirt roads with some loose sand areas at times. I had been considering the Riv. Roly-Poly but, at 27mm, are they going to be too narrow? Any suggestions on a 35 or 37mm tire that would be better for road riding?

Thanks guys for any suggestions. P.S. After having some knee problems in Dec., I dropped a washing machine on my foot and broke it. Just now getting back on the bike and I am considering this as my official beginning of dedicated riding. So, just as the smoker goes public to add to his commitment to quit, I am going public with you ladies and gentlemen to really restart my cycling. I promise to keep you posted

Rick

Monoborracho

Turtle:

You don't say what your bike is, but I grew up in the area and first started riding in 1970 while in college there (remember Bugs N' Bikes on 34th?) I have a good idea of your terrain.

I suggest one of the Schwalbe Marathon in a 32 or larger. Great for the road but can be ridden off road some also. I'm not afraid to hit the dirt roads on mine provided it is only a few miles.

turtleguy54

Hi Monoborracho, that is when I started riding also, at Tech in the early 70's. I had a Motobecane Gran Record then. I now ride a Surly Cross Check I built up in '03 but haven't spent enough time on it . The Marathons are the tires I am considering if I stay with 35's. Just didn't know if 28's would be too narrow for these rims.

Dogbait

turtleguy54,
The width on Sheldon's chart is the inside dimension of the rim. I wouild guess that is about 19-19.5mm which puts a 28 tire in the ballpark. also found this quote on the speedgoat.com site

Q: What is the smallest road tire I can run on this rim...23? John, 10/22/2005


A: I don`t think a 23 would work, too small. We probably wouldn`t go below a 28mm. You might want to contact Salsa. You can find contact info at www.salsacycles.com.

I don't have delgado rims but as for tires, I really like the Continental Sport Contact 32 for the road on my fixed gear bike. The are almost slick with a small amount of siping to carry the rain away. I run 85psi which is the recommended max.... soaks up the bumps well. They are not cheap at $29.00 ea. and can be hard to find but I will buy another set when these wear out.

Conti Sport Contact

HTH,
Dogbait

FarHorizon

I use and absolutely LOVE the WTB (Wilderness Trail Bicycles) "Silckisaurus" 700x37. They aren't as wide as they seem! I also find that these are the most "predictable" tires I've ever ridden - I can lean to alarming angles and the tires maintain control and traction even over bumps and at high speeds! Although rated at 85 psig, I routinely ride mine at 100 psig without problems. I've worn out my first pair in a year and just ordered replacements of the same make and model. I've ridden tires as narrow as 23 mm, and still do if I want to ride a half-century or more, but for everyday riding and training, Slickisaurus is for me! No flat problems, no drama, easy pedaling, and spectacular reliability. WTB hit a home run with this model.

turtleguy54

Thanks for the helpful replies. I think I will check out the different Marathons first. I would like a tire though that will allow me to comfortably do 50-100 mile rides. That's why I thought the 28's might be better although I don't really think the rolling difference would be that noticeable.