Largest possible tires on a LHT
#1
Jack of all (bike) trades
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Largest possible tires on a LHT
So, i went for a hill climb with some Norcal mountain biking friends of mine up a fire road. It was pretty steep in a couple sections. So steep, in fact, that I had to get off the bike and walk it because my tire was spinning out. And I hate walking the bike. So I decided to look into some new tires. I found these bad boys on Jenson USA for $16 each, so thought I'd give them a shot. They're 29x1.95" Kenda Klaw XT's. I had a front rack, but when fully inflated the front tire rubbed on it. It clears the fork with a few mm to spare. The rear rubs the frame when fully inflated, but when deflated it only rubs where it's slightly out of true (going to spend the time to true it up this weekend). I should note that I have very narrow rims (Velocity Deep V's at the moment), which affect the tire's final width. It's not the ideal setup to leave on the bike for good, but I got these tires for occasional off-road riding and for the winter commute, when they'll be on very low pressure anyway.
So I haven't taken them on proper trails yet, but the little testing I did do was quite fun. It was a very plush ride, even compared with the 700x38c tires I usually have on there. Obviously its not as efficient, but if you're worried about efficiency and going fast, you're missing the point.
So without further adieu...
The front fork clears...
The frame, not so much... (Its rubbing on my chainstays here)
Although the seat stays are all right
So I haven't taken them on proper trails yet, but the little testing I did do was quite fun. It was a very plush ride, even compared with the 700x38c tires I usually have on there. Obviously its not as efficient, but if you're worried about efficiency and going fast, you're missing the point.
So without further adieu...
The front fork clears...
The frame, not so much... (Its rubbing on my chainstays here)
Although the seat stays are all right
Last edited by JSteiner; 08-20-08 at 10:55 AM. Reason: pictures not showing up
#2
cyclopath
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Nice looking bike....what size LHT is that?
#3
cyclopath
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#4
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Ah yes, the Pugsley. I dreamed about one all winter last year. The thing with the LHT is that it's my do-everything bike. So if spending thirty bucks on tires gets me a bike that can take me through the winter well enough, than for me it's a better option than a new bike. I can put that money towards the next tour.
That being said, I would really love a pugsley...
I should note that my winters are spent in Rochester, NY, where we get plenty of snow, and not in San Jose...
That being said, I would really love a pugsley...
I should note that my winters are spent in Rochester, NY, where we get plenty of snow, and not in San Jose...
Last edited by JSteiner; 08-20-08 at 12:56 PM.
#5
GATC
Sweet! I roll 26x2.0 big apples w/ room for fenders on my 54cm; makes me wonder about the 2.35s.
(29x2.0s or even 2.7s could be your *summer* tires on a pugsley by the way)
(29x2.0s or even 2.7s could be your *summer* tires on a pugsley by the way)
#6
Professional Fuss-Budget
In theory, you should be able to fit 26" x 2.1". That might only be slicks, though.
I would send Surly an email, they should have the skinny on fat tires.
I would send Surly an email, they should have the skinny on fat tires.
#8
Occasional poster
Schwing! Radical! (in my best Wayne Campbell voice). That is one of the finest things I have ever seen!
#9
bragi
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So, i went for a hill climb with some Norcal mountain biking friends of mine up a fire road. It was pretty steep in a couple sections. So steep, in fact, that I had to get off the bike and walk it because my tire was spinning out. And I hate walking the bike. So I decided to look into some new tires. I found these bad boys on Jenson USA for $16 each, so thought I'd give them a shot. They're 29x1.95" Kenda Klaw XT's. I had a front rack, but when fully inflated the front tire rubbed on it. It clears the fork with a few mm to spare. The rear rubs the frame when fully inflated, but when deflated it only rubs where it's slightly out of true (going to spend the time to true it up this weekend). I should note that I have very narrow rims (Velocity Deep V's at the moment), which affect the tire's final width. It's not the ideal setup to leave on the bike for good, but I got these tires for occasional off-road riding and for the winter commute, when they'll be on very low pressure anyway.
So I haven't taken them on proper trails yet, but the little testing I did do was quite fun. It was a very plush ride, even compared with the 700x38c tires I usually have on there. Obviously its not as efficient, but if you're worried about efficiency and going fast, you're missing the point.
So I haven't taken them on proper trails yet, but the little testing I did do was quite fun. It was a very plush ride, even compared with the 700x38c tires I usually have on there. Obviously its not as efficient, but if you're worried about efficiency and going fast, you're missing the point.
#10
Señor Wences
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Surly lists the largest tires for 700c LHTs as 42mm with fenders and 45mm w/o fenders.
1.95"=49.5 approx.
You are over by quite a bit at least as far as the recommendations go.
45mm=1.75 approx.
A little more actually but close enough for horseshoes.
1.95"=49.5 approx.
You are over by quite a bit at least as far as the recommendations go.
45mm=1.75 approx.
A little more actually but close enough for horseshoes.
#11
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I'd be pretty concerned about that chainstay rub. I've seen the walls of chain and seat stays worn through due to that kind of rub. Add a little mud and voila! Your tire is now a 29" abrasive wheel! Maybe you should look into some wider cross tires? Or narrower 29er tire? Or at least a 1.95 with a lower lug profile (or just trim down the ones you've got if you're short on cash).
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2009 Bike Friday Season Tikit (commuting folder)
2007 Rivendell Atlantis (touring, general riding, errand runner, stuff hauler)
2007 IRO Mark V (SS)
2006 Rockhopper Comp Disc (Icebike)
#12
Senior Member
I happen to know first hand that a 2.3 Big Apple will technically fit on a 26" LHT fork. However, I don't recommend it.
#13
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I think you may have the wrong bike for the job. If you're MTBing, use a MTB, not a touring bike with oversize knobbies. What you're attempting is a travesty, akin to putting fenders and a rack on a high-end carbon road bike, or trying to serve pork chops and tequila to a Muslim.
I did email Surly before I bought the tires. They told me there was plenty of room up front, although the back might be tight. Which is exactly the case.
The bike is a 56cm frame. Toe overlap has become more of an issue than it was before. One more reason I won't be riding (m?)any technical trails with it.
Ethan, you're right about the rubbing. These tires are only going to be on the bike occasionally, and not for very long at any stretch. Before winter comes and snow really sets in I'm going to pick up a slightly narrower tire that won't rub. At $16 each for these tires, I'm not afraid to cut my losses and move on.
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Kenda Klaws on Cross Check
I have got the same tires on my 56 Surly Cross Check - but without he tire rub! I just had to pull the rear wheel as far back as possible in the rear drop outs. It does come awfully close. I was thinking a used pair of the same tires would be perfect. Hang on to those worn 29er tires - they might be worth something!
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Or you could do like I always did when I was a kid. Wide MTB tire on the front and normal touring tire on the back.
#16
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You could always take a razor blade and trim the knobs that touch the bike.
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I have got the same tires on my 56 Surly Cross Check - but without he tire rub! I just had to pull the rear wheel as far back as possible in the rear drop outs. It does come awfully close. I was thinking a used pair of the same tires would be perfect. Hang on to those worn 29er tires - they might be worth something!
#18
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I have ran that tire on the front of my 54cm Cross Check. I couldn't get it to fit in the rear though, ran a 44mm Mutanoraptor with it in the back. Lots of toe overlap and a few trips over the bars because of it.
#19
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Ok well I have the 56cm LHT and I would like to beef the tires up for touring. I am running 38c but thinking of going with a 29'r maybe a 46c. Which is a 29*1.75 you think that would work? I hate to ditch the fenders but they don't help when it's pouring rain.
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I love the MONSTER TRUCKER!!! NOOOOICE!!!! I occassionally run 26x2.0 on my 56cm 26in trucker with fenders., I like the way you think. I also take the trucker offroad and in no way shape or form consider it a travesty....just sayin. Here is a vid running 1.75's doing a little sissy snow biking.
#22
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Awesome video!
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