Old 12-23-09 | 09:30 PM
  #7  
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GaryNoTrashCoug
Freewheel Burning
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 149
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From: Belmont, CA

Bikes: Motobecane Fantom 29, Trek 850 Mountain Track

Originally Posted by Bachelor Reform
can I expect flat tires w/ greater frequency? If so would that be a rim tape issue or they just don't have knobs to absorb an occasional glass shard.

& I need new tubes? or can get away with mtb tubes
You will definitely need narrower tubes. If you have very wide rims (probably not, unless it's a downhill bike) then you would need narrower rims as well. Rim tape covers the spoke heads and prevents them from pushing into the tubes. You're probably thinking of tire liners which may help but will also add weight. I've heard mixed reviews of these, most people seem to think they are not worth it. Tire belt thickness will help a bit with the flats, but your best bet is to simply avoid as many objects as you possibly can.

One question for you though, why are you looking for a tire so narrow? Certainly, they will run faster but as Fuzz mentioned you'll have a much harsher ride. Fatter tires will give you a softer ride and better handling. Many of them, like Schwalbe Big Apples even have pretty low rolling resistance.
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