Originally Posted by
shoota
From my quick inspection earlier today I don't think there is any significant burring inside the rims, where the tires would seat. The wheels spin pretty true surprisingly, however the spokes need attention. Some are loose, some are corroded but I'll have to check the spoke holes tomorrow. What's the width range for tires i should be looking at?
If it were mine, I'd re-build the wheels with fresh spokes and nipples, but that's just me. The spokes are probably zinc-oxide, so not as easy to keep clean. Depending on the extent of oxidation, you may be able to simply clean up the ones that are there if you are just going to use the bike for light duty. Again, I'm an advocate for fresh re-builds but that's just me, and you may not want to drop any money into the project.
If you plan on riding offroad, I'd definitely re-build the wheels.
The older mountain bike rims were pretty wide. Any tire 2" (50mm) or wider would be fine.
Depending on the look you're going for and style of tire, here are some options:
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...e-26-inch-tire
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...ch-tire-58-559
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...-apple-26-inch
Most original mountain bikes could take pretty hefty rubber, so anything up to 2.3 or 2.4 inches should fit. constriction points will be the chain stays and seat stays (where the tire passes the frame) and the fork crown.