Bigger tires ok on race wheels?
Hi folks,
I have an old set of Bontrager Race TLR wheels collecting dust that would be convenient to use on a new bike I'm building up. They originally came stock with my Trek Domane (but I replaced them on that bike with high-end race wheels).
The new bike I'm building up is a steel Soma Double Cross frame with a road drivetrain, but I want bigger tires for commuting. Initially, I'll use cantilevers because I have some, and with this brake/frame setup, tire clearance won't be an issue. I'll be using the Soma on roads and occasionally light dirt or gravel trails.
But, the Race TLR's are exactly that - mid-priced alloy road and race wheels that are kind of light (front 18 spoke, back 24 spoke).
I'm just wondering if mounting bigger hybrid-type tires (size 32 or 34) on these racing rims would be a bad idea, structurally speaking... can I use them? Or, should I look into buying different wheels, perhaps with more spokes, maybe for cyclocross or comfort bikes, just to be safe? Anyone know?
Thanks!