Speed and the 26" wheel
I am wondering if anyone has experienced this issue.
After 3 seasons on a bike that was improperly sized for me (and happened to have 700c wheels) I decided that after numerous wheel issues with both the stock and better wheels, that I would check out the 26" wheeled MTB world since so many in this forum have reported good results. I bought a 96 Giant Iguana and later found nearly the exact same bike in the dumpster. I restored it to its former glory and I ride them both now.
The only thins is that I miss the speed of a road bike. My rides seem to be harder work for a lower speed. I tried putting smooth 1.95" tires on one of the bikes with only nominal improvement.
My question is this:
Has anyone put 32-35 mm tires on and gotten close to some of the speeds that they got on a road bike? Are there higher pressure tires that will allow an MTB to close the speed gap a little?
BTW - I know MTBs are geared lower but that doesn't seem to be the issue here as I can get those speeds with the current gear set, I just can't do it easily or in a way that was as effortless on the 700c bike.
I'd love to hear from anyone who has dealt with this as well.
Thanks !!