Modifying Bike for Tire Clearance
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Modifying Bike for Tire Clearance
Hi all,
New hear. Needed advice. I just bought 28mm Schwalbe One tires to put on my Tarmac 08'. The front's clearance is fine, but on the rear, the tire just barely rubs the frame near the rear brakes. I modified my bike by putting some electrical tape on the inside of the rear dropouts (2 strips each). This gave me the clearance I needed from the tire rub. I rode the bike around and it feels fine. I looked at the axle engagement and it seems secure too. Will I be okay with this "fix"?
New hear. Needed advice. I just bought 28mm Schwalbe One tires to put on my Tarmac 08'. The front's clearance is fine, but on the rear, the tire just barely rubs the frame near the rear brakes. I modified my bike by putting some electrical tape on the inside of the rear dropouts (2 strips each). This gave me the clearance I needed from the tire rub. I rode the bike around and it feels fine. I looked at the axle engagement and it seems secure too. Will I be okay with this "fix"?
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You should be OK until something like a broken spoke causes your wheel to go out of true and rub the frame; then you may be facing a long walk home.
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The electrical tape may eventually crush or wear out. But, perhaps the tire wear will compensate a bit for it.
Are you rubbing the frame or the brake callipers?
According to this chart, a narrow rim might slightly shorten the tire, although that would be a big change to replace the rim/wheel. Do you have a narrow spare to try?

Tyre dimensions
Are you rubbing the frame or the brake callipers?
According to this chart, a narrow rim might slightly shorten the tire, although that would be a big change to replace the rim/wheel. Do you have a narrow spare to try?

Tyre dimensions
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The real problem is that tire is significantly larger than the bike was designed to take. It a "racing" frame intended for 700-23 tires. Your fix is really a kludge and, as dsbrantjr noted, will leave no clearance for the slightest wheel misalignment. Fit a smaller tire or get a bike suited for those large tires.