southside

Hello,

I am new to bike riding and just purchased a "Marin Muirwoods 29er" I am looking to purchase spare tubes and maybe change tire sizes. Currently i have Continental Town Ride tires that have a big 29 on them which from what i have read here is just marketing crap. The tire size i see on the sidewall is 28x1.6 42-622 the rims are Alex TD-20. 95% of my riding is paved bike paths in good weather.

I think this is a "700C" tire so i just need a 700x40 tube? which manufacture would you reccommend?

As far as tires was looking for something narrower in maybe the 30 range? What size range would fit? The bike has disk brakes, any thoughts here would be greatly appreciated.

I appoligize for the noob questions but the tire sizes are very confusing

Thank You,

Ray

storckm

It sounds like you're right. The tire should have a number like 622-35 or somethings, and if the first part is 622, then the size is 700c. The widest tires I have are 35mm Panaracer Paselas on my touring bike. They are fine, have plenty of cushion, and are reasonable for paved roads and occasional dirt or grass, although they aren't super for loose sand, big rocks, or soft mud. If your current tires are 42 mm, the bike should fit anything smaller, and perhaps something bigger--see how much clearance there is with the fork in the front and the stays and bridges in the rear. Smaller tires will be a little bit faster (assuming both tires are smooth), and give less cushioning. I have 700Cx28mm rivendell ruffy tuffys on another bike (also made by Panaracer, I believe), and they are fine, although the ride isn't as smooth as with the wider tires. In addition to not jolting you as much, wider tires also put less stress on the rim (as long as you pump them up enough, and not too much).

Another thing to consider is your weight. The lighter you are, the less pressure you need in your tires to protect your rims, and thus the narrower tires you can ride without inflating them too much and making your ride too rough.

I don't have a huge preference in tires. Paselas are pretty affordable and last a long time, but I've ridden Continental's as well, and probably some others. I would strongly recommend you buy tires with a kevlar (called by different names such as aramid) belt (not bead). It cuts down on flats.

wrk101

Read the Sheldon Brown review on tire widths. You have a lot of choices on that bike. I prefer a much narrower tire for the type of riding you are doing, but it is really personal preference.

fietsbob

there is a convention to have tires and rims match 700c is 622 the tire bead seat diameter.

then how wide the tire is, is the 2nd number, so 622-40 is a 40 wide tire to fit on a 700c rim.

622-35, or 622-32 are the narrower touring tires offered in lots of brands..

I rode for months without punctures on heavy duty thorn resistant Presta valve tubes in 622-40 tires

southside

Thanks for all the info!