Changing Tire Size?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,894
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From: Los Angeles
Bikes: Bianchi Via Nirone 7, Jamis Sputnik
Changing Tire Size?
I have a Jamis Aurora. It came with 700x32 Vittoria Randonneur tires. I'm wondering if I can switch to 28c and still use the same rims? Reasons are,
1. I need a new tire and I can't find any 32's in stock anywhere, and
2. I figure 28's might be a little faster anyway...
I want to stick with the same tires unless I can't find what I want. I've only had one flat in two years, riding through all kinds of l.a. road debris, that wasn't caused by user error and the ride seems pretty grippy to me.
1. I need a new tire and I can't find any 32's in stock anywhere, and
2. I figure 28's might be a little faster anyway...
I want to stick with the same tires unless I can't find what I want. I've only had one flat in two years, riding through all kinds of l.a. road debris, that wasn't caused by user error and the ride seems pretty grippy to me.
#2
I am a caffine girl
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area
Bikes: 2012 Stumpjumper FSR Comp...2010 Scott CR1 CF...2007 Novara FS Float2.0...2009 Specialized Hardrock Disc...2009 Schwinn Le Tour GSr
I changed from a 700x38 to a 700x28 on my Hybrid bike. I used Sheldon Brown guidline before swapping it. Somewhere down the article near the bottom is where he has a table showing rim size and tire recommendation.
https://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html
You do have to remove your old tire so that you can measure it. I took a guess at my thickness of the rim instead. Most rims with the original tire that came with it are usually OK to go down in tire size but going up in size is more limited.
As for speed, that is questionable. I did notice a difference from 38 to 28. Not sure how much of a difference for a 32 to 28. Other factor to look at is your weight and the contact area of the narrower tire and how the tire get sqeeze and what max PSI the tire can run. I won't go into that because that's a whole different cans of worms open for debate, but you can find plenty of info dealing with that here and elsewhere.
https://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html
You do have to remove your old tire so that you can measure it. I took a guess at my thickness of the rim instead. Most rims with the original tire that came with it are usually OK to go down in tire size but going up in size is more limited.
As for speed, that is questionable. I did notice a difference from 38 to 28. Not sure how much of a difference for a 32 to 28. Other factor to look at is your weight and the contact area of the narrower tire and how the tire get sqeeze and what max PSI the tire can run. I won't go into that because that's a whole different cans of worms open for debate, but you can find plenty of info dealing with that here and elsewhere.
#3
Subjectively Insane
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis, Missouri
Bikes: '09 Rodriguez Adventurer Custom, '08 Trek 7.3Fx
Every Bicycle Tire has them. (Select wire bead for the non pro version.)
I've bought many tires from them, and returned a set with 0 hassles.
28C would easily fit on your rims.
I've bought many tires from them, and returned a set with 0 hassles.
28C would easily fit on your rims.
#4
rebmeM roineS

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,230
Likes: 363
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
I changed from a 700x38 to a 700x28 on my Hybrid bike. I used Sheldon Brown guidline before swapping it. Somewhere down the article near the bottom is where he has a table showing rim size and tire recommendation.
https://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html
You do have to remove your old tire so that you can measure it. I took a guess at my thickness of the rim instead. Most rims with the original tire that came with it are usually OK to go down in tire size but going up in size is more limited.
As for speed, that is questionable. I did notice a difference from 38 to 28. Not sure how much of a difference for a 32 to 28. Other factor to look at is your weight and the contact area of the narrower tire and how the tire get sqeeze and what max PSI the tire can run. I won't go into that because that's a whole different cans of worms open for debate, but you can find plenty of info dealing with that here and elsewhere.
https://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html
You do have to remove your old tire so that you can measure it. I took a guess at my thickness of the rim instead. Most rims with the original tire that came with it are usually OK to go down in tire size but going up in size is more limited.
As for speed, that is questionable. I did notice a difference from 38 to 28. Not sure how much of a difference for a 32 to 28. Other factor to look at is your weight and the contact area of the narrower tire and how the tire get sqeeze and what max PSI the tire can run. I won't go into that because that's a whole different cans of worms open for debate, but you can find plenty of info dealing with that here and elsewhere.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,373
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From: Columbus, OH
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
28s will fit, but won't necessarily be any faster.
Read this article about High Performance Wide Clincher Tires for reasons why.
Read this article about High Performance Wide Clincher Tires for reasons why.
__________________
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
#6
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,894
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: Bianchi Via Nirone 7, Jamis Sputnik
Thanks for the info everybody.
I checked every bike tire earlier today, but only saw the "pro" and didn't know that the wire bead was 'non-pro'.. thanks.
Every Bicycle Tire has them. (Select wire bead for the non pro version.)
I've bought many tires from them, and returned a set with 0 hassles.
28C would easily fit on your rims.
I've bought many tires from them, and returned a set with 0 hassles.
28C would easily fit on your rims.
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,162
Likes: 647
From: Brooklyn NY
Bikes: Kuota Kredo/Chorus, Trek 7000 commuter, Trek 8000 MTB and a few others
If they are worn out yes you can use them. There are lots of tires out there. Also check BikeTiresDirect. I'm replacing the dirt tires on my MTB with slicks. I expect to feel that difference on the road. You may experience less of a difference. YMMV






