29" Slicks for Commuting
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 85
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29" Slicks for Commuting
I recently switched from a Surly Cross Check to a Trek Wahoo 2.0 29er. Yes I know it's a downgrade, but I developed severe carpal tunnel and needed a different ride. My question is this, I know about the Schwalbe Big Apple tires, but I also saw that they make the Marathon Supreme in 29" x 2.00" size. I had to stop when I saw that because I questioned whether it could be used on the same rims as mountain bike tires, since they listed it at 29" rather than 700c and the width is the same as the tires I have. Can anyone tell me if that is the case?
I loved the Marathon Supremes I had, it would be cool to be able to have those again, even if quite a different width.
Thanks!
I loved the Marathon Supremes I had, it would be cool to be able to have those again, even if quite a different width.
Thanks!
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 162
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29 and 700 can fit the same size. As my LBS told me when I asked what the difference was is that 700 is used for the road tires and 29 are for mountain tires, but the lines are becoming blurred since some road/comuting tires are listed as 29. The reason I asked my LDS this is my new bike has moutain bike rims (29) with 700x37 tires.
#6
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
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From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
29" is marketing jargon for fat tires on 700C rims. The world is your oyster.
#7
A tire has to fit on the rims and in the fork/frame. Use the ERTRO number to determine the correct circumference (e.g., a 700c rim takes a xx-622 tire, with xx being the width in mm). Use the inside rim width or manufacturer's recommendations to determine acceptable tire width for your rim. Measure the fork and frame to determine whether there is adequate clearance without rubbing (e.g., 29" tire has an approximate overall diameter of 29"). Sheldon Brown is a good source for additional information. https://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html
#9
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 112
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From: Yokohama, Japan
A couple weeks ago I managed to yield a 19.3 MPH average speed with my Wahoo 29er and these tires per my usual commute of 6.967 miles and a gauntlet of 25 traffic lights. It only required 21 minutes and 41 seconds. I couldn’t be more impressed with these tires. I’m also 56 years old and battled my way back from a heart attack, so I’m not some rare young athlete. Not bad for a 35 pound 29er hardtail.










