Tire Questions
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Virginia USA
Bikes: 1968 Schwinn Slik Chik,
Tire Questions
Tire sizing. I’ve got a Dahon Vigor D9. Currently has some fairly aggressive knobbies on it. Tires now are 54-406’s. (20x1.95) From what I understand I can go down in sizing (below 54) but not likely up in sizing due to rim width.
I’ll be using the bike exclusively for exercise and nearly always on paved paths. Occasionally I’ll ride some park paths that are fine gravel.
I’d like to get wider tires on these rims, at least a 2.0. I’m also looking for some recommendations on a fast, smooth tire for pavement. I’ll lose some traction on fine gravel but those are typically slower cruises with my wife.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Merry Christmas!
I’ll be using the bike exclusively for exercise and nearly always on paved paths. Occasionally I’ll ride some park paths that are fine gravel.
I’d like to get wider tires on these rims, at least a 2.0. I’m also looking for some recommendations on a fast, smooth tire for pavement. I’ll lose some traction on fine gravel but those are typically slower cruises with my wife.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Merry Christmas!
#2
Senior Member



Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 1,208
From: "Driftless" WI
Bikes: 1972 Motobecane Grand Record, 2023 Specialized Tarmac SL7,'26 Spesh Diverge, '22 Kona Dew+
You certain you can upsize rim width going to a smaller wheel & still have frame clearance for wider tires?

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/rim-sizing.html
You looked into finding 18" rims?
In the width you want?

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/rim-sizing.html
You looked into finding 18" rims?
In the width you want?
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"Bramo assai,poco spero,nulla chieggio."
"Bramo assai,poco spero,nulla chieggio."
#3
Thread Starter
Newbie

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Virginia USA
Bikes: 1968 Schwinn Slik Chik,
You certain you can upsize rim width going to a smaller wheel & still have frame clearance for wider tires?

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/rim-sizing.html
You looked into finding 18" rims?
In the width you want?

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/rim-sizing.html
You looked into finding 18" rims?
In the width you want?
The chart is helpful, thanks. Definitely want to stick with 20’s. I was thinking bmx race tire. Wide as possible as equipped and smooth/slik.
#4
Junior Member

Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 194
Likes: 79
From: San Juan, PR
Bikes: 1980's Royce Union "fixed wheel", 1995 Trek 370, 406 -wheeled kludged " shopper/minivelo"for running errands, early 90's Raleigh M60 (no longer SS; now 7-speed 1x), (2) Zizzo Campo (one stock, another slightly mod'ed)
Although mine's not a Vigor, my Zizzo is running Maxxis Hookworm in 53-406. (20×1.95). Pretty satisfied with them, and can run them down to 50/55psi F/R (240# guy here!)without ill effects. Their inttended purpose are BMX/"urban assaults" tires but have been good for regular rides.
#5
Senior Member



Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 1,208
From: "Driftless" WI
Bikes: 1972 Motobecane Grand Record, 2023 Specialized Tarmac SL7,'26 Spesh Diverge, '22 Kona Dew+
__________________
"Bramo assai,poco spero,nulla chieggio."
"Bramo assai,poco spero,nulla chieggio."
#7
Senior Member



Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 1,208
From: "Driftless" WI
Bikes: 1972 Motobecane Grand Record, 2023 Specialized Tarmac SL7,'26 Spesh Diverge, '22 Kona Dew+

Continental Contact Urban
Yeah, worth a look too.
Looks slick enough, maybe a bit more tread for safety when the pavement's wet too. Availability and price be the factors determining suitability; here's a link to one retailer in the USA that sells 'em.
__________________
"Bramo assai,poco spero,nulla chieggio."
"Bramo assai,poco spero,nulla chieggio."
Last edited by spclark; 12-24-25 at 07:01 AM.
#9
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 41
Likes: 14
I found the Billy Bonkers to be a good all-rounders and they come in plenty of sizes https://www.schwalbe.com/en/Billy-Bonkers-11654376






