m_cassar

Hi all. I have an interesting question that many of my cycling friends could not answer. I would like to know if you must use a 700 x 23 C tire on a 700 X 23 C rim. The reason I ask is that many clincher tires are 700 X 22 / 700 X 21 but I don't want to buy them if a)they won't fit properly or b) be a danger / increase the risk of pinch flats etc.

Any thoughts?

alanbikehouston

Generally, a rim will fit about three widths. So, a rim designed for a size 25 width tire will provide a good fit for a 23 width tire and a 28 tire width. The "marked" sizes on rims can be misleading, as different makers use different methods of measuring, so taking your own rim measurements can be useful.

Unless you are racing in time trials, or weigh about 100 pounds, there is no compelling reason to ride on a size 21 tire. A 25 width tire will provide a much better cushion against road shock, and, on average, be more resistant to damage from potholes and other road hazards. Every "high quality" road clincher is made in a 25 width, and that width will fit on even the "tight fitting" forks and frames.

m_cassar

Great, thanks very much

particleman

So are you saying that a 25 x 630 tire "will" fit in a Weinman 19 630 x 19 rim?

jdtschida

You can try checking the rim makers website to see what they say will work. I know for my current wheels which have Mavic MA3 rims I can use 700x20 tires and 700x23, among others.

jabike

Sheldon Brown has a tire width/rim width chart available at https://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire_sizing.html
This chart will show you what width tires are safe to ride on what interior width of rim.