wilkap

I've been trying to figure this out on my own, but it's not working. I've got a Specialized Sequoia with Alex Rims AT400 with 700x25 tires currently on. I want to take a bike tour at a local garden, but they only allow bikes that "don't have the skinny tires." Yes, that's what the woman said. I'd prefer to be as cheap as possible this being a one time (most likely) ride. But I wouldn't mind being able to use them later on "rougher" terrain rides. So I'm trying to figure out what sized tires I can stuff on to these rims and still clear the brakes and be allowed to tour the garden. I found some cyclocross tires that are 700x30 which seem like a good possibility as they have a few lugs for better grip on the unpaved paths, and of course the price is decent. I also figured cyclocross tires might be fine on this bike since my LBS told me this is sort of a comfort bike (it was an impulse purchase...oops). What do the great road bike sages out there think? And if these tires are fine, can I reuse the inner tube or do I need a pair specifically for the new tires? I'm so clueless. And is it straightforward to change a tire? I should really learn and I'm not averse to getting my hands dirty at all. Thanks so much!

ezoons

Reuse the tubes, try out the x30. Watch out for any rubbing. I'm pretty sure the Sequoia can take x28 tires, so yours might work, too.

Bob Dopolina 

The rims should be fine. The real issue is how much tire can you stuff in the brake callipers. What kind of brakes does the bike have? Pic?

wilkap

Thanks for the replies. I'm shocked to hear that I can reuse the inner tube. That's great!

Ah, I'd forgotten about tire mounting difficulties. I've attached a pic of my front brakes. Not a whole lotta clearance...maybe 3mm on each side of the rim to the brake pad at most? But aren't they adjustable somehow?

I'm really ready to jump on these tires (on sale) so I'd love to hear another "go ahead" reply to reaffirm this.

Thanks again!

Bob Dopolina 

The clearance issue is about how TALL the tire is (Profile) and will it rub on the bottom of your brake calipers.

28c is usually a safe bet. 30c might be pushing it but you'd actually have to install the tire to know for sure.

wilkap

Thanks for the advice. I tried to get more info about the tire, but they didn't know how tall they'd be once inflated. Oh well. So I just bought them to see if they'll clear. I couldn't find any at 28c that I liked anyway but I may need to look harder if the 30 doesn't fit. The more I think on it, the more I hope they'll fit so I'll have more riding options open to me with the lug footprint. I'll try and remember to post the conclusion to my quest for anyone who might be curious. Thanks again for the help!