I'm currently converting my Schwinn Le Tour into a fixed gear. While I was ordering the parts my LBS guy recommended I get wider wheels to help support the weight of my frame. He recommended 700x35.

Do I actually have to worry about this? Is the frame so heavy that it would burst thinner tires? And how wide is35 anyway?? If it is 35 mm then bah.

I admit I'm a novice with this stuff. I'm used to riding on 27"x 1 and a quarter tires. How does a 700x35 compare? :\

I ride a le tour 2 and am on 700x23 tires with no problems.

1 inch tires are appx 26 im pretty sure. So you shouldnt need anything so large as a 35 to match up similarly with what you are used to.

did he also offer to sell you a lighter frame, or a bridge?

Ok maybe he meant "frame" as in your body size. Many people recommend fatter tires for heavier riders. It really doesn't matter as long as the tires are inflated to a high enough pressure. I think they feel that big=clumsy. wich is false as long as you have a frame that fits or is reasonably close.

I also prefer a wider tire like the 27x1/4 rather than the 700cx23 or even x26. the thinner tires are a pleasure to ride though but they don't feel so well on harsh road conditions. The 27x1/4 can handle every thing including light gravel and cobble stone. I am about 220lbs in case anyone is wondering.

Width wise, they're identical, nearly.

I converted my Le Tour to fixed a little bit ago, and definitely enjoy the feeling of riding on 700x23's... very fast, very little rolling resistance (they're also pro2's though). the older wheels were definitely heavier, so if you get a newer decently priced wheelset, if you feel like shellling out that is, then you will definitely feel an increase in nimbleness, even if you're riding some fatty 35's. i would recommend dropping to 23's though, personally...

Hmmm well alright. Since they are nearly identical with a 1and a quarter then I guess I don't mind too much... I was just worried I'd be on some hybrid commuterish tire. XP

I wooould like skinner tires, actually I would like a nicer wheel set (Deep Vs so I can add some color. Ahh vanity.)

It's terrible. We ordered the wheel set together, but I can't remember the name. Preeeummmprsomething... I dont know... They weren't anything fancy.


Ohh I'm 5'10" and weigh 125lbs, so I definitely don't need wider tires. :\

BUT having said that, I live in Baltimore where potholes are ever present. So skinny tires would make me a bit uncomfortable. Hell, maybe I can sell my new wheel, pick up some Deep Vs and take the LO$$. :\