I started a similar thread the other day but accidentally started it in the SS/FG Freestyle subforum. I don't know how to have a thread moved, so I figured it might be easier just to repost it here. I'm trying to determine if my fork can safely fit a 28c Gator Hardshell. Below are a couple of pictures I snapped of it installed. Currently the only part of the tire that rubs on the crown is the extra little bit of rubber that runs along the middle of the tire. Once that rubs off there will probably a mm or 2 of clearance. Is this enough, or would running this tire be dangerous? I really like these tires, and really want to run a 28c up front, but not if it compromises safety in any way. Thanks in advance to any insight you can offer.

P.S. If you look at the two photos, the second one is rubbing slightly more than the first. This is because there is an ever so slight up/down movement in the tire as it rotates (the wheel is perfectly true, it's just the tire), and also becasue the extra bit of rubber in the middle is thicker in certain sections of the tire.

That second pic is concerning; have you tried reseating your tire?

Yes, twice. Even tried swapping the front and rear tires. I think I need to face the facts that the tire doesn't fit. Now I need to decide whether to simply run a 25c up front or switch to a different set of 28c tires that run more true to size. I hear the Hardshells are taller than most other tires of the same size.

Anyone have any suggestions for nice 28c tires that are shorter than the Hardshells? Preferably something I can get at Retrogression. I've considered the Randonneurs, but am concerned about the low psi rating. Also intrigued by the ThickSlicks, but I don't know much about them.

The problem with running such tight clearance is that if the tire goes just 1mm out of true, you are going to have problems with the tire rubbing. There is just no room for anything to be other than perfectly true (as you can start to see in your pictures).

You are also occasionally going to have rocks and debris stick to your tire and then try to squeeze through that tiny gap between the fork and tire.

Gatorskins seem to me to be a little bit smaller than advertized. The simple solution is to just get the 25mm gatorskin – problem solved. (getting another brand tire that is closer to size to a 25mm isn’t a better solution, just a different way to do the same thing).

The more complex options are to get different front fork, or to take a dremmel to your front fork to give yourself some more clearance (something I have done in the past).

Good luck!

The only reason I'm leaning towards a 28c tire of a different brand is because, from what I've read, the gators are taller than an average 28c but not wider. I want the width of a 28 tire if possible, just need it slightly shorter.

Honestly, filing the fork a bit is not a big deal. Just get a half round bastard and spend 30 min filing it nicely. I did it to my 722 w/ chrome fork to fit 32s, it was really no big deal.

https://www.toolbarn.com/nicholson-04798hn.html

I wouldn't worry about it. Just think of it like hella dope NJS clearance.

Have you tried moving the tire 180 degrees around the rim? I've had to do that with a Conti tire that insisted on hopping when I installed it with the label at the valve -- rotating it cleared that up.

If nothing else, +1 to filing the fork. You've got plenty of meat to remove and it's easy to do. Just don't get filings into your bearings, and touch up the exposed metal with some fingernail polish afterward.

I swapped the tire for a 25c. I just wasn't comfortable with how close it was, and would rather give a 25c tire a chance before permanently filing the fork.

Make sure you re-seal the metal after you file, otherwise you will have a nice big rust spot that will just keep spreading.