tires width for Miyata 1000
 

Hey folks: Getting ready for a fully loaded tour in some rough terrain. There's going to be a lot of steep fire roads. I currently ride Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700X32 for everyday commuting. Since many have advised me to look into wider tires I am wondering how wide can I go. I was looking at Michelin transworld sprint. They come in 700X35 or 700X40. I know the 35s will fit(with fenders) but what about the 40's??
Here are the tires
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/pmits...nt_tire/pp.htm

Thanks, Charlie

The tire size dimension usually most relevant with fenders is one never published by manufacturers - height. Measure the smallest distance from your 32-622 Marathon Plus to the fender. Then subtract the diameter of the largest piece of gravel that you think might be kicked up by your tire and catestrophically lodge between the tire and fender. If there is any room left, that's the amount higher your new wider tire can be. Front fenders usually come with "break-outs" that will detach the fenders before something seriously lodges, but rear fenders don't.

Obviously you can fit a taller tire if you don't use fenders. So you might have to chose between traction and cleaner drivetrain. You'll have to try different tires: Isuggest buying a few from a retailer like REI which has a liberal return policy "if the tires don't fit". Also, some fenders may allow wider tire than others. Again, you'll have to find out which ones are best for your bike through trial and error.

I'll see if the park ranger can measure the rocks on the trails:) My front fork looks really wide but I do agree that height is the problem. Might forgo the fenders. I once had a stick get hung up on my front fender and actually bent the fender in half against the tire. I almost did an endo as well.