[atl-dad]

I want to get more use out of my 29er than just off-road. Will standard road tires fit, and if so, is there a minimum width I should be looking for? I have the bontrager race lite wheels if you need to know that.

 

[Walt]

Not really an issue.

I have 23c road tires on a 25mm (outside width) rim - it doesn't even really look weird. Performs perfectly. The Racelite wheels should work just fine with any road tire you feel like using.

-Walt

Hutchinson Top Speed 700 x 28c. I have a set of Bontrager RaceLites on my Salsa cross bike (which doubles as my road bike) and these are what I use. I wouldn't go any narrower than 28c on that rim.

 

[C-Hog]

Give these a try....

Hutchinson Top Speed 700 x 28c. I have a set of Bontrager RaceLites on my Salsa cross bike (which doubles as my road bike) and these are what I use. I wouldn't go any narrower than 28c on that rim.

 

[Fastskiguy]

20c on dyads

well, this is just on the trainer but I have a michelin supercomp hd 20c tire on a velocity dyad rim and, on the trainer, it's AOK. Maybe this doesn't apply.....

 

[bigdrunk]

I went the cheap route with wire bead 35's from Performance. I think it cost me $24 for 2 tires and 2 tubes.

 

[GlowBoy]

I've run 700x23c tires on 22-23mm 29" rims with zero problems. I've heard others say not to go quite so narrow ... you could limit yourself to tires of 28mm and up to be on the safe side. Or not.

Here's another thing to think about: the Maxxis WormDrive. It's 700x42 (really more like 700x40) and rolls as fast as most road tires I've tried (at least at the 75-80 max psi this tire is rated for). Not outrageously heavier either, at 440g or so. Just think, you can have pretty fast road performance and still be able to go offroad (within reason) with the same set of tires. Take that gravel road shortcut you've always dreamed of doing, but couldn't on your road bike.

 

[shiggy]

I've run 700x23c tires on 22-23mm 29" rims with zero problems. I've heard others say not to go quite so narrow ... you could limit yourself to tires of 28mm and up to be on the safe side. Or not.

Here's another thing to think about: the Maxxis WormDrive. It's 700x42 (really more like 700x40) and rolls as fast as most road tires I've tried (at least at the 75-80 max psi this tire is rated for). Not outrageously heavier either, at 440g or so. Just think, you can have pretty fast road performance and still be able to go offroad (within reason) with the same set of tires. Take that gravel road shortcut you've always dreamed of doing, but couldn't on your road bike.

Also mtb frames tend to be pretty harsh with narrow high pressure tires. 28-42mm tires are nearly as fast and ride more smoothly.

 

[Cloxxki]

Schwalbe claims that a 60mm tire inherently rolls better than something narrower. I like the Big Apples 2.35", they roll like mad, and I just laugh at rough gravel. They handle dry trails just fine, but don't expect them to be really grabby. For me they roll nicely at 40psi or something already. They only seem to slightly get to me with strong headwinds, but I have to add that when I had those recently, it was always with a huge backpack.
The way they roll over coblestone roads without losing momentum, feathering the behind ever so softly, but especially their ability to corner really hard, make them sure keepers. It may roll fast and silently, but it still ahndles like an MTB. In case of emergency, crashes ARE preventable. I am just so more scared on skinnies, they can snap from underneath you any second.

 

[Serious Humour]

Continental Sport Contact 35s here - plush, fast, puncture resistant. Fat enough to hop up curbs and fast enough to get to work in time.

 

[atl-dad]

Thanks for the help...

It's hard to believe more people don't go to 29's with all the tire choices available. I know a lot of mtb's don't see much serious of road use. I just bought a GF 292 so I'm hoping I don't run in to alot of the problems people talk about, but for the price it's hard not to get it. I can't wait to hit the trails and do some adventure and xterra races on it.
I think the 29 inch wheels will be nice too on the days I'm just out towing my two kids around town.

 

[Cloxxki]

Towing with a full-suspension? Seatpost mounted or rear axle? I hope your trailer fits!
Towing my BOB with a VooDoo FS was a really scary experience...

I also have the Sportcontacts, 38mm I think, and they're indeed great. On wet pavement I just trust wider tires better.

Welcome to the forums, BTW.

 

[Ricky J]

Roadie Time

One of the first surprises after buying an El Capitan was how fast it went on pavement during its break-in period! And that was with Nanoraptor 2.1s...

My local roads are pretty open with mostly gently rolling terrain, and even when using the Nanos I spend ALOT of time near its tallest gear ratio, the 44/11. Oftentimes a taller gear would be helpful! A lighter and faster tire for me would only mean more time spent longing for higher ratios, and madly spinning cranks. As it is the bike can harry other roadbikers, and the little bit of tread whine announces my arrival as sure as "on your left!"

It's a little better leg workout too with fatter tires.

 

[atl-dad]

towing

I've got the quick release/axle mount for my trailer. I know it's not the ideal bike for towing kids. I'm just looking forward to riding it and I know the kids are going to want a ride when they see it.
Now that I know 700c tires will fit, I'll start saving for some rolly-polly's from Rivendell.

 

[GlowBoy]

It's hard to believe more people don't go to 29's with all the tire choices available. I know a lot of mtb's don't see much serious of road use. I just bought a GF 292 so I'm hoping I don't run in to alot of the problems people talk about, but for the price it's hard not to get it. I can't wait to hit the trails and do some adventure and xterra races on it.
I think the 29 inch wheels will be nice too on the days I'm just out towing my two kids around town.

Anything up to about 700x42-45 will fit in a BOB trailer without having to replace the front fork. Not sure about kid trailers though.