bike wrench

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A place to ask bicycle repair questions, and for bike shop monkeys to share advanced non commercial wrenching resources (no YouTube self promotion). This is only for repair related topics.

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Do you think I can fit 38mm tires on my bike? (self.bikewrench)

submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by NineMileTower to c/bikewrench

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Here's the bike I have: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/mirage_tour.htm

Here's the tires I want: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B6BXF43T/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3QGN5CVWB8NQ6&psc=1

I recently moved and there's less paved trails and more rail trails. I want a wider tire, but can't figure out if it will fit on the rim, within the fork/frame, or within the brake pads. I measured and 38mm looks like it should fit, but I figured someone else might know more than me. All the products and stats are listed on the site.

Also: I get it, it's not the best bike/tire combo on the market. Cycling is only really a side hobby for me, so don't shame my choices. I love my bike and the price I paid for it.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

That website is shit, it doesn't have much in the way of helpful specs so I looked up the manufacturers US website and it makes sense why the bike direct site has shot details, so does the manufacturer!

Usually a bike would list the relevant details such as Max tyre width, bb size, seat clamp size etc where as this doesn't so it may be a case of having to buy it and try it.

As another poster said you need to have some space to either side of the tyre but a cusory measure up should be able to tell you if it is likely to fit. Bear in mind if your wheel isn't perfectly true or something similar that could cause it to rub.

In terms of the tyre fitting the rims however then that should fit just fine. The bike is listed as having 700c wheels already, so unless you have switched them out for something else then the linked tyres are listed as 700c as well.

I'd say buy one and try it out!

[–] NineMileTower 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

In terms of the tyre fitting the rims however then that should fit just fine. The bike is listed as having 700c wheels already, so unless you have switched them out for something else then the linked tyres are listed as 700c as well.

I was more worried that a 38mm width tire wouldn't work on the existing rim. I don't know how that works.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

Ah I see. Well the bike came with 23 or 29 iirc from that link. So you are only adding up to about 15mm outside diameter. Whilst having narrower rims will change the way the tyre acts in terms of the way it squishes and reacts under pressure it will be pretty negligible to you as you've said you aren't chasing times or competing etc. If you were getting a considerably larger tyre it may be advisable to get wider rims for them to sit properly on but as it is you should be fine :)