advice please

[Bluescouse1]

I have been cycling to work on and off over the last few weeks, just getting back into it after a hip operation,
Im using a mountain bike with 26 x 1.95 tyres, its been suggested to me to change the wheel size.
is this possible, is it even possible to just change the tyre size

 

[Herzog]

You'll benefit the most from sticking a set of slick tyres on, no need to change the wheel size.

 

[jarlrmai]

stick some slicks on, pump em up.
lock any suspension in place and make sure your saddle is at the right height.

 

[biggs682]

do you need an mtb ?

or is it just what you have , try some slick AND thinner tyres ie 26 x 1.75 and suspension locked and see what difference that makes

 

[Nigeyy]

It might be possible (if you have discs -otherwise your current rim brakes won't work) and your frame and fork gives you enough clearance, but given potential issues let alone the cost, it's more than likely not practicable. I'll also go with getting more road oriented tyres and possibly new inner tubes (I use Specialized Fat Boys 26x1.25s -though being somewhat weighty and the fact I go through woods, with hindsight I'd have got something else a little bigger with a bit more tread too). Good luck.

 

[paul04]

Like the others have said, just swap the tyres over. sometimes halfords have offers like buy one get one free, or buy the second at half price, so worth a look on there website.

 

[Boris Bajic]

I used to commute on an 'roadified' MTB. For most people and up to a 10-mile commute, there will be little difference in effort and speed.

You can change as much or as little as you like, but tyres are the first thing to sort out.

I ran my MTB road warrior on (unfashionable) Continental SportContact something-or-other tyres. They took 80psi and made the thing really quick on tarmac.

They also gave (for urban jiggery-pokery) a superb stopping power, grip and turn-in. Another advantage of going MTB with slicks is that the basic frame will be hardier for those potholes and the occasional kerb.

Do lock your front suspension (as mentioned above) and if the bike has dual suspension then just don't bother. Buy a car or take the train or something...

The tyres may be about£40 a pair with tubes and will TRANSFORM the tarmac riding experience. Good luck!

 

[Theseus]

I ran my MTB road warrior on (unfashionable) Continental SportContact something-or-other tyres. They took 80psi and made the thing really quick on tarmac.

Conti Contacts unfashionable?

I will have to ride home with my head covered and not let eny of my daughters friends see me lest I get laughed at and have fingers pointed at me.

 

[Leodis]

See quite a few people with MTB's commuting, not sure I could face it every day its tough enough with a rigid on slicks.

I was thinking of turning the otherway, I have the clearance for some MTB wheels and using the hybrid as a winter bike.

 

[Boris Bajic]

Conti Contacts unfashionable?

I will have to ride home with my head covered and not let eny of my daughters friends see me lest I get laughed at and have fingers pointed at me.

I love them, but I am frequently told that they are pants and rubbish and poo and twelve different flavours of crapulocity. No reason is given.

I do not know what folk have against them, but most of the folk who are ill-disposed towards them seem to have a high regard for their own expertise. I hear it frequently.

The only problem I had with them was that they punctured every mile or so when I ran (stupidly) them at 100psi.

At the recommended 80psi they are perfection in grey rubber. No need to cover your head.

 

[Bluescouse1]

Thanks for the advice guys, I have had this bike about 17 years or so,
its not worth paying out on another bike other than to commute with,
Im doing a 6 mile round journey, I dont think I would use it other wise,

so the adive would be to stick with 26 but go to 1.75, sounds good to me thanks
I will give that a try,
please explain the word slicks you are all using, do you mean slicker looking tyre
i,e, thinner

 

[cyberknight]

I used to use city jets , great budget tyre and i did many a mile on them .
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=24629

 

[jarlrmai]

please explain the word slicks you are all using, do you mean slicker looking tyre
i,e, thinner

As in smoother, not knobbly.

The knobbles on standard MTB tyres are designed for off road grip, on the road they add rolling resistance which makes it harder to pedal, a smoother tyre rolls more easily. After air resistance, rolling resistance is the next biggest factor in slowing you down and making it harder to ride.

Just make sure you buy a width of tyre which matches your rims.

 

[Sittingduck]

please explain the word slicks you are all using, do you mean slicker looking tyre
i,e, thinner

Ones that looks something like...

 

[Bluescouse1]

As in smoother, not knobbly.

The knobbles on standard MTB tyres are designed for off road grip, on the road they add rolling resistance which makes it harder to pedal, a smoother tyre rolls more easily. After air resistance, rolling resistance is the next biggest factor in slowing you down and making it harder to ride.

Just make sure you buy a width of tyre which matches your rims.

Great thanks for that,
is the width 26" im using 26 x 1.9 at the moment,
how do I determine the width,,

Thanks guys by the way
bare with me,,,lol