Tyre sizes

[MattHB]

Hiya, I have some 700x45 continental tyres on my hybrid.
Is it possible to reduce the width of the tyre without changing rims?

 

[CopperCyclist]

The answer is probably, but it depends on the rims. What are they? Check out Sheldon Browns website for rim/tyre sizing, someone directed me there when I asked a similar question and it was helpful if the rims don't have the sizing marked on them.

 

[HLaB]

More than likely, Matt. Its dependant on your internal rim width, the afore mentioned Sheldon Brown does an excellent article, although he does admit somewhere that his dimensions are on the cautious side and some folk go narrower no problem (I think I'd stick to the Sheldon table myself ). I'm guessing (purely a guess) you have 20mm or 21mm rims which according to sheldon will let you safely fit 700x35 tyres and if it the smaller 700x32.

 

[MattHB]

Thanks for the advice. According to the specialized site, they're Alex alloy 700c 32h. Not sure if that's the width? I've had the tyre off for a puncture repair (in the first week!

) and it looked a lot narrower than the tyre itself.
I'll take it off again next w/e and measure it.

 

[HLaB]

Thanks for the advice. According to the specialized site, they're Alex alloy 700c 32h. Not sure if that's the width? I've had the tyre off for a puncture repair (in the first week!

) and it looked a lot narrower than the tyre itself.
I'll take it off again next w/e and measure it.

nah, 700c is the diameter and 32h is the number of spoke holes.

 

[MattHB]

nah, 700c is the diameter and 32h is the number of spoke holes.

ahhh, that makes sense!

Ill have a closer look tomorrow, there is some writing on the rim itself, if not Ill measure it up.

cheers