tyres suitable for a trek 7.1fx

[DLB]

I have the above bike (bought in 2007) and would like to fit thinner tyres to it mainly for riding on roads. I would change back to the 700x38 tyres if i wanted to go on any offroad paths. I wondered how thin a tyre could I use. I have ridden a road bike with 700x28 but i would think these would be too thin for the Trek. would 700x32 be better ?

Also are there any major disadvantages to using a thinner tyre (I realise the ride would not be as comfortable)

Any help would be appreciated

 

[Mo1959]

I would hazard a guess that if it came with 700x38 that 700x32 may be about the narrowest but if you can find the rim width either in the specs of the bike or often on a sticker on the wheel, this site will give you an idea of the range your rims will safely take.

http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

 

[potsy]

I put 32's on mine as soon as I bought it, mainly as I wanted some better puncture protection so went with some Marathon+.
Could possibly go with 28's but doubt you'd notice much difference.

 

[DLB]

Thanks. i'll give 32s a go.

DLB

 

[compo]

I don't know how your wheels compare with the Trek FX 7.3, but I replaced the stock 38's with 32's, and now run 28's. I found the biggest noticeable difference was the 28's over the 32's. Much better.