What size tyres ?

[Prando]

I have decided to change my winter bike (2010 Defy 1) for a gravel bike. I cycle circa 300 miles a month and being the wrong side of 70, speed is now of no relevance.

Whilst all my cycling is on ‘tarmac’ it is primarily on country lanes, wherein the quality of road surface is often dreadful and additionally often plagued with hedge trimmings/thorns.

I have bought a Specialised Diverge Base E5 (to be collected next month) The wheels are Axis Elite Disc, 21mm internal width, alloy rim, 23mm depth, 14g spokes, 24h. They come with inner tubes and 700 x 35 tyres.

My Defy has, for the last 10+ years had Continental 4 season (23m) which have proved reasonably puncture proof, given the road conditions. However arthritic hands and winter temperatures have made the inevitable puncture repairs more demanding ! Thus the gravel bike purchase.

What are my tyre options, particularly what size/s of tyre will fit these wheels should I wish to change them?
Thanks.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

I'll take an educated guess that 25mm is probably the widest you could go. May find that a 25mm tyre comes up at 26 or 27mm anyway

Edit: I'm actually confused: There would be no reason to change tyres on the gravel bike

 

[cougie uk]

Just go with the 35mm tyres that come with it and see what you think ?

 

[Prando]

Wow..thanks for prompt comments.
I certainly plan to initially run with the 35mms, but was keen to understand the wheel size definition and what size parameters and/or restrictions that placed on any future tyre changes.

 

[chriswoody]

I strongly suspect that the wheel rim width is irrelevant and what will actually constrain you is the frame spacing at the back. Most gravel bikes only allow a max tyre size of 38mm before they foul either the chainstay or the seatstay.

38mm is fine though for most folk and the conditions that they'll encounter.

I actually have a lot of sand and mud where I ride and I found 38mm too narrow, so I bought a gravel bike with clearance for up to 50mm tyres, but this is very specific to my needs and local riding area. I'm currently running 44mm tyres on the same size rims as you and they are perfect for my local conditions.

 

[Prando]

Thanks Chris buddy. Would there be any restrictions at the narrower end ? 25-30mm

 

[vickster]

28mm would be fine I’d think which seems to now be common on road bikes

 

[Cycleops]

I'd say go either 28 or 32mm as a good compromise between comfort and rolling resistance.
This site gives useful information about the above plus puncture resistance and other stuff:
https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/

Schwalbe Marathons get good press on here.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

If it’s just rough country lanes then 35mm is fine. It’s what I run on my road bike which also does the odd comedy off road routes.

 

[Prando]

Thanks again for the added advice guys. (And the informative website link cycleops)

 

[Dwn]

I've fitted 35mm Schwalbe G One Speed tyres to my flat bar road bike, which I mainly use on cycle paths, some of which are pretty rough. They are comfortable on the path, and also pretty good on tarmac. Used them a fair bit since spring and no punctures so far

 

[Jenkins]

If you've been happy with the Conti 4 Seasons, why not stick with them as they are available in 32mm size.

 

[rogerzilla]

Sheldon Brown reckons 35mm is the minimum for a 21mm internal-width rim. 50mm max. Gravel bikes are designed for BIG tyres. You should not fit road bike-sized tyres to them. If that's what you want, a cyclo-cross bike or audax bike is much more suitable.

 

[Prando]

Sheldon Brown reckons 35mm is the minimum for a 21mm internal-width rim. 50mm max. Gravel bikes are designed for BIG tyres. You should not fit road bike-sized tyres to them. If that's what you want, a cyclo-cross bike or audax bike is much more suitable.

Cheers. That seems to answer the question.

 

[Venod]

Cheers. That seems to answer the question.

Manufactures may disagree with Sheldon.

https://www.wtb.com/pages/tire-rim-fit-chart