I am currently running Schwalbe Marathon 700 x 35c on my Ridgeback Panorama touring bike. They feel alright but I'm thinking that I may need a fatter tyre when I set off on a long tour across Europe and Asia next year.
I am pretty green when it comes to fiddling with bikes so looking for some advice on what size is ideal, whether I need to change them in the first place, and if bigger tyres will even fit on my bike.
I definitely want to ride off road a fair bit, nothing crazy though. Will my 35s suffice?
Is it worth buying some 700×38's or 40s? Will I even notice much of a difference up to the 38s? There are some fenders on my bike so will they even fit? I have attached the best photo I have of my wheels, but I'm currently not with my bike to get a good photo of clearance, I know its a crappy view, apologies, but I'm hoping someone in the know may be able to give me some good advice.
Mant thanks
by GazpachoGuzzler
2 Comments
Overall id recommend getting the widest tires you can get on that bike. I run 42mm and am happy as long as the roads arent too choppy. Of course account for clearance like you said. Wider tires dont slow you down too much and on tour you arent concerned about speed either way.
You have a pretty nice setup there, so do not over-think it.
E.g. the “back” top-tube bag is IMO moving it all into the overkill category. Been there, done that .. This year I have even removed my custom front top-tube bag as it was getting in the way when out of the saddle on a trail .. and the capacity was nothing game-changing.
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Cannot see the rims, but if not at least 25 mm inner width, I would check out something along the lines of Ryde Andra 40 for the back wheel. Then look for as wide a tire as you can fit, so probably 45C or 47C. These help on non-asphalt surfaces and make the overall ride a bit more comfortable.