It’s easier to measure with a hex wrench. For every place the tire passes something solid, pass the biggest hex you can between the tire and frame, and take notes. The tire will roughly increase 1/2 the size on each side, and the whole number in the center of the tread. So in your case, you’d increase 25 -> 32, so 7mm at the center, and 3.5 on each side. For road race bikes, the “standard” clearance is 4mm in all directions. People run less, but the closer you go, the more likely wheel flex or going out of true is going to rub the frame.
FWIW, it doesn’t look like you have that much room to spare on the sides for the fork. You’ll also need to check the frame, especially near the chainstays; that’s often the tightest spot.
Lanky-Fee7124 on
It looks like you may be ok, but I’d probably do a 30mm, just to be safe.
Also, it’s the frame chain stays clearance that’s typically the first place to check, as that’s tighter than the fork, in most cases. Unless you’re only thinking about the front tire, of course
my-blood on
It looks pretty okay to me, but you can go with a 30 like others have suggested, if you have the option. it’ll be a bit more ideal.
Hagenaar on
If you want to hedge your bets, ask at your local shop if you can go through their pile of cast off road tires. Test fit some sizes before you buy.
Vuzuro on
As someone who upgraded from 23mm to 32mm and has the stress of now only having about 1mm of clearance,
6 Comments
nope. I think 28mm is max
It’s easier to measure with a hex wrench. For every place the tire passes something solid, pass the biggest hex you can between the tire and frame, and take notes. The tire will roughly increase 1/2 the size on each side, and the whole number in the center of the tread. So in your case, you’d increase 25 -> 32, so 7mm at the center, and 3.5 on each side. For road race bikes, the “standard” clearance is 4mm in all directions. People run less, but the closer you go, the more likely wheel flex or going out of true is going to rub the frame.
FWIW, it doesn’t look like you have that much room to spare on the sides for the fork. You’ll also need to check the frame, especially near the chainstays; that’s often the tightest spot.
It looks like you may be ok, but I’d probably do a 30mm, just to be safe.
Also, it’s the frame chain stays clearance that’s typically the first place to check, as that’s tighter than the fork, in most cases. Unless you’re only thinking about the front tire, of course
It looks pretty okay to me, but you can go with a 30 like others have suggested, if you have the option. it’ll be a bit more ideal.
If you want to hedge your bets, ask at your local shop if you can go through their pile of cast off road tires. Test fit some sizes before you buy.
As someone who upgraded from 23mm to 32mm and has the stress of now only having about 1mm of clearance,
Go with the 30mm.