Figure this would be the best place to ask this. Getting back into riding non motorized bikes, have been out of "analog" bikes for probably 20 years so most of my technical experience is with bigger dirt/sport/cruisers. Looking at swapping some mtb tires out for street tires and am unsure of fitment, I know on motorbikes that tire with can be extremely different from kne manufacturer to the next although same claimed size.
Bike in question is a 26er with 1.95 knobbies(measure 55mm+-1to the outside lugs and have 9-10mm of clearance to seat stays) on AlexDM18 rims and am wanting to switch to some street tires for cruising. Looking at getting some Continental Contact Urban buy unsure whether to get them in 2.0(50) or 2.2(55). I belive the 2.2 would fit but am unsure what size I should really get.
by RaInBoWeYeDsNeK
6 Comments
I like to run a wider tire in front of possible, so try the 2.2 in front & 2.0 in back. The benefits I’ve seen are slightly speedier in trying to top speed & greater confidence in steering. I like that style both off-road and on pavement.
Any reason you want wider slicks than the knobby tires on it? Are you worried about stability or something? I would get the 2” but 2.2 would fit fine. There will be little to no difference riding a 2.0 vs 2.0 commuter tire.
Going to be heavy rotational weight. Sure you don’t want to size down to 1.5s?
It’s a crapshoot.
I’d say bike tires more often measure under than over their stated width, but the only thing you can be sure of is that they’re not going to measure exactly what they say.
I’d gamble on the 55s.
I’ve got [Rene Herse “Rat Trap Pass” tires](https://www.renehersecycles.com/shop/components/tires/26-inch/26×23-rat-trap-pass/) on a 26er. 55mm, roll very fast at lower pressures. If you can find them used they’re semi-affordable. That site is a good rabbit hole to get back into cycling with.
Similar Schwalbe tires are slightly cheaper.
OP, there’s a lot to it. I suggest getting a good slick the same size as your current knobby (2.0?) and putting some miles on it. You don’t have a ton more clearance here. If you want tires 2mm fatter you may be opening Pandora’s box, i.e., X-biking