What kind of bicycle tire should I get?

J

Jared

New member
I currently have a department store bike with 26 x 1.95 knobby tires. I'd like to move to a smaller and smoother tire (it's time for replacement anyway). I'm a pretty hefty guy at around 240-250 lbs, and the bike is heavy as well at about 40 lbs. Could I go as low as 1.5? Too low, maybe lower? What are your recommendations (brand, size, etc)?

I do exclusively city commute riding, and I can't afford a better bike for now, so that's out of the question at this point. Cost is certainly a consideration, but I also commute to work all 5 days of the work week, 6 miles each way, so I'm definitely willing to go higher than the bargain bin for more durability and life. I've been having issues with goat head stickers as well, but part of that may be due to the fact my tires are getting on in years. Thanks!
 
For commuting, your major concern should be reliability. At your size, I'd be more concerned about the cheap frame than the tires. I've snapped frames like that playing around off road, and you've got 100 pounds on me. Off course, I probably generate more torque......

You're right, losing the knobbies will make it easier to ride. It isn't necessary to go all that narrow. Dropping from 1.9 to 1.5 on that bike won't make a noticeable difference over 6 miles.


Suggested tire:

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1035343_-1_50000_20000_50005

Thorn resistant tube:

http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1034749_-1_50000_20000_50005

Nothing is thornproof, but you certainly don't need ultralight racing tubes either.
 
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