Tire size conundrum
 

According to all the info can find, my new bike should take ETRTO 37 - 349 or, in imperial, 16-1 3/8 tyres. That is marked clearly on the tyres the bike came with. However, when I tried to fit the same size Schwalbe Marathons and Kojak on the rims, it's a no go. They fit easily enough, in fact, they're 1 mm or more too big - you can see daylight between the rims and the tyre bead of you lay the wheel flat. I also measured both the tyres, original and Schwalbe, to find - no surprise, the Schwalbe are definitely bigger.

This, apart obviously on restricting my choice, is less than ideal since the Kendas do not appear to be quite as tough as the Schwalbe, as there isn't much in the way of reinforcement, and the new bike is meant to be my touring folder. I've contacted the seller of the bike, but am wondering if there is something I'm missing somewhere. I find it hard to believe the wheel would be made smaller, but it's difficult to see otherwise.

Any thoughts? To be honest, in all my years of cycling, I've never seen this, especially as bitter personal experience tells me the Marathons are a difficult fit as they are tight on the rims.

I probably have no good advice, but just to double check: is there any print on the rim that confirms the 349 wheel size?

There are quite a few different rim sizes nearby: https://www.schwalbe.com/en/groessenbezeichnung.html

Yes, I was well aware of the different rim sizes, plus checked the site. Was going to take a picture, but am waiting for a response, from the bike manufacturer. I'll post one tomorrow, if that helps.

Which is clearly marked on the old tyres? the 37-349, the 16 x 1 3/8 or both measurements? The ETRTO is the only one that will tell you for certain if the tires are made for a rim with the same BSD. There are at least three other possible BSD sizes that might be possible for a tire with 16 x 1 3/8 proudly shown on its carcass. 337mm, 335mm, 317mm. Though I don't know which may or may not have been produced in the last 20 years.

The good thing about ETRTO is that it actually corresponds to the sizes you get with a tape measure.



https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8e7efd6400.png

Yes, I was aware of that, checked, and that's why I quoted ETRTO to begin with. Yes, that's partly how I measured, but it was an approximation, given that the new have some flash, and I can't check for exactness of the circle, though it didn't seem more than 2mm out. 2mm on a bike tyre is a lot. I did get one tyre on, by the way, but inner tube protruding from the sidewall didn't promise any great longevity :)

I still don't know from your answer what was printed on the original tire.

also.... It is possible that when you mounted the tire, that the tube didn't inflate evenly pushing the tire about the rims bead seat evenly. If the bead of the tire was down in the channels on one part, then the bead of the tire could be showing daylight as well as letting the tube squeeze past on the opposite part.

Why not? Anyway, the printing on the old tyre, the Kenda, which has only done 150km, by the way, says "ETRTO 37-349." I repeat that, so it is clear, 37 - 349. It also says16 x 1 3/8, which is what might have caused the confusion.If you have FaceTime, I'll get your number and show you the number on video. I don't really want to send the tyre to you, so you can check personally, as (obviously) I have no replacement to put on the bike :)


As to your next post, the simple answer is no, it is not possible.

Because I needed you to confirm what could only be assumed from your first post......

Your last response:
does serve to answer that.

Actually, you are totally wrong. Have a look at that first sentence, it says "According to all the info can find, my new bike should take ETRTO 37 - 349 or, in imperial, 16-1 3/8 tyres. That is marked clearly on the tyres the bike came with.

Can't see why you couldn't work that our, but, hey ho, we all make mistakes.

Sorry to disagree. And this will be my last post about the nit-picky on the grammar and syntax, but I cannot as the reader, with any certainty know that "That" in the second sentence is being used to mean both the "ERTO" and "Imperial" in the first sentence. I've been bitten too many times by assuming such things when reading posts from others.'

It's not my wish to offend. I just want to make certain I understood correctly.

Then you've wasted my time, and, I hope yours. I'd be happier if you at least had the courtesy to quote me correctly. "ERTO"?

I didn't wast your time. You didn't have to answer something that wasn't answering your question. So you have to take the blame for wasting your time.

Seriously though.... if this is bumming you out, then I'm sorry I cause you to waste your time.

Now that you've gotten your buns in a knot about someone trying to understand exactly your problem in order to help you, do you feel better?

If you've got one tire marked the same as another and one fits a rim and the other doesn't, I don't see much to do except contact the three manufacturers (two tires and rim/bike), which it appears you've already done.

Rubbish, and you know it, I'm sure you waste lots of people's time:). I doubt anyone misunderstood my original post. You just scan read, which we're all guilty of, and missed a key part. Now, can you suggest a sensible solution to the problem, or are you going to continue with the self-justification?

Nah, I can see I'm getting nowhere. I must admit, I'm surprised by your aggressive attitude, though. Most Australians (and I'm half one) feel an affinity with Canadians. Indeed, I have a personal interest as my nephew lives there, and have been there a couple of times. Vancouver, to be precise, and hoping to visit Quebec later this year. Do carry on.

I guess it would make sense to try measuring which component is off. Are the Schwalbes further away from the 349 BSD, or the rim, or...? Just for the future. Since you seem stuck with Kenda's that are not beefy enough for you, you might as well add some (Mr. Tuffy's) tire liners to compensate. If shipping wasn't so expensive I even would have some unused ones flying around in my basement.

Thanks for the offer, you've restored my faith. I'm having trouble believing it is the Schwalbe, especially as I tried two different models. I've a horrible feeling I may know the answer, but will wait for the manufacturer to reply.

Well, if you like wheel building, here's your excuse to build a proper wheel ;-)

Have 1 349-37 Schwalbe Marathon that is Loose fitting, want it?

Cheers, but, living in country France
 

Find a 349 rim with an effective rim diameter (ERD) similar to your current rim and just replace the rim. The spokes should give you a mm or two wiggle room. Replacing rims is faster than rebuilding an entire wheel: just tape the rims together and move over spoke by spoke.