horatio 

I wonder how that worked out for her!

bikemig 

I might say you're the champ of big tires on vintage bikes,

What are the roads like that you ride on? I'll bet they're big tire friendly.

USAZorro

I know we have other contenders for that title.

I have a Giant Iguana drop bar conversion with Rat Trap Pass tires 54's; Raleigh Competition converted to 650B with Hetre's 42's; A Super Course that has 38's; Two older Raleighs with 650A Col de le Vie's (roughly 35's); and three others set up with 700c tires that are 28 or larger. I still have a few with narrow tires, but that's because I can't get larger on them.

Doubtless there are others who are even more steadfast devotees of the high volume philosophy.

63rickert

The bike you want is out there. It exists. Take your time.

In late 80s MTBs came with what were laughingly called 26x1.9 tires. They were more like 39mm wide when the Customs inspector saw them and hopefully 41 or 42 after a bit of riding. On a 26" rim that is not all that big. We rode those everywhere. It took a lot more attention and a bit more effort than it does now on a springer with 27.5x3.0. But yes, bigger tires will open up a lot of riding opportunities. Find the right bike for you, not first available.

canklecat

Michelin Proteks are good tires, underrated among US commuters and recreational riders. Most folks immediately suggest Schwalbe but Michelin and Continental make some good choices in all around tires.

I have Michelin Protek Cross Max 700x40 on my errand bike. They're bulletproof so I don't usually carry a flat fix kit. One less thing to keep track of or worry about being stolen when the bike is locked up. They're harsh at full pressure but ride nicely around 50-60 psi (I weigh 150 lbs). Surefooted on almost any reasonable surface.

The Continental Sport Contact II in 700x32 felt sluggish to me, but my expectations may have been too high. I was accustomed to a spirited ride from Conti Speed Rides. The Sport Contact II is more like a somewhat less sluggish version of a commuter tire, but not "sporty". Probably comparable to the Michelin Protek commuter tires. But I might try a tire swap on the errand bike just to compare subjective ride feel.

But for my road bikes, life is too short to burn watts overcoming rolling resistance. I'd rather deal with an occasional flat than ride lead filled garden hose tires like Gatorskins.

BTW, Conti Ultra Sport 2 are remarkably good cheap tires. If you don't mind riding slicks the US2 is available in sizes up to 700x32. I've ridden 700x23 and 700x25 on my road bikes for more than a year and have zero complaints. There's no designated puncture shield but the tread is thick enough to wear well and resist punctures. The rubber compound is reasonably grippy, more like a friendly sporty-commuter tire than a road racing tire. They ride well across a range of pressures to suit rider weight and road conditions.

Well, almost zero complaints... they're very tight fitting on most rims and I bought a Kool Stop bead jack to ease mounting those tires. I take the bead jack on most rides and it was essential on one flat fix with cold hands. The bead jack weighs only a couple of ounces and is all plastic. There are lighter, more compact bead jacks. But don't rely on tire levers to mount Conti or Schwalbe road bike tires. Until the rubber around the bead is burnished down a bit you'll appreciate the extra leverage from a bead jack.

chune

Necro posting to show off my gitane fits 700x44c tires:

Roger M

This Expedition has 700x38 Gravelkings. A bit of a tight fit with fenders, but no problems so far. 42 might fit without fenders