700 x 38c tires on a vintage bike?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,488
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 179 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5907 Post(s)
Liked 3,541 Times
in
2,110 Posts
700 x 38c tires on a vintage bike?
Anyone running 700 x 38c tires on a C&V bike? I picked up a nice set of of 700 x 38c Hutchinson tires and now I'm jonesing to buy a frame or a bike that can handle these tires. I know that's so wrong (using new tires as an excuse to buy another bike) but I figure C&V is a safe space when it comes N + 1,
I also know there is a lot of variation on tire width and volume depending on how manufacturers measure, rim width etc. But show me what you got. Oh and I don't want any crazy long brakes either because I want the bike to stop eventually. So I guess I'm willing to go as long as Weinman/Dia Compe 750s.
Or were there touring bikes with cantilevers that could take that fat a tire back in the day? I don't really want a touring bike so I'm hoping to get away from cantilevers.
Pics would be helpful if you have them.
I also know there is a lot of variation on tire width and volume depending on how manufacturers measure, rim width etc. But show me what you got. Oh and I don't want any crazy long brakes either because I want the bike to stop eventually. So I guess I'm willing to go as long as Weinman/Dia Compe 750s.
Or were there touring bikes with cantilevers that could take that fat a tire back in the day? I don't really want a touring bike so I'm hoping to get away from cantilevers.
Pics would be helpful if you have them.
#2
Occam's Rotor
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 7,248
Mentioned: 61 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2366 Post(s)
Liked 2,331 Times
in
1,164 Posts
Is 2014 vintage yet? (My 38mm Compasses fit with mm to spare.) I was able to cram 28mm tires into my 1987 Bianchi frame.
#3
Mr. Anachronism
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Somewhere west of Tobie's
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: fillet-brazed Chicago Schwinns, and some other stuff
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 526 Post(s)
Liked 257 Times
in
166 Posts
You've got a better chance they'll fit on bikes that were originally equipped with 27" wheels. Converting to 700c gets you a bit more wiggle room.
__________________
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
#4
Sempiternal Newb
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Panama City, FL
Posts: 637
Bikes: '92 Trek 750, '85 Univega Gran Turismo, '95 Stumpjumper,
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 232 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times
in
11 Posts
I'm not sure about frames without cantilevers, I believe a Super Course might have room for 700x38c if you crimped the chainstay. I had 700x35c and fenders on mine.
Touring bikes don't have to just "tour," I've used my Univega Gran Turismo for some singletrack and gravel grinding. It just clears these 700x43c (actual width around 40mm on Sun CR-18 rims) Panaracer GravelKing SKs.
Touring bikes don't have to just "tour," I've used my Univega Gran Turismo for some singletrack and gravel grinding. It just clears these 700x43c (actual width around 40mm on Sun CR-18 rims) Panaracer GravelKing SKs.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 4,739
Bikes: 82 Medici, 2011 Richard Sachs, 2011 Milwaukee Road
Mentioned: 55 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1969 Post(s)
Liked 2,070 Times
in
1,138 Posts
My '69 PX-10 fit 35mm CX tires. Sorry, no pics.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 2,537
Bikes: yes
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1281 Post(s)
Liked 644 Times
in
330 Posts
I'd guess touring or randonneur bikes would be your best bet... but it's not like vintage rando bikes just pop on CL every day... or ever... in the U.S.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 257
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 19 Times
in
15 Posts
I remember a thread on here where someone set up up a Schwinn World Sport with 700x42? tires.
I know an 88 Letour clears 700x32 easily, but never got around to checking any bigger.
I know an 88 Letour clears 700x32 easily, but never got around to checking any bigger.
#8
Señor Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Hardy, VA
Posts: 17,964
Bikes: Mostly English - predominantly Raleighs
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1507 Post(s)
Liked 1,125 Times
in
656 Posts
1971 Raleigh Super Course - recently repainted and reconfigured with 81 speeds and 700c x 38mm Panaracer Pro-Tites. They ride quite nicely.
__________________
In search of what to search for.
In search of what to search for.
Likes For USAZorro:
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 2,701
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1136 Post(s)
Liked 650 Times
in
336 Posts
I am running 700x38 on my '73 Schwinn Sports Tourer. On skinny Wolber rims they measure out to 35mm, which is probably the max I'd go. 38 would fit but pretty close to the chainstays. I needed to use long reach Dia Compe centerpulls on the back to reach the rim. They work fine.
Fitting 38s usually means a 700C or 650B conversion on a 70s bike, with long reach brakes. If you don't want to use long reach brakes, a dedicated randonneur frame is your best bet. I will be building up a Japanese randonneur bike soon that was originally made to fit 650Ax42mm with cantilevers.
Fitting 38s usually means a 700C or 650B conversion on a 70s bike, with long reach brakes. If you don't want to use long reach brakes, a dedicated randonneur frame is your best bet. I will be building up a Japanese randonneur bike soon that was originally made to fit 650Ax42mm with cantilevers.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,700
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1383 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,777 Times
in
952 Posts
Just did a couple of thousand kilometers, or more, on my 1982 Bianchi Touring which I had to fit with the only tires that I could find in Jamaica. Less than $30.00 US for the set. They just barely clear the chain stays and are a near bullet proof treat to ride (for cheap tires, that is)...
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
#11
Full Member
32’s not big enough? That is what I am running on that sweet Gitane. I even have room for some tight fitting fenders with minimal toe overlap.
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,488
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 179 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5907 Post(s)
Liked 3,541 Times
in
2,110 Posts
32c is pretty easy to fit on a lot of vintage bikes. I'm thinking of making a gravel bike with 700 x 38c tires. The alternative is to go 650b.
#13
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Burnaby, British Columbia
Posts: 167
Bikes: 1984 & 1990 Marinoni Specials - 1990 Bianchi Sika - 1993 Cannondale M800 - 1996 GT Zaskar - 1993 Kona Kilauea - 1987 Ritchey Ascent - 1996 Rocky Mountain Vertex - 2008 Kona Dogma - 1976 Schwinn Suburban - 1994 Kuwahara Makai
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 36 Post(s)
Liked 203 Times
in
58 Posts
Depends on the chainstay lenght, rear brake bridge placement & fork crown design I guess. This 1984 Marinoni is now back to full Campy 12 speed with drop bars but at one time it was a great single speed with flat bars and 35mm 700C knobby tires:
#14
buy my bikes
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,811
Bikes: my very own customized GUNNAR CrossHairs
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 526 Post(s)
Liked 440 Times
in
252 Posts
Trek 420
I've run 700c x 37 CONTIs in a 56cm TREK 420. The tight point is the chainstays.
I've also run a 700Cx38 in an old NISHIKI. The limit there was the brake bridge.
A great deal of the fit depends on the rim width. A wider rim is going to make the tire "taller", as in closer to the brake bridge.
If you are looking for a bike to run your tires on, the TREK 420 will soon be posted FOR SALE in the C&V pages. (on eBay i see them selling for thousands and thousands of dollars!! .... no, not really....)
Here's some pics. The one with the 'DETROIT BIKES' headbadge is the NISHIKI. It could be for sale, but it's in another city waiting for me to visit the in-laws, so more complicated....
trek
trek
trek
nishiki
nishiki
I've also run a 700Cx38 in an old NISHIKI. The limit there was the brake bridge.
A great deal of the fit depends on the rim width. A wider rim is going to make the tire "taller", as in closer to the brake bridge.
If you are looking for a bike to run your tires on, the TREK 420 will soon be posted FOR SALE in the C&V pages. (on eBay i see them selling for thousands and thousands of dollars!! .... no, not really....)
Here's some pics. The one with the 'DETROIT BIKES' headbadge is the NISHIKI. It could be for sale, but it's in another city waiting for me to visit the in-laws, so more complicated....
trek
trek
trek
nishiki
nishiki
#15
buy my bikes
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,811
Bikes: my very own customized GUNNAR CrossHairs
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 526 Post(s)
Liked 440 Times
in
252 Posts
#16
Senior Member
The eponymous '63 Rickert was used a lot with Challenge Grifo (now labeled Almanzo) clinchers that stretched out to a measured 35mm. Still good clearance all around. Was necessary to deflate rear tire to remove or install back wheel. That was a completely normal road bike. Tight spot with 38 would be the rear brake bridge. It would make it, not sure I'd do it. Real 35 as opposed to 35 label is a big tire.
Current 1950 Bates has older single spring Weinmann 750 with pad at bottom of slot. Stops fast. The Bates would not take 38. Or 35.
Look at older frames. Old means old. Not 70s or 80s production frames.
Current 1950 Bates has older single spring Weinmann 750 with pad at bottom of slot. Stops fast. The Bates would not take 38. Or 35.
Look at older frames. Old means old. Not 70s or 80s production frames.
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,488
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 179 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5907 Post(s)
Liked 3,541 Times
in
2,110 Posts
The eponymous '63 Rickert was used a lot with Challenge Grifo (now labeled Almanzo) clinchers that stretched out to a measured 35mm. Still good clearance all around. Was necessary to deflate rear tire to remove or install back wheel. That was a completely normal road bike. Tight spot with 38 would be the rear brake bridge. It would make it, not sure I'd do it. Real 35 as opposed to 35 label is a big tire.
Current 1950 Bates has older single spring Weinmann 750 with pad at bottom of slot. Stops fast. The Bates would not take 38. Or 35.
Look at older frames. Old means old. Not 70s or 80s production frames.
Current 1950 Bates has older single spring Weinmann 750 with pad at bottom of slot. Stops fast. The Bates would not take 38. Or 35.
Look at older frames. Old means old. Not 70s or 80s production frames.
#19
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,488
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 179 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5907 Post(s)
Liked 3,541 Times
in
2,110 Posts
I've run 700c x 37 CONTIs in a 56cm TREK 420. The tight point is the chainstays.
I've also run a 700Cx38 in an old NISHIKI. The limit there was the brake bridge.
A great deal of the fit depends on the rim width. A wider rim is going to make the tire "taller", as in closer to the brake bridge.
If you are looking for a bike to run your tires on, the TREK 420 will soon be posted FOR SALE in the C&V pages. (on eBay i see them selling for thousands and thousands of dollars!! .... no, not really....)
Here's some pics. The one with the 'DETROIT BIKES' headbadge is the NISHIKI. It could be for sale, but it's in another city waiting for me to visit the in-laws, so more complicated....
trek
trek
trek
nishiki
nishiki
I've also run a 700Cx38 in an old NISHIKI. The limit there was the brake bridge.
A great deal of the fit depends on the rim width. A wider rim is going to make the tire "taller", as in closer to the brake bridge.
If you are looking for a bike to run your tires on, the TREK 420 will soon be posted FOR SALE in the C&V pages. (on eBay i see them selling for thousands and thousands of dollars!! .... no, not really....)
Here's some pics. The one with the 'DETROIT BIKES' headbadge is the NISHIKI. It could be for sale, but it's in another city waiting for me to visit the in-laws, so more complicated....
trek
trek
trek
nishiki
nishiki
Likes For bikemig:
#20
Senior Member
ProTour15 with Conti GP4SII 700x28c. If there were a wider one I would have tried.
Don't have pics, but I think the narrower spot is between the the bar connecting the chain stays close to the seat tube and the tire.
On my Tri-A I couldn't fit the 700x28c because it was rubbing the seat stay bar where you attach the rear caliper.
Don't have pics, but I think the narrower spot is between the the bar connecting the chain stays close to the seat tube and the tire.
On my Tri-A I couldn't fit the 700x28c because it was rubbing the seat stay bar where you attach the rear caliper.
#21
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,681
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1304 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4709 Post(s)
Liked 5,892 Times
in
2,316 Posts
Front 3, rear 9 + 3 speed IGH? Thatsa lotta shift levers in the cockpit!
__________________
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If someone tells you that you have enough bicycles and you don't need any more, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Manhattan & Woodstock NY
Posts: 2,791
Bikes: 1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, early '70s Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Raleigh International, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mk1
Mentioned: 114 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 957 Post(s)
Liked 3,086 Times
in
1,006 Posts
Compass 700x35 on my 71 International and my wife's 84 Lotus Eclair:
__________________
1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, 197? Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1971 Raleigh International, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mark I
Curator/Team Mechanic: 2016 Dawes Streetfighter, 1984 Lotus Eclair, 1975 Motobecane Jubile Mixte, 1974 Raleigh Sports, 1973 Free Spirit Ted Williams, 1972 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Philips Sport
#23
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,585
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 513 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7396 Post(s)
Liked 2,564 Times
in
1,493 Posts
I'm about to put 700c x 37mm tires on my 1971 Raleigh Super Course.
I already have 650b x 38mm tires on my Lemond which previously had 700c x 25 tires. It's fun, because I can roll over bumps and ask myself if I really rolled over them.
I already have 650b x 38mm tires on my Lemond which previously had 700c x 25 tires. It's fun, because I can roll over bumps and ask myself if I really rolled over them.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#24
Señor Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 897
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 284 Post(s)
Liked 303 Times
in
151 Posts
Not really. If you think of cross-section of the tire/rim system as a circle, then the rim contributes a portion of that circle's circumference.
When the rim gets wider, it causes the circumference to larger and therefore the circle to get bigger. Thus a larger diameter and effectively a taller tire.
N.B. - Once the rim is contributing as much to the circumference as the tire, this simple analogy falls apart
When the rim gets wider, it causes the circumference to larger and therefore the circle to get bigger. Thus a larger diameter and effectively a taller tire.
N.B. - Once the rim is contributing as much to the circumference as the tire, this simple analogy falls apart
Likes For CO_Hoya:
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Baton Rouge La
Posts: 1,215
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 394 Post(s)
Liked 346 Times
in
230 Posts
I have a not too vintage '96 Trek 520 touring. It came with a 7-speed cassette but the rear dropouts are 135mm spacing. I'm running a 9-speed cassette now.
I have 700x28 Marathon Plus tires on it that measure 27.75 actual width. There is a minimum of 15mm clearance on each side as well as on the outside diameter of the tire, front and rear, on this bike. I'm sure you could run tires even larger than 38mm on it easily.
I have a Miyata 610, and an '86 Schwinn Voyageur fhat I could measure if you want me to, but while they fit 27x1-1/4 Paselas, they don't have a ton of extra clearance.
I have 700x28 Marathon Plus tires on it that measure 27.75 actual width. There is a minimum of 15mm clearance on each side as well as on the outside diameter of the tire, front and rear, on this bike. I'm sure you could run tires even larger than 38mm on it easily.
I have a Miyata 610, and an '86 Schwinn Voyageur fhat I could measure if you want me to, but while they fit 27x1-1/4 Paselas, they don't have a ton of extra clearance.