freeagent1970

I was just wondering. I ride a mtb with 26 inch wheels on it. I made the switch to a bit smoother tire, with treaded sided a few months back. Is there any thinner rims i can put on the bike? I dont have my wheel size handy but its a standare wheel size on most mtb. I have a 4 year old hardtail. I do the maintenace on it and keep everything lubed. My derailers are always adjusted by my lbs and my brakes dont drag. It seems like im pedaling in cement all the time..granted im a big boy at 340 lbs. I struggle to do a few miles a day and when i see posts of other clydes doing centuries i get a bit envious. Any advice on a thinner wheel?

Tom Stormcrowe

You don't need a thinner wheel, just throw on a pair of high pressure 26"X1.5" and ride with 100 PSI in the tiores. Schwalbe makesseveral that will fill the bill, as does Kenda. You can also hunt around and find some Chin Ho slicks (Kenda uses this company to manufacture their branded tires).

jakereed

I changed my wide 26x1.95 tires to some Continental Sport Contact slicks @ 26x1.6 and there was a very big difference. I run them at 80 pound tire pressure, and I've also gotten only one flat in the 1200 miles I put on the new tires because they also have some puncture protection in them. They also come in 26x1.3, but I would recommend the 1.6 size.

bab2000

Your bike should run smoother than you described. And suspect a wheel bearing issue that may be become more prevalent after you mount the bike.

If you have maintained your wheels and bearings, I just learned that if the cones are to tight, the wheel will freespin just fine, but if mounted with quick release hubs, tightening the spindle and locking compresses the cones even more adding substantial pressure to the bearings.

My oldest son has a Giant Yukon, is about 310# and has no issues with his 26" tires and keeps pace with his old man even when he is pulling son (my grandson), in trailer.

CACycling

+1 on the above advice regarding bearings.

As for tires, if your rims are fairly narrow (which many are on later model MTBs) you could put a set of these on it:

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=5425

I put them on my wife's hybrid and she was amazed at the difference.

freeagent1970

I have a semi smooth tire on it now. but its wide..ill have the bearings looked at. The bike is maintained regularly and my guy is pretty good about spotting such issues but ill definately give it a whirl. As far as the tires go thanks alot, i might be ordeirng a set this week.