dls4523

I purchased a 7.3 earlier this year and have been enjoying it on the road. I would like to try some off-roading, and will probably be eventually adding a proper mountain bike to my inventory. Doing some reading, I see there are some people that seem to enjoy riding "rigid", so I was wondering if I could put some decent (and wider) off road tires on my 7.3 to see if mountain biking is something I want to get into. Having trouble understanding the tire sizing for bikes, so I was hoping you could throw some tire/tube size recommendations my way. It looks like I have room to add some "meat" and width in there. Stock tire is 700 x 32, so what size should i be looking for in a mtb tire and what would fit my rim/frame? The bike shop guy showed me a bontrager hybrid 700x35 tire that didnt look like it would be much of an improvement... Thanks in advance.

MRT2

How much clearance do you have? I would guess, you could go as big as maybe 700 x 38 or maybe 40 semi knobby. That is big enough for light off road, but if you really want to ride single track, you need to get a real mountain bike. I doubt your 7.3 has clearance for proper mountain bike tires (2.1 or 2.2" wide, which is 53 mm).

NormanF

No.

Put on smooth-rolling 38-40 c tires and you can go just about anywhere but technical singletrack.

I run 700 X 52 slicks on my 29er and it rolls on hardpack and gravel just fine.

No need for knobbies.

Triaxtremec

I was able to fit a 700x35 CX tire on my Sirrus which should have similar clearance to your bike. Works great, won't have the flex or grip a true mtb will have but will give you a taste of what you are looking for.