700x25c too thin for touring?
07-22-14, 09:56 PM
#26
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Haven't done the part of the coast route north of Florence, OR, but I have ridden the part from there south with camping gear and 23mm tires and didn't encounter any problems related to the tires. [Why do so many append a 'c' when giving the width of the tire just because the diameter is for a 700c (622mm) rim? Does anyone riding on 650b wheels give their width as 25b?]
07-23-14, 04:07 AM
#27
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07-23-14, 08:43 AM
#28
we be rollin'
I haven't checked that out yet but this is even more peculiar. Here, this Michelin Cross Max is shown as 42-622 (700x40C). Bike24 - Michelin Protek Cross Max 28 inch Wired Tire So is it 40 or 42mm? I'm inclined to think it's 42mm but I don't know how the 40C is derived from.
[They also list 37-622 (700x35C).]
[They also list 37-622 (700x35C).]
07-23-14, 08:54 AM
#29
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A few decades back, I did a tour on 27" wheels (Wober Super Champion Blue Labels) that typcially had 1" tires. I did have a snakebite in a bad place. Next day I bought some Michelins with steel belts, but same size (which I think is equivalent to 25mm) and had no further issues for thousands of kms. I did travel light, handlebar bag, two rear panniers, and rack back with sleeping bag in it. 40 lbs of gear might be pushing it, especially if it is mostly in the rear.
07-26-14, 09:51 PM
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I'm biking down the pacific coast (Vancouver -> San Diego) and currently use 25c tires. I prefer to keep them on as I already have two spares for them and I'm already 30% under budget for the trip. I don't plan to go off road, but I guess it would be nice to be able to ride on some forest roads occasionally. I weight around 130 lbs and am carrying ~40 lbs of gear including water. Should I switch the tires or is it safe to keep using the 25s?
Long Answer - Depends on the kind of touring you're doing. If you do the kind I do, here's an article I wrote up about it.
Expedition Cycling: A How-to Primer
But I do a lot of off road touring in difficult places with lots of gear. So, it all depends on what you decide to load up with, and what kind of terrain you're traversing, or planning on tackling. If you plan to do a lot of offroading, go wider/thicker. If not, well, you should know your equipment best.
Last edited by crotch_rocket; 07-26-14 at 09:57 PM.
07-27-14, 06:16 AM
#31
we be rollin'
Short Answer - Not safe. I'd co with larger tires (wider/thicker) due to weight, load, and remember, when you're bumping up and down, it adds a LOT of extra force.
Long Answer - Depends on the kind of touring you're doing. If you do the kind I do, here's an article I wrote up about it.
Expedition Cycling: A How-to Primer
But I do a lot of off road touring in difficult places with lots of gear. So, it all depends on what you decide to load up with, and what kind of terrain you're traversing, or planning on tackling. If you plan to do a lot of offroading, go wider/thicker. If not, well, you should know your equipment best.
Long Answer - Depends on the kind of touring you're doing. If you do the kind I do, here's an article I wrote up about it.
Expedition Cycling: A How-to Primer
But I do a lot of off road touring in difficult places with lots of gear. So, it all depends on what you decide to load up with, and what kind of terrain you're traversing, or planning on tackling. If you plan to do a lot of offroading, go wider/thicker. If not, well, you should know your equipment best.
07-27-14, 08:44 AM
#32
Since your weight-on-bike is 170lbs you'll be fine on paved roads. For the off-road stuff, I'd recommend going to something fatter. The extra cushion will be safer, more comfortable, and less stressful on your wheelset.
Last edited by BigAura; 07-27-14 at 08:49 AM.
07-27-14, 09:03 AM
#33
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i'd say start out on the 25's... they may not last the whole journey anyhow... and if you don't like them, move up when you buy newer ones..the off road stuff will present the biggest problem for you, it won't be as much fun as on the road using 25's
