Raleigh mountain tour (Elkhorn) 26 inch tire help
#1
Perfect bike?
Thread Starter
Raleigh mountain tour (Elkhorn) 26 inch tire help
In the middle of a restoration of a 1985 Raleigh Mountain Tour Elkhorn. Goal is commuter/cruiser style
This is 26 x 2.125 stock tires on 26 x 1.75 rims.
I received feedback that if I used 26 x 2.15 tires that chain rub would happen when using the small ring. (Schwalbe Big Ben)
I'm not looking to do any drive train modifications and would like all gears to work without issues
Ideally I'd like to do some tan/brown/creme or tan side wall tires.
Any suggestions for 26x2.0/2.1/2.125 tires
Not particularly interested in the cheap CST, Duro, Sunlite
This is 26 x 2.125 stock tires on 26 x 1.75 rims.
I received feedback that if I used 26 x 2.15 tires that chain rub would happen when using the small ring. (Schwalbe Big Ben)
I'm not looking to do any drive train modifications and would like all gears to work without issues
Ideally I'd like to do some tan/brown/creme or tan side wall tires.
Any suggestions for 26x2.0/2.1/2.125 tires
Not particularly interested in the cheap CST, Duro, Sunlite
#2
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I don't have any real experience- other than a vague desire to kinda get big fat tires on either of my ATBs. I thought the entire deal was clearance at the stays- I'm not entirely sure how the chain and or ring would be affected by tire size- as the tire is inside the chain stay and both the chain and the chainring are outside the chain stay.
I will say that I got a couple sets of Compass/Rene Herse tires on a couple of 700c bikes. They're awesome. People have said great things about the Rat Trap Pass tires- but I don't entirely know if they'd fit in an 80s ATB.
You should post pix.
I will say that I got a couple sets of Compass/Rene Herse tires on a couple of 700c bikes. They're awesome. People have said great things about the Rat Trap Pass tires- but I don't entirely know if they'd fit in an 80s ATB.
You should post pix.
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#3
Senior Member
In the middle of a restoration of a 1985 Raleigh Mountain Tour Elkhorn. Goal is commuter/cruiser style
This is 26 x 2.125 stock tires on 26 x 1.75 rims.
I received feedback that if I used 26 x 2.15 tires that chain rub would happen when using the small ring. (Schwalbe Big Ben)
I'm not looking to do any drive train modifications and would like all gears to work without issues
Ideally I'd like to do some tan/brown/creme or tan side wall tires.
Any suggestions for 26x2.0/2.1/2.125 tires
Not particularly interested in the cheap CST, Duro, Sunlite
This is 26 x 2.125 stock tires on 26 x 1.75 rims.
I received feedback that if I used 26 x 2.15 tires that chain rub would happen when using the small ring. (Schwalbe Big Ben)
I'm not looking to do any drive train modifications and would like all gears to work without issues
Ideally I'd like to do some tan/brown/creme or tan side wall tires.
Any suggestions for 26x2.0/2.1/2.125 tires
Not particularly interested in the cheap CST, Duro, Sunlite
Last edited by HTupolev; 07-18-21 at 10:11 AM.
#4
Perfect bike?
Thread Starter
The bike is currently in pieces. No useful photos. I'm working on the drivetrain today so maybe later.
Those Rat trap are definitely the most premium and supple ride out there
Couple tires in the BMX world look interesting.
The Maxxis DTH 26X2.15, 52/54-559. Interesting with the Etrto that it lists 2 different widths. Rims size, or min max psi?
It's direct competition Schwalbe Billy Bonkers
54-559 (26 x 2.10)
Cult Vans 26 x 2.1
Not sure how any of these treads would hold up/ feel on mostly pavement and some hardcpack
Those Rat trap are definitely the most premium and supple ride out there
Couple tires in the BMX world look interesting.
The Maxxis DTH 26X2.15, 52/54-559. Interesting with the Etrto that it lists 2 different widths. Rims size, or min max psi?
It's direct competition Schwalbe Billy Bonkers
54-559 (26 x 2.10)
Cult Vans 26 x 2.1
Not sure how any of these treads would hold up/ feel on mostly pavement and some hardcpack
#5
two wheels only
Like Golden Boy, I'm having trouble picturing how a moving to a narrower tire would cause chain rub. I use and like the Continental Contact Speed tire on an older mountain bike for road/trail use. They are available in a range of widths. No tan side-wall though.
#6
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Your tire choices sound kosher for the "cruiser/commuter" style you are going for. Let me add Schwalbe Fat Frank to the mix. Here they are on my 1983 Miyata Ridge Runner. They are listed as 26 x 2.35, and I've not put a caliper to them, but there is at least 5mm clearance at the chainstays, so no problems there. They roll pretty smooth and light for their size as well.
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#7
Senior Member
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#8
Perfect bike?
Thread Starter
I don't have an exact answer for the tire rub concern even if it fits inside the chain stay. This was feedback I asked for from a fellow member that has owned a Crested Butte for a number of years and has tried different tires. The Big Ben gave him the tire/ chain rubbing issue with stock drive train. The Elkhorn is set up basically the same way.
#9
Junior Member
You may also want to consider Schwalbe Kojak 2.0s...I love.the Compass RTP.. they're awesome (and pricey). The Kojaks have become my go-to retrofit tire choice... They're all black and look really cool on any bike. And they roll extremely well.
#10
I've only ever gotten front derailleur/chain contact with a 2.4" or larger tire. I would think anything 2.2" or smaller would be fine.
The oldest MTB I have is a Technium with a triple and 6spd 126mm rear hub. Has the Maxxis DTH tires in 2.125" or whatever they call it, clears everything, even has room for fenders I think.
The Maxxis DTH comes in skinwall, so does the Panaracer gravel king.
The oldest MTB I have is a Technium with a triple and 6spd 126mm rear hub. Has the Maxxis DTH tires in 2.125" or whatever they call it, clears everything, even has room for fenders I think.
The Maxxis DTH comes in skinwall, so does the Panaracer gravel king.
#12
Perfect bike?
Thread Starter
My desire to use colored balloon style tires doesn't look like it going to happen this time around.
Continental has the Contact Cruiser in a 50-559 but the colors aren't available anywhere.
Basic options are the 2.1 gravel tires listed above or a more durable cruiser tire in black.
Thanks everyone for trying to work through this.
Continental has the Contact Cruiser in a 50-559 but the colors aren't available anywhere.
Basic options are the 2.1 gravel tires listed above or a more durable cruiser tire in black.
Thanks everyone for trying to work through this.
#13
Perfect bike?
Thread Starter
Incase anyone was curious. I picked up a couple used non matching gravel style low tread tires. 2.0 in rear 2.1 in front. Should provide a good test on ride quality before investing in new tires.
#14
Abuse Magnet
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I've been using 2.10 Continental Town & Countrys on my commuter for a few years now...been doing pretty well for me. However, I've read some poor reviews of the tire, as used in heavy touring. Not sure it's a heavy touring tire, though.
#15
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The Panaracer GravelKing SK in 26x2.1 would be nice if you can find them. They come in tanwall or blackwall, are tough with some small knobs (hence the 'SK' moniker) and roll fast. The 26" are really tough to actually BUY right now. I've been waiting to use them on my '85.5 Miyata Ridge Runner SE.