Specialized Expedition tire size?
#1
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Snohomish, WA.
Posts: 2,866
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 469 Post(s)
Liked 2,443 Times
in
646 Posts
Specialized Expedition Max Tire Size?
Question for any of you that own/owned an Expedition:
What is the largest tire that will comfortably fit on these bike(with and without fenders)? I have done some searching and some folks have said 35s with fenders is about it? Can anyone confirm this?
I don't have the bike yet,, but I'd like to get an idea so I can get some tires ordered.
Thanks in advance for any help here.
picture for attention
What is the largest tire that will comfortably fit on these bike(with and without fenders)? I have done some searching and some folks have said 35s with fenders is about it? Can anyone confirm this?
I don't have the bike yet,, but I'd like to get an idea so I can get some tires ordered.
Thanks in advance for any help here.
picture for attention
Last edited by Roger M; 02-23-21 at 07:47 PM.
#2
Bike Butcher of Portland
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 11,639
Bikes: It's complicated.
Mentioned: 1299 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4681 Post(s)
Liked 5,799 Times
in
2,284 Posts
If that's the bike, guessing it's for your son?
__________________
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.
#3
Bikes are okay, I guess.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 6,938
Bikes: Waterford Paramount Touring, Giant CFM-2, Raleigh Sports 3-speeds in M23 & L23, Schwinn Cimarron oddball build, Marin Palisades Trail dropbar conversion, Nishiki Cresta GT
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2647 Post(s)
Liked 2,446 Times
in
1,557 Posts
Wait until you have the bike. I think they came with 27 x 1 3/8 back in the day.
Likes For thumpism:
Likes For Roger M:
#5
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Snohomish, WA.
Posts: 2,866
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 469 Post(s)
Liked 2,443 Times
in
646 Posts
27" wouldn't have been the end of the world though. I have a nice set of 27" 'touring' wheels. And that's another thing I will have to come up with, 700c wheels to handle a load.
#6
Senior Member
I’m currently running Schwalbe Marathons at 35 on mine with fenders but it will fit 38’s. I even had some 41’s on it but the little nubs on the sides of the tires would hit the rear chain stays. The 38’s were Specialized Nimbus and I cant remember what the 41’s were.
__________________
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride - JFK
Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride - JFK
Likes For badger_biker:
#7
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Snohomish, WA.
Posts: 2,866
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 469 Post(s)
Liked 2,443 Times
in
646 Posts
I’m currently running Schwalbe Marathons at 35 on mine with fenders but it will fit 38’s. I even had some 41’s on it but the little nubs on the sides of the tires would hit the rear chain stays. The 38’s were Specialized Nimbus and I cant remember what the 41’s were.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Schwenksville, Pa
Posts: 2,772
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 276 Post(s)
Liked 339 Times
in
179 Posts
I have an '85 Expedition that I was just playing around with last night to figure our this same question. I was able to get a 700x41 in the front on 15mm wide rim, but a 43mm Rock N Road wouldn't fit. The rear looks like it will go a bit larger.
I was also playing around with different brake's too because anything I tried besides the original canti's would cause the brake pads to rub against the fork and the tire would be a tight fit to get in. I may try Tektro 720's from another bike and cut down the pads because the have a similar design to the original Deore-XT's.
I was also playing around with different brake's too because anything I tried besides the original canti's would cause the brake pads to rub against the fork and the tire would be a tight fit to get in. I may try Tektro 720's from another bike and cut down the pads because the have a similar design to the original Deore-XT's.
__________________
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
Likes For Kobe:
#10
Full Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Marin County, Alta California
Posts: 384
Bikes: Since new: 86 Rodriguez Tandem, wife's 87 Gitane Team Pro, 92 Burley Rock-n-Roll, 85 Fisher Comp, 88 Puch Pro, two 92 Bridgestone X0-1s; later: 66/67 Gitane Champion du Monde, 70 Gitane Super Corsa, 70 Carre, 87 Gitane Team Pro, 77/78 Ritchey Tandem
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 149 Post(s)
Liked 366 Times
in
161 Posts
I have a set of NOS Specialized Expedition tires that are 27 1 3/8. Not for sale.
#12
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Snohomish, WA.
Posts: 2,866
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 469 Post(s)
Liked 2,443 Times
in
646 Posts
I have an '85 Expedition that I was just playing around with last night to figure our this same question. I was able to get a 700x41 in the front on 15mm wide rim, but a 43mm Rock N Road wouldn't fit. The rear looks like it will go a bit larger.
I was also playing around with different brake's too because anything I tried besides the original canti's would cause the brake pads to rub against the fork and the tire would be a tight fit to get in. I may try Tektro 720's from another bike and cut down the pads because the have a similar design to the original Deore-XT's.
I was also playing around with different brake's too because anything I tried besides the original canti's would cause the brake pads to rub against the fork and the tire would be a tight fit to get in. I may try Tektro 720's from another bike and cut down the pads because the have a similar design to the original Deore-XT's.
I found a pair of 38 Gravelkings for $65 shipped. I have some hope they will fit with fenders. Fwiw, I had some rocknroads a few years back. They wouldn't fit in a Miyata 1000 either.
Out of curiosity, why don't you want to use the original cantilever brakes?
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Schwenksville, Pa
Posts: 2,772
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 276 Post(s)
Liked 339 Times
in
179 Posts
Gravelkings in 38 are the sweet spot for me. I have them on my Clockwork and find them great both on road and on gravel trails, I guess that's how they got their name. 2000+ miles and still holding up well.
I may try to clean up the original canti's and use them. My Expedition looks like it sat unused and possibly outside for a long time, so they are pitted pretty bad. After battling a stuck stem and stuck seat post I was hoping to take the easy route and just switch to more modern brakes I already had.
I may try to clean up the original canti's and use them. My Expedition looks like it sat unused and possibly outside for a long time, so they are pitted pretty bad. After battling a stuck stem and stuck seat post I was hoping to take the easy route and just switch to more modern brakes I already had.
__________________
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
#14
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Snohomish, WA.
Posts: 2,866
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 469 Post(s)
Liked 2,443 Times
in
646 Posts
Gravelkings in 38 are the sweet spot for me. I have them on my Clockwork and find them great both on road and on gravel trails, I guess that's how they got their name. 2000+ miles and still holding up well.
I may try to clean up the original canti's and use them. My Expedition looks like it sat unused and possibly outside for a long time, so they are pitted pretty bad. After battling a stuck stem and stuck seat post I was hoping to take the easy route and just switch to more modern brakes I already had.
I may try to clean up the original canti's and use them. My Expedition looks like it sat unused and possibly outside for a long time, so they are pitted pretty bad. After battling a stuck stem and stuck seat post I was hoping to take the easy route and just switch to more modern brakes I already had.
Last edited by Roger M; 02-25-21 at 08:25 AM.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Schwenksville, Pa
Posts: 2,772
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 276 Post(s)
Liked 339 Times
in
179 Posts
Looking forward to seeing how you build this up. I am planing on doing mostly a parts bin build as a bad weather bike.
__________________
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
Likes For Kobe:
#16
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Snohomish, WA.
Posts: 2,866
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 469 Post(s)
Liked 2,443 Times
in
646 Posts
Welcome to the land of truly giant frames of 66cm+. For the price he was asking I considered buying yours and just giving up on mine with the stuck seat post. These 2 frames were probably made with in an hour of each other but yours most definitely has had a better life.
Looking forward to seeing how you build this up. I am planing on doing mostly a parts bin build as a bad weather bike.
Looking forward to seeing how you build this up. I am planing on doing mostly a parts bin build as a bad weather bike.
I'm sure you already know the drill on stuck posts. Maybe it's time to cut it out? Heatgun? Good luck.
If I can stand over it without any issues.. then I think I can make it work.
I'm digging through my parts bin for this as well. I also have that other small Expedition in the top photo. They will both get back on the road this Spring. This might be my first foray into the dynamo world...
#17
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,646
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2608 Post(s)
Liked 1,699 Times
in
935 Posts
There were also Specialized Expedition 27 x 1 3/8” tires.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#18
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Snohomish, WA.
Posts: 2,866
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 469 Post(s)
Liked 2,443 Times
in
646 Posts
I found a catalog scan for 1985, and it shows 700x35 Specialized Expedition tires as OE.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Schwenksville, Pa
Posts: 2,772
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 276 Post(s)
Liked 339 Times
in
179 Posts
2) Heat and cold.
3) Oxalic Acid for 3 days.
4) 4' Pipe wrench.
5) Slide hammer.
6) Sawzalled it out this past weekend. Success but damaged the frame a little because it wouldn't budge. Still ride able but it will never be a show queen.
__________________
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
#20
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,646
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2608 Post(s)
Liked 1,699 Times
in
935 Posts
I had acquired a 27" Modele 58/Avocet wheel set with Specialized Touring (27 x 1 1/4) and Expedition tires.
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#21
Extraordinary Magnitude
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Waukesha WI
Posts: 13,646
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Mentioned: 84 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2608 Post(s)
Liked 1,699 Times
in
935 Posts
I was also playing around with different brake's too because anything I tried besides the original canti's would cause the brake pads to rub against the fork and the tire would be a tight fit to get in. I may try Tektro 720's from another bike and cut down the pads because the have a similar design to the original Deore-XT's.
I may try to clean up the original canti's and use them. My Expedition looks like it sat unused and possibly outside for a long time, so they are pitted pretty bad. After battling a stuck stem and stuck seat post I was hoping to take the easy route and just switch to more modern brakes I already had.
But you can always try- especially if you've got the brakes on hand.
I "like" the MC-70 brakes, but I like the later MT62 and M732 brakes much better.
MC70M732MT62 by Dave The Golden Boy, on Flickr
__________________
*Recipient of the 2006 Time Magazine "Person Of The Year" Award*
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
"But hey, always love to hear from opinionated amateurs." -says some guy to Mr. Marshall.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Schwenksville, Pa
Posts: 2,772
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 276 Post(s)
Liked 339 Times
in
179 Posts
Sometimes it's easier to just Google the solution. Looks like RiddleOfSteel ran into this problem last year and had a Gugification done to the front fork to fit Tektro 720's,but the back was fine.
Specialized brake conversion
Looks like I'll be polishing the Deore-XT's.
Specialized brake conversion
Looks like I'll be polishing the Deore-XT's.
__________________
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
#23
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Snohomish, WA.
Posts: 2,866
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 469 Post(s)
Liked 2,443 Times
in
646 Posts
Please keep us posted on your progress with the Expedition rehab.
My ultimate goal for M582770:
'How to make a ginormous bike look just big'
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Schwenksville, Pa
Posts: 2,772
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 276 Post(s)
Liked 339 Times
in
179 Posts
Roger M Can you confirm the seatpost size is 26.8? I destroyed mine getting it out and ordered a 26.8 based on searching the web. The 26.8 seams a touch too big even though I though I cleaned up all of the corrosion on the inside of the seat tube. Thanks.
__________________
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 2,044
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 838 Post(s)
Liked 1,081 Times
in
522 Posts
This person reports that they needed to modify their fenders to fit 38s: https://www.google.com/amp/s/myfavor...on-review/amp/
This person is running 32s but says 35s will likely fit: https://www.google.com/amp/s/myfavor...on-review/amp/
So it seems 35 is the max with fenders.
This person is running 32s but says 35s will likely fit: https://www.google.com/amp/s/myfavor...on-review/amp/
So it seems 35 is the max with fenders.
Likes For polymorphself: