650 x ? Looking for a new tire.
05-24-24, 08:29 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
650 x ? Looking for a new tire.
Hey all, I've been running a 650b x 25 conteinnental grand prix on my bike for awhile now, love them, but now that I've lost some weight and can ride slightly lower pressures safely I want to go to a slightly wider tire, max around 80-90 PSI. Anyone able to tell me roughly what tire width I should be looking for? I was thinking maybe like a 30 might work?
Part of the reason for the change is I damaged one of my tires significantly by having my rear wheel come off the edge of a sidewalk. Took some small chunks out of the rimbrake surface (my wheel guy told me I can file and sand it and as long as the brake doesn't catch any it shouldn't be the end of the world) but at any rate figure if I have to replace one I might as well look at changing things up since they're like $80 tires MSRP lol. Any tire recommendations? Prefer road or gravel tread.
Part of the reason for the change is I damaged one of my tires significantly by having my rear wheel come off the edge of a sidewalk. Took some small chunks out of the rimbrake surface (my wheel guy told me I can file and sand it and as long as the brake doesn't catch any it shouldn't be the end of the world) but at any rate figure if I have to replace one I might as well look at changing things up since they're like $80 tires MSRP lol. Any tire recommendations? Prefer road or gravel tread.
05-24-24, 09:12 PM
#2
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FWIW- you have it backwards. The general rule is to use wider tires for greater loads. That's why truck tires are wider than car tires.
If you were fine on 25mm tires at 100psi (or whatever) you should feel free to now lower the pressure somewhat.
This doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't go wider, just that you don't need to. Consider a very rough ratio between pressure X width & axle weight as a guideline. So same width at lower pressure, or a wider tire at even lower pressure.
As for a specific recommendation, I'm not the right person for that.
If you were fine on 25mm tires at 100psi (or whatever) you should feel free to now lower the pressure somewhat.
This doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't go wider, just that you don't need to. Consider a very rough ratio between pressure X width & axle weight as a guideline. So same width at lower pressure, or a wider tire at even lower pressure.
As for a specific recommendation, I'm not the right person for that.
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05-24-24, 09:41 PM
#3
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FWIW- you have it backwards. The general rule is to use wider tires for greater loads. That's why truck tires are wider than car tires.
If you were fine on 25mm tires at 100psi (or whatever) you should feel free to now lower the pressure somewhat.
This doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't go wider, just that you don't need to. Consider a very rough ratio between pressure X width & axle weight as a guideline. So same width at lower pressure, or a wider tire at even lower pressure.
As for a specific recommendation, I'm not the right person for that.
If you were fine on 25mm tires at 100psi (or whatever) you should feel free to now lower the pressure somewhat.
This doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't go wider, just that you don't need to. Consider a very rough ratio between pressure X width & axle weight as a guideline. So same width at lower pressure, or a wider tire at even lower pressure.
As for a specific recommendation, I'm not the right person for that.
At any rate, I want a wider tire for a lot of reasons that I'm not going to try to explain in a forum post at this point. I'm just curious how wide I can go before the max PSI on the tire goes lower than about 80ish. Higher volume, lower max PSI, etc.
05-24-24, 09:50 PM
#4
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I'm impressed that you got by on 25mm tires, but please understand I wasn't arguing against going wider.
So, there are two considerations that cap tire width
The first is easy; frame clearance between the chainstays. Easy enough to measure how much room you have now, with a max width leaving an eighth inch or so clearance.
The second is the rim's width. If you search "bicycle tire and rim width", you'll find a number of charts to use as guides. Keep in mind that these charts are only guidelines, with plenty of fudge room.
Then it's purely a question of shopping tires.
So, there are two considerations that cap tire width
The first is easy; frame clearance between the chainstays. Easy enough to measure how much room you have now, with a max width leaving an eighth inch or so clearance.
The second is the rim's width. If you search "bicycle tire and rim width", you'll find a number of charts to use as guides. Keep in mind that these charts are only guidelines, with plenty of fudge room.
Then it's purely a question of shopping tires.
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05-24-24, 10:08 PM
#5
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I'm impressed that you got by on 25mm tires, but please understand I wasn't arguing against going wider.
So, there are two considerations that cap tire width
The first is easy; frame clearance between the chainstays. Easy enough to measure how much room you have now, with a max width leaving an eighth inch or so clearance.
The second is the rim's width. If you search "bicycle tire and rim width", you'll find a number of charts to use as guides. Keep in mind that these charts are only guidelines, with plenty of fudge room.
Then it's purely a question of shopping tires.
So, there are two considerations that cap tire width
The first is easy; frame clearance between the chainstays. Easy enough to measure how much room you have now, with a max width leaving an eighth inch or so clearance.
The second is the rim's width. If you search "bicycle tire and rim width", you'll find a number of charts to use as guides. Keep in mind that these charts are only guidelines, with plenty of fudge room.
Then it's purely a question of shopping tires.
Last edited by TheBlackPumpkin; 05-24-24 at 10:40 PM.
05-25-24, 04:55 AM
#6
Expired Member
Figure your max tire width and come back. I'm astonished you could ride 25s. Also post your current weight. We can then check a chart Silca and come up with an appropriate tire that fits your requirements. Edit- Is this for the Specialized Roll? The specs I find for that show a 2.3" tire stock and an internal rim width of 30mm.
Last edited by shelbyfv; 05-25-24 at 05:21 AM.
05-25-24, 09:47 AM
#7
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Wider tires are always better for bigger loads and smaller loads and everything in between. Wider tires are just generally better up to a certain point in most cases. In terms of tires, what size can fit? I would go as wide as possible personally but that is something you would need to measure on your bike and then have at least a few mm of clearance either side.
Keep in mind 650 has three sizes A,B and C and rim brake 650b is a lot less common then rim brake 650C which is slightly more common than 650a which is the least common. Check the ISO number if 584 then it would be B but C is 571.
Keep in mind 650 has three sizes A,B and C and rim brake 650b is a lot less common then rim brake 650C which is slightly more common than 650a which is the least common. Check the ISO number if 584 then it would be B but C is 571.
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05-25-24, 07:42 PM
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Continental GP 650b x 30 or 32mm ?
these would roll as well or better than the Conti GP 25mm
a few other 650b options in a slick or similar tire include
Panaracer GK slick (27.5 x 1.5 / 38mm or 27.5 x 1.75 / 42 mm)
GK SS also (don’t roll as well as the slick but more durable)
Rene Herse Loup Loup Pass (38mm) or Babyshoe Pass (42mm)
Schwalbe G One Speed (27.5 x 1.2 … and maybe other sizes ?)
Continental Terra Speed (38 or 40 mm)
the above tires would not roll as well as the Conti GPs - but that would be for an average weight rider on a smooth surface … the above (other) tires might be good option for a heavier rider on rough roads / compromised surfaces
note: can often find decent deals on GK slicks - including 650b sizes … I recently got a pair of 650b X 42 for $60 shipped
.
these would roll as well or better than the Conti GP 25mm
a few other 650b options in a slick or similar tire include
Panaracer GK slick (27.5 x 1.5 / 38mm or 27.5 x 1.75 / 42 mm)
GK SS also (don’t roll as well as the slick but more durable)
Rene Herse Loup Loup Pass (38mm) or Babyshoe Pass (42mm)
Schwalbe G One Speed (27.5 x 1.2 … and maybe other sizes ?)
Continental Terra Speed (38 or 40 mm)
the above tires would not roll as well as the Conti GPs - but that would be for an average weight rider on a smooth surface … the above (other) tires might be good option for a heavier rider on rough roads / compromised surfaces
note: can often find decent deals on GK slicks - including 650b sizes … I recently got a pair of 650b X 42 for $60 shipped
.
Last edited by t2p; 05-25-24 at 08:21 PM.
05-25-24, 08:26 PM
#9
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Thread Starter
Figure your max tire width and come back. I'm astonished you could ride 25s. Also post your current weight. We can then check a chart Silca and come up with an appropriate tire that fits your requirements. Edit- Is this for the Specialized Roll? The specs I find for that show a 2.3" tire stock and an internal rim width of 30mm.
Someone else asked, 650b, didn't occur to me that part was probably important lol
05-26-24, 08:30 AM
#10
I'd suggest a 35 - 40 mm tyre on that rim, something like a Kojak or Marathon Plus (not my favourite, but lots of people swear by them) both rated at 95 psi.
05-26-24, 04:48 PM
#12
Full Member
The maximum width tire that fits my road bike is 32mm but I wanted a softer more comfortable ride. I tried 32mm Rene Herse Ultralight tires with latex tubes. The ride was noticeably softer, though not dramatically. There have been no more flats than with the belted tires I used to ride. The downside: the latex tubes need inflation every day.
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05-26-24, 06:53 PM
#13
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05-27-24, 09:03 AM
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650b x 42 GK slick (mounted - they actually measure 43mm mounted on these rims)
not the fastest or most durable tire - but still roll well / decent tire
can get them for around $60 (pair) shipped
05-27-24, 09:46 AM
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05-28-24, 06:31 AM
#16
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Continental GP 650b x 30 or 32mm ?
these would roll as well or better than the Conti GP 25mm
a few other 650b options in a slick or similar tire include
Panaracer GK slick (27.5 x 1.5 / 38mm or 27.5 x 1.75 / 42 mm)
GK SS also (don’t roll as well as the slick but more durable)
Rene Herse Loup Loup Pass (38mm) or Babyshoe Pass (42mm)
Schwalbe G One Speed (27.5 x 1.2 … and maybe other sizes ?)
Continental Terra Speed (38 or 40 mm)
the above tires would not roll as well as the Conti GPs - but that would be for an average weight rider on a smooth surface … the above (other) tires might be good option for a heavier rider on rough roads / compromised surfaces
note: can often find decent deals on GK slicks - including 650b sizes … I recently got a pair of 650b X 42 for $60 shipped
.
these would roll as well or better than the Conti GP 25mm
a few other 650b options in a slick or similar tire include
Panaracer GK slick (27.5 x 1.5 / 38mm or 27.5 x 1.75 / 42 mm)
GK SS also (don’t roll as well as the slick but more durable)
Rene Herse Loup Loup Pass (38mm) or Babyshoe Pass (42mm)
Schwalbe G One Speed (27.5 x 1.2 … and maybe other sizes ?)
Continental Terra Speed (38 or 40 mm)
the above tires would not roll as well as the Conti GPs - but that would be for an average weight rider on a smooth surface … the above (other) tires might be good option for a heavier rider on rough roads / compromised surfaces
note: can often find decent deals on GK slicks - including 650b sizes … I recently got a pair of 650b X 42 for $60 shipped
.
05-28-24, 07:41 AM
#17
05-28-24, 09:16 AM
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650b 30 and 32mm can be very $$$ pricey - almost $100 per tire 
at BTD (Bike Tires Direct) which often has relatively good prices on Conti tires … they do have 650b 28mm for around $70 per tire
Pro Bike supply has 650b x 32 @ $85 per tire … have no experience with this retailer
Amazon might be another option (as mentioned in a previous post)
650b GK slicks @ $60 per pair (shipped) are looking better and better
… however just checked and availability / price has been updated
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...650b-road-tire
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...SABEgLYUPD_BwE
https://www.probikesupply.com/collec...-lazergrip-act
.
at BTD (Bike Tires Direct) which often has relatively good prices on Conti tires … they do have 650b 28mm for around $70 per tire Pro Bike supply has 650b x 32 @ $85 per tire … have no experience with this retailer
Amazon might be another option (as mentioned in a previous post)
650b GK slicks @ $60 per pair (shipped) are looking better and better
… however just checked and availability / price has been updated https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...650b-road-tire
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...SABEgLYUPD_BwE
https://www.probikesupply.com/collec...-lazergrip-act
.
06-01-24, 10:12 AM
#19
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Thread Starter
Ended up finding some Panracer GK slicks 650b x 38 on amazon for $35 each. Can't really beat the price for what they are. Thanks for the info everyone
06-01-24, 11:48 AM
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another challenge can be finding tubes for 650b 38 - 42 mm tires … or should I state lightweight (relatively) tubes for 650b 38 - 42 mm tires … many are 175 - 200 grams (per tube)
one option is to go with a lighter weight 26” tube - many weigh around 100 - 125 grams or so … can also use tpu tubes - including the inexpensive RideNow 26” tubes … (I’ve used both options) …
one option is to go with a lighter weight 26” tube - many weigh around 100 - 125 grams or so … can also use tpu tubes - including the inexpensive RideNow 26” tubes … (I’ve used both options) …
Last edited by t2p; 06-01-24 at 11:51 AM.
06-01-24, 12:05 PM
#21
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OP found tires, but my new gravel bike (in process since forever) is going to feature 650x47mm GK SK. Or 700c x 43mm GK SK, due to the wonders of disc brakes.
06-01-24, 12:24 PM
#22
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Thread Starter
another challenge can be finding tubes for 650b 38 - 42 mm tires … or should I state lightweight (relatively) tubes for 650b 38 - 42 mm tires … many are 175 - 200 grams (per tube)
one option is to go with a lighter weight 26” tube - many weigh around 100 - 125 grams or so … can also use tpu tubes - including the inexpensive RideNow 26” tubes … (I’ve used both options) …
one option is to go with a lighter weight 26” tube - many weigh around 100 - 125 grams or so … can also use tpu tubes - including the inexpensive RideNow 26” tubes … (I’ve used both options) …
