frantik

What are the biggest tires you've been able to install on a Centurion Ironman? I don't mind going with mismatched sizes even. Using 600EX short reach brakes

I've got some 700x23c but after riding fat 26x2" tires, they feel like i'm riding on the bare rim. I'm wondering if a slightly bigger tire would make a difference, though I'm not sure if it would be a big enough one

the weird thing is I used to ride this bike often and not really mind the harsh ride.. I can't really figure it out. i do think installing the ass-hatchet saddle might also have something to do with it too tho

Bianchigirll 

One of the Dave Scott Ironmans? I would be suprised if you could get much more than a x28 but depending on your weight you should feel a difference. Something like Pasela should give you a nice ride. Be careful though, what works in the stand may not work when you ride it.

frantik

I'm hoping another week of dieting and i won't be eligible for the clydesdale forum any more


i doubt many folks have tried out these tires: https://www.cswestbikes.com/servlet/t...FSmCQgodNB0ANg



only looking at them cause they match my color scheme, though i suppose that's not a very good reason to pick tires especially if they're $50/tire

ThermionicScott 

In this situation, I like to use allen wrenches as feeler gauges to find out where the tightest spot is between the frame/components and the tires. On my road bikes, it's usually been the fork crown. For example, if you can only fit a 3mm in between the tire and fork crown, then you'll probably be able to run 700x25, but not 700x28.

frantik

^ thanks that's a nice tip

Ex Pres 

That fyxation tire - I'm wary of any tire that doesn't advertise their thread count. It's not the only thing, but higher thread counts usually ride nicer (more supple).

The current Vittoria Rubino Pros (III's?) can be had in a nice green. (150 tpi, about as low as I'll go). I'm not sure they come in a 28, though.

frantik

that's what i have right now in 23.. I saw on another site the foldable fyxation is 120tpi. it does offer puncture protection which would be nice

i might just need a better saddle and to stick to better paved roads.. not sure, but I'd like to start riding the bike again

ThermionicScott 

Based on some Googling, it looks like the Fyxation is 120tpi.

One thing to keep in mind about the tires marketed to the fixed-gear crowd is that the tread will be thicker (mad skidz, yo.) That means you'll either have less clearance at the diameter than you'd expect, or the tire will be skinnier than normal to make the diameter work out right.

ColonelJLloyd 

Fair enough, but Grand Bois does not advertise their thread count and they're pretty nice and supple tires.

I've installed a few of the Fyxation tires at my LBS. They have a very thick tread and are heavy. You have to decide what balance of ride quality, flat protection and price you're most comfortable with.

Jan Heine has this to say about TPI, though using to TPI numbers to qualify other tires seems a bit like talking out of both sides of his mouth.

frantik

yeah i think if i wanted to spend that much on tires i would look for something lighter and more supple

CardiacKid

If you want a bike that has the same ride as a mountain bike, you have the wrong bike. That is like buying a Porsche and expecting it to have the same ride as a Cadillac. I doubt you will be able to get anything bigger than a 25 on that bike. What air pressure are you using?

RFC

I've had 28mm Gatorskins on my Ironman with no problem and they do mellow out the ride a bit. But 28 is probably as large as you can go.

frantik

thanks but I know this already. I just want to know the biggest tire size i can fit on the bike. I suspected 28 was about it

rccardr 

My 85 takes 28 Vittoria Rando's easily, but it's a first year model. Later years may have less clearance. I've put modern wheelsets and 25's on MV models.

Puget Pounder

Rubino Pros are the beez kneez.

frantik

good point... i've got an 89

Dylansbob 

Or you could do a 650b conversion....

photogravity

I have heard some good things about those tires and am considering putting the whitewall version of them on my Norman Rapide when I finish building my new wheelset. If you get these tires, I'd like to get your impression of them.

RobbieTunes

I run Vittoria Rubino Pro's in 700x25, and have never tried anything bigger. The 700x28 surprises me, but it's good to know it's possible. The fork crown seems to be the tightest area. drrobwave tried 28's on his Ironman, and they rubbed his calipers before they rubbed the fork crown.

Your's is an '89, and probably has the least clearance.

If I go to L'Eroica, I'm taking my '86 Ironman, with non-aero DC levers vs. the OEM aeros. They recommend a larger tire, so I'm quite happy to know I can probably run Gatorskin 28's on it.

eippo1

Yup, my 89 will run a 25 as the widest tire. However, I was able to get crud fenders on there with a 25 in the front (won't work in the back with a 25 and fenders) with minimal rub.

frantik

hmm if i can only go from 23 to 25 then i don't see much point. a 650b conversion would be cool but if i'd rather just go for a different bike rather than buy 650b wheels and proper brakes.

I think i will have to find a better saddle and maybe that will help.

fender1

You could also lower the PSI, by about 10lbs, and see if it makes things a bit more manageable.

RobbieTunes

Ack!


There are shorts available from China that have a chamois that's bigger than a car wash sponge...... Just sayin.

frantik