Novice Question - tyre widths

Mcofferon

Hello All

Please forgive this basic question but I'm after some advice about replacement tyres for my bike. It's a Carerra Subway ltd that's finally seeing some use after a couple of years hibernation.

The current tyres (Kenda MTB type) are 26 x 1.75 but as I'm doing all my cycling on Tarmac I'm thinking of changing to Slicks.

Trawling the web I've found the Continental Sport Contact tyres seem well regarded but the 26" only come in 1.3 & 1.6 widths. Can I go with the 1.6 or do I have to keep to 1.75?

Thanks for your help - Mike

shayr

You could prob even go to 1.3, but check with LBS what your rims can take - my MTB came with 2.25's and i use 1.5 slicks on it for the road

Mcofferon

Thanks Shayr

Is there much to be gained by going narrower? Obviously the tyre would be a tad lighter, but would I need to be running at a higher tyre pressure then.

My arse can barely stand the state of the roads as is

Mike

tippgod

i'd go with the 1.6. You will notice a big difference going from mtb tyres to slicks. They are a bit faster and smoother. I changed the tyres on my old hardtail mtb bike and came it to my dad. He noticed a huge differnce as he always cycled on tarmac with big 2.3 knobbly tyres

Mcofferon

Thanks Guys

I'll give the Conti's a go come payday and let you know how I get on

Mike

snottybridge

Just took the kendas off my own carrera subway today and fitted new schwalbe city jet 26-1.5,between taking off the kendas and fitting new tyres i managed to snap 3 tyre levers,hope youre tyre changing exploits go smoother than mine;)

shayr

When I moved from 2.25's to 1.5, ye first thing i noticed was that i could feel every bump in the road, feeling goes away quickly though

Just make sure your rims can take the higher pressure - found that on the rim inside when i took the 2.25's off