New commuting tyres on hybrid; rim question and tyre suggestion?

rat_race

Hey -- I've been running 700 x 35c knobbly-ish tyres on my hybrid for some time, used for touring, and commuting, etc. I'm interested in getting a bit more speed out of it tho as I'm going to use it a lot more for commuting now.

I've a couple of bikes but I've never experimented with changing tyre width!

So my first question is, how does one know how narrow a tyre a rim will support (mine are Alex EN24s)? Are there any rules of thumb?

Second question is, any tyre suggestions? Irish roads, (Dublin city, N11, etc...). I'll have some luggage, nothing too heavy. I like feeling like I can go over crappy terrain without worrying...which I can at the moment with the knobblies. Deffo wouldn't be too happy with a 23c or a 25c, I imagine (would my rim supports it anyway).

A 28c maybe? Or maybe I just want a bald 35c...

Thanks

JMcL

Have a look here for what size of tire will be supported by various rim widths. 28c is probably a good compromise, 32c will give you a more cushioned ride, but that's not that far off your existing 35c. Less knobbly does tend to make a fair difference to rolling resistance

petethedrummer

I use these for commuting (with weight) and training. Though not bombproof like Schwalbe Marathon Plus's, they seem to be a good compromise between speed and puncture protection. I've tried gatorskins but don't like them as I think they cut too easily and degrade too quickly. A lot of people swear by them though.

I have the 28s. I doubt 32s are any slower.

Mycroft H

I've noticed very little difference between a Marathons in 25c and Panaracers in 32c.

If it were my money, I'd go with the pasela tourguard TG. They're a great tyre for commuting/touring/training/whatever you can throw at it. 25-30 euros per tyre.

rat_race

Thanks all for the responses...

Although I was looking at some of the more expensive ones, I ended up going for Continental Sport Contact Bike Tyre - 700 x 32c - Black Wire, which are fairly cheap in comparison but seem to get lots of great reviews.

Bit heavy, but that'll hardly make a big difference to an already-heavy commuter.

del_boy13

I have a set of Marathons on my commuter. Bomb proof and once you are moving roll really well.

No punctures in 1000 kms using them and very little wear. On the expensive side and can be a little slippy in the wet.