[LordOpie]

I have an extra set of wheels -- the ones that came with the bike -- and was wondering if I should get tires for 'em specific for dirt/unpaved roads or if I should ride my mtb on said roads. There are some unfinished dirt roads leading to neat areas. Some are washboardy. Some are only 5-10 mile sections in an otherwise decent ride.

I know, kinda vague, but your thoughts are appreciated anyway.

 

[Serial Midget]

When I lived in Colorado as a kid I used my road bike for this purpose all the time - you can even ride well travelled trails. Find out how much clearance you have - probably can get away with 26mm touring rubber. If you have more room, cyclo-cross knobbies are sweet. From experience I would run about 70psi - running full pressure can make the handling unpredictable.

 

[LordOpie]

good info, thanks, especially the 70psi.

 

[manziman]

keep your extra wheels for a just in case kinda deal. like, on my mtn bike, it came with 24's so I upgraded to 26's. you never know when you'll need it, i've actually had to swap them out a couple times.

 

[LordOpie]

keep your extra wheels for a just in case kinda deal. like, on my mtn bike, it came with 24's so I upgraded to 26's. you never know when you'll need it, i've actually had to swap them out a couple times.

I appreciate the input, but what made you think I was getting rid of my second set of wheels?

 

[Wumpus]

Did a road ride the other day, and there were a couple of sections of dirt road. It was sweet to hit them and keep rolling with no worries. Running 30 cc cyclocross knobbies at 90 psi. At 215lbs, I think I would pinch flat at 70psi.

 

[LordOpie]

Did a road ride the other day, and there were a couple of sections of dirt road. It was sweet to hit them and keep rolling with no worries. Running 30 cc cyclocross knobbies at 90 psi. At 215lbs, I think I would pinch flat at 70psi.

haha, yeah, I think SM forgot that I don't weigh as little as he does.

How far do you ride on pavement with 30cc CX tires? Do you get an uncomfortable vibration?

 

[wooglin]

When I lived in Yankeeland sometimes dirt roads were the best routes for a good ride. Running a 25mm tire (cautiously) is fine if they're just transfers from one section of road to another. If you'll spend all day on them then a cross bike is the way to go.

 

[Tashi]

I usta do road rides that always ncluded a little dirt and I found that using a slightly larger (28c) tinre with a though casing made for a reliable but sketchy (and therefore fun) ride. Using a 28 c with some knobs made things safer on the dirt but way slower on the pavement. I always perfered the skinnier tire/faster pavement combo.

 

[Wumpus]

haha, yeah, I think SM forgot that I don't weigh as little as he does.

How far do you ride on pavement with 30cc CX tires? Do you get an uncomfortable vibration?

I did a 45 miler. Ride felt smooth, really didn't notice the tires--cheapo Ritchey V-max wire bead. Been a longtime since I did any road riding so I really can't compare to slicks.