Mountain Bike tyres - how does the sizing work?

xrapidx

xrapidx

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I want to get semi-slicks for work and back... but been out of cycling for ages...

Current tyres are 26x2.1... do I need to get another 26x2.1... or can it be 26xwhat ever (I'm assuming this is width).

Any recommendation on semi's, and where to get in Cape Town.
 
26 Is the Diameter
The Other dimension is the width slicks are all the same size the only size difference will be in diameter just ask for 26 inch slicks all the rims are the same width...
 
Just go into your local bike shop and ask for a semi-slick tyre for a mountain bike. They will ask you the diameter and what size your valve is. You know the diameter, so just check out your valve (I believe some mtbs come with the smaller road bike size).

These okes are very helpful with bike questions: http://thehubsa.co.za/
 
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Yeah - mine has the presta valve...

I see the prices range from R200 to R2000 for semi-slicks...
 
xrapidx said:
Yeah - mine has the presta valve...

I see the prices range from R200 to R2000 for semi-slicks...
Click to expand...

Prices are ridiculous for tires, I spent like R1500 the other day for two new tubeless tires for my bike
 
I was thinking of getting slicks for my 29" MTB and they wanted R480 for the cheapest one, and that is one, not a pair. Rather spend your money on a good set of knobby tyres cause that will get you a lot further. In your case 26" should be a little cheaper, I actually I think I have a spare set somewhere that my wive used on ther 26" MTB...
 
Running road tires now (still have my knobby tyres) - well - trying too - my spokes keep breaking :-/
 
xrapidx said:
Running road tires now (still have my knobby tyres) - well - trying too - my spokes keep breaking :-/
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What? why are you breaking spokes on the road on road tires? hehe wth are you doing on the road? You're not suppose to jump over the cars like you do with logs on the trails... you're suppose to go around them! :wtf:
 
Maybe take your wheels in to have the spokes retentioned. I had to do that a month ago after my bike had 2700km on the clock and the spokes were becoming a bit "soft". Cost me R150 in total.
 
Vegeta said:
What? why are you breaking spokes on the road on road tires? hehe wth are you doing on the road? You're not suppose to jump over the cars like you do with logs on the trails... you're suppose to go around them! :wtf:
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Dunno - they were fine till I had it serviced - got it back for the 3rd time last week, so lets see how this week goes.


Rouxenator said:
Maybe take your wheels in to have the spokes retentioned. I had to do that a month ago after my bike had 2700km on the clock and the spokes were becoming a bit "soft". Cost me R150 in total.
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Got a different bike shop to do that last week - so we'll see what happens... bloody annoying trying to get to work with a buckled wheel :p
 
Hope they get it sorted for you. Maybe come and test it this weekend in Robertson, Saturday is the Wacky Wine MTB ride, there is a sweet 29km route that I did on a 26er last year, you might like it. Last water point serves a wide variety of alcoholic beverages :cool:
 
I'll be at WW - but I won't be on a bike, we opted for the much more relaxing, hire a private taxi to drive us around :p

Cycling tomorrow and Wednesday to work - so lets hope it holds.
 
web said:
Prices are ridiculous for tires, I spent like R1500 the other day for two new tubeless tires for my bike
Click to expand...

Also ask your LBS for some "new" second hand tyres. I got my crossmarks for half price as the owner bought the bike but wanted an upgrade. Tyres did not even go around the block. After 2 yrs I still have them.

I love crossmarks on tar, very comfy ride and I've done 1500km on them. Had some slicks (1.2) but they are dangerous and then my 1,9" Town & Countries where awesome till I puncture a massive hole in them, they still got good tread after 2
 
xrapidx said:
I want to get semi-slicks for work and back... but been out of cycling for ages...

Current tyres are 26x2.1... do I need to get another 26x2.1... or can it be 26xwhat ever (I'm assuming this is width).

Any recommendation on semi's, and where to get in Cape Town.
Click to expand...

Check out CWCylces, they are very cheap and deliver.
 
cbrunsdonza said:
Check out CWCylces, they are very cheap and deliver.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I also found that my knobblies were getting chowed on the tar, might just be mileage though... was doing around 250km (and the roads were hot) a week but now its down to 150km
 
cbrunsdonza said:
Check out CWCylces, they are very cheap and deliver.
Click to expand...

Had a look but for some reason I think the LBS is cheaper. I need to replace my Maxxis Aspens as they are looking pretty bad after 3000km. Especially the rear one since I love tail sliding in single tracks and my setup is pretty heavy, bike is 17kg and I am 85kg. 2nd hand is an option if they are in good shape.
 
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