What size tires will fit on my bicycle?

Question

I have a hybrid Trek 7200 from about 2001. It currently has 700x35 tires, and I'd like to go with something smaller and faster. All the rims seem to say is Matrix 750, and the tube stems are the Schrader style like on most car tires. Can anyone tell me definitively what size tires will work on my bike?

Answer 1

It depends on your rim width. In general you should have no problem with 28cm, maybe 25cm. But take care going narrower. The tire must be wider than the rim to protect the rim and for the tire to work as designed.

Answer 2

You can put pretty much any 700C tire on your bike.  Racers tend to use 700X23.  Keep in mind if you go to something as narrow as a 700X23, you've got to run pretty high pressure to avoid pinch flats if you hit something on the road.  Generally, I run about 100 psi.  

Unless you are already riding with pretty high pressure, you'll feel like you are riding on rocks.  The lighter weight tires reduces the rotational mass of your wheels and will allow you to accelerate much more quickly and maintain a faster over all speed.  Narrow tires and reduced rolling resistance will help you go faster, as well.  

Don't be tempted to add too much pressure to the tires.  There is really no benefit to going much over 100 pounds.  In fact, your tire actually bounces off obstructions when you have too much pressure; slowing you down and making handling way to skittish.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

You should have no trouble with 700x28 and may be able to use 700x25.