Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Hey Guys,

I've got a Hybrid bike, was wondering if it'd be able to go on mountain trails by changing the tyres to a MTB one?


Its got RST Neon ML 63 as the suspension, not sure if that's even suitable for rough conditions..
thanks guys

PS. should have got a MTB in the beginning!!

You might find that you'll have tyre clearance issues trying to fit a mtb tyre in the frame. You could certainly fit a fat cyclocross tyre and hit up some fire trails.

On singletrack it will probably be a bit of a handful to ride around - you could do it (taking it relatively easy) but wouldn't necessarily be fun

The simple answer is yes. However, it won't be as 'comfortable' as an MTB and it'll be a bit friskier and rougher because of the narrow tyres. The front fork is a boat anchor and probably the biggest limiting factor.

I'm assuming it currently has 700x40 tyres on it which should allow you to fit cross tyres up to at least 700x45...except none of these tyres at this width are that aggressive (think Schwalbe Smart Sam). Back down towards 700x35 you start getting mud tyres but they are too narrow for dropping off stuff...

well the rims are Alexrims etrto 622x17 6061H-T6,
how wide are standard mtb tyres?

Most MTB rims have a 19mm inner width. For example I wouldn't put a 2.2" on a 17 as they feel marginal on a 19.

ok, so it currently has 700C-40. can't seem to find anything similar but 700C-35 with nobby threads.

and how would i find out if there will be clearance issue?
I've checked the fork specs (http://www.rst.com.tw/ct/product/produc ... 9357591968" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)
and it says Travel is 700C:50,60MM 26, i'm thinking its talking about the tyre used.. would that be correct?

cheers

poohbear wrote: and it says Travel is 700C:50,60MM 26, i'm thinking its talking about the tyre used.. would that be correct?

The 'travel' is how far the fork can compress after hitting an obstacle, Poohbear.

Genuine XC forks are usually in the 80-100mm range but there's no reason you can't do fire trails, for instance, where you're not having to traverse rocks or encountering drops.

There are hardcore riders who have MTBs with solid forks, for instance.

poohbear wrote:ok, so it currently has 700C-40. can't seem to find anything similar but 700C-35 with nobby threads.

and how would i find out if there will be clearance issue?
I've checked the fork specs (http://www.rst.com.tw/ct/product/produc ... 9357591968" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)
and it says Travel is 700C:50,60MM 26, i'm thinking its talking about the tyre used.. would that be correct?

You might have better luck figuring out tyres if you work with ETRTO sizing. 700Cx40 is ETRTO 42-622 which means a section width of 42mm and a diameter of 622mm. 700Cx35 is 37-622. ETRTO 47-622 is 700x45 or 29x1.75. The key is that your wheels will take tyres with an ETRTO number that finishes with 622. The only limitation (as already pointed out) is the width of the tyre and the width of the rim. My guess is that you'll be limited to tyres with ETRTO between 28-622 and 50-622 with your rims and I can't see how you'd have any troubles with frame clearances with any of these sizes.

Travel on your fork is 50mm with your wheels. Personally the fork is the biggest limiting factor with your bike either on or off road. Going to a rigid fork will save you at least a kilo in weight and sharpen up the handling no end.

As an off road tyre for that bike I'd still look at a cross tyre....although I'm now using the Vittoria Radonneur Cross in ETRTO 40-622 on my cross commuter and they work really well both on and off road even at 60 PSI. http://www.gkasportsstore.com.au/vitt-r ... -1962.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

thanks for the help guys, it clears up a lot of things... such as "travel"!
anyway do i need to change the tube size at all for this? as the LBS got me a 700c 28-32 TIOGA tube last time.

and would it be more puncture resistant to get one with lower TPI such as maxxis overdrive with the TPI 27?

poohbear wrote:thanks for the help guys, it clears up a lot of things... such as "travel"!
anyway do i need to change the tube size at all for this? as the LBS got me a 700c 28-32 TIOGA tube last time.

The "32" is the manufacturer's recommended max width.

poohbear wrote:
and would it be more puncture resistant to get one with lower TPI such as maxxis overdrive with the TPI 27?

More importantly, you'll want a tyre with a protective belt layer. But the Overdrive does have one of those.