Outsized Mountain Bikes / 29 er / 700C Hybrids

[glawrence2000]

Hi there,
• I’m riding a Shogun Metro SE which I have had for just over three years.
• I’m pretty rough on it and like banging around off-road.
• As a result much of the middle road bits that make up this bike have failed; some slowly degrading, some with spectacular results – like my back rim..
• Mostly apart from the seat, bars and frame, this is a true hybrid with very solid hand made Mavic rims and Marzocchi 100mm Doppio air shocks.
• This makes it a formable commuter bike which goes up and down gutters without even thinking about lifting the front wheel, great in the city and all over.
• I have changed the tyres for 700C x 38 knobblies.
While these are ok, I want something wider, as I do that this thing bush whenever possible and the skinny tyres are cause for more than the occasional wide eyed moment when the bike doesn’t turn or stops suddenly.
I figure the max I can fit is 700C x 48 which leaves me a generous 2 mm at the lower bracket.
I recently bought off Ebay a pair or Panaracer Rampage 29 x 2.35” while these looked great on, I could not rotate the rear as it rubs (is jammed hard up against) the lower bracket.
This leads me to two questions, without cashing my frame in for a dedicated 29er frame;
1. Does anyone know where I can get a set of tyres wider than the very usual 35 – 38 mm wide ones with aggressive treads, and
2. Does anyone have the use for the Panaracers? I’d love to recoup my rather hefty investment in these lovely tyres that reside now in my closet.

I’ve photos if you want to ping me. Cheers

[Kalgrm]

G'day Gerard,

I can't help you with either 1 or 2, but have you thought of trimming the extra wide knobs with a Stanley knife? I have heard of that trick working for others.

(I am assuming it's the outside knobs which are rubbing the frame, of course ....)

Cheers,
Graeme

[glawrence2000]

I had considered that was an option when in my moment of clarity - just before I picked them up from the post office.
However 2.35" = 59.6 mm. The knobs and the side wall are hard up against the bracket. sob with a max of 50mm clearance.

[MountGower]

Gerard

[glawrence2000]

Hi mate,

I had nano raptors on my old 26 years ago - great tyre. I know they are made for a 29 (and they will fit my rims) the trouble is finding a wholesaler who imports the sort of thing.
Cheers, G