Sport touring "mixte" - need help choosing tires

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10-20-2010, 06:22 PM
warneral

Tire size - need help choosing tires

I just got a cheap Ross Gran Tour bike (early 80's - heavy double butted 024 Ishiwata steel). It is a sport touring bike - mixte (single top tube) I don't know why I did it. I really want a better bike for tugging my 6yo on her tagalong I thought this would be nicer than my heavy upright navigator.

The bike is the same as this guy talks about mid way through:
http://bsanders.net/sporttouring/

I'm already kicking myself for bringing it home LOL
.
The only thing it *really* needs is new tires & tubes. The original tires are still on the bike. they are 700 x 28c

I was considering trying cyclocross tires? Something that would work on crushed limestone when we ride on paths. Is that a bad idea? There definitely looks to be plenty of clearance. Do they make cross tires in that size for a decent price? Could I buy wider tires for these rims or do I need to stick with 28?

Thanks!!
10-20-2010, 06:40 PM
Cataboo

check bonktown.com right now if you're still online.
10-20-2010, 06:54 PM
warneral

I am - from what I've learned if I have clearance I should be able to go up in width. That is a good price!
10-20-2010, 06:56 PM
KnottedYet

I'm very fond of Vittoria Randonneurs, have them on two of my bikes. (28 mm and 32 mm) Both sizes do fine on gravel (and dirt, and grass, and mud, and asphalt). No flats on either so far, and they are low pressure tires so they absorb some of the road noise.

From my own experience pulling my son in a trailer, I'd suggest the widest tires that fit on your rims. They help to cushion the bumps and rough stuff, so you don't transmit the vibrations and jerks to the kiddo behind you via the hitch.
10-20-2010, 06:59 PM
warneral

OK I ordered those THe price was right. :D This will help me decide if the bike is worth holding space in our garage!

Thanks!
10-20-2010, 07:00 PM
warneral

Knot I am nervous about twitchiness with her behind me. I will give it a try and see how it goes.
10-20-2010, 07:32 PM
Cataboo

Quote:

Originally Posted by warneral

OK I ordered those THe price was right. :D This will help me decide if the bike is worth holding space in our garage!

Thanks!

I got a couple sets myself.

I am not entirely certain why.

ha.