700c 32 tires vs 26-inch

[Catrin]

What are the practical differences between 700c32 tires and 26-inchers? I know that 26 inch tires are mountain bike tires - there are a wide variety of tires/treads that are available and they can be used for everything from pavement to technical mountain trails.

My assumption on 700c32 is that they are basically just larger versions of the 700c28 tires on my Trek - fewer tire choices available and are limited to pavement. Is this a correct assumption?

[TrekTheKaty]

I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong--it's been a long winter. However, the smaller the number, the skinnier the tire (when you look down, while standing over the bike). My hybrid came with 32's--rugged, great on gravel and very forgiving (I refer to them as my "tundra" tires). By changing to a skinnier tire, I got less rolling resistance and is slightly faster on pavement. They are also less forgiving when it comes to rocks and ruts.

My street bike came with 23's. I still ride on a well maintained gravel trail--I just have to be more alert of loose gravel, larger gravel and branches.

My sister feels more "stable" on her 28's.

I feel it is an exchange of speed vs. durability/stability.

[Eden]

On tires the first number 700c, 26" etc is the wheel size that the tires fit on - it refers to the diameter of the inside of the wheel. The second number x21 x28 x32... is the width of the tire. Most rims can accept tires of more than one width, though there are limitations and you won't find any one rim that can take all sizes.

If you want wide tires with tread you can look for cyclocross tires which come in 700c sizes. Some manufactures make tires specifically for hybrid bikes too and offer some variety as well. Don't expect to walk into any bike shop and see 100's of different tires hanging up though. Ask and you'll probably be shown a catalog.

[Catrin]

Thanks for the information - I had just noted that the Jamis Aurora comes with 700x32c tires while the LHT in my size comes with 26 inch tires (which I like). I was just considering what practical difference, if any, that might make in where the two bikes can go.

[DebW]

Thanks for the information - I had just noted that the Jamis Aurora comes with 700x32c tires while the LHT in my size comes with 26 inch tires (which I like). I was just considering what practical difference, if any, that might make in where the two bikes can go.

There should be minimal practical distinction in usefulness of 700x32 and 26" tires. You can find a variety of treads in each for on and off road. The bigger question is, does the bike fit you and does the geometry work for you. Did the manufacturer compromise the fit or handling to put 700c wheels on a particular frame size? If both are a good fit and geometry and equally suited to your purposes, then there is no significant difference for you in the choice of wheel size unless it might be tire availability or matching the wheel size of your touring partner to minimize how many extra tires and tubes you carry.

[Catrin]

There should be minimal practical distinction in usefulness of 700x32 and 26" tires. You can find a variety of treads in each for on and off road. The bigger question is, does the bike fit you and does the geometry work for you. Did the manufacturer compromise the fit or handling to put 700c wheels on a particular frame size? If both are a good fit and geometry and equally suited to your purposes, then there is no significant difference for you in the choice of wheel size unless it might be tire availability or matching the wheel size of your touring partner to minimize how many extra tires and tubes you carry.

Thanks for this - I am making myself compare the Aurora with the Long Haul Trucker - I don't want a question remaining once I order the Surly next week Surly puts 26 inch wheels on the two <50cm sizes. I've yet to determine if the smallest Jamis Aurora would fit me, but it looks like a possibility.

Pity I can't actually take any of these for a test spin - they are available at local stores but in sizes 54cm or larger...