Maybe a dumb question (or two)

[sandra]

This past weekend we loaded up our bikes and did the 'Ride for Wishes' a part of the Make a Wish Foundation. It was great fun and now we are searching the internet for more rides in the southeast to ride in. We rode over an bridge that I wondered if we could really make it over! It was great.

I've decided that I'd like to change out my tires to a narrower tire. One person told me it could be done but when I talked to the guy at the bike shop, he said I couldn't go any smaller. He said something about me going to a higher pressure tire. <- Why would I want to do that? What would be the advantages?

So, how do you know if you can change your tires (to a smaller one) without changing your wheels?

[tulip]

It has to do with the width of your rims. What type of bike are you riding now? Is it a mountain bike? A hybrid with thicker/wider tires? Please look at the sidewall of your tires and post the tire size. It will probably be 26" x something. Maybe it will say 700c x something, but given your description, it's probably 26.

The 26" is the diameter of the tire. The "something" is the width.

Higher pressure tires have less rolling resistance, meaning you don't have to work as hard to go the same speed and distance. Higher pressure tires are typically narrower, which mean that there is less friction, which also means you don't have to work as hard to go the same distance. It often means you can go faster, too, but that depends upon your physical condition and cycling skills, too.

[sandra]

Thanks!

I rode my Jamis Aurora in the ride. The tires on it are 700 X 32.

I also have a Trek 7.3FX and the tires on it are also 700 X32.

[Blueberry]

Thanks!

I rode my Jamis Aurora in the ride. The tires on it are 700 X 32.

I also have a Trek 7.3FX and the tires on it are also 700 X32.

What rims are on your Jamis? If it's the Alex Ace-19 - it looks like you can put 25's on it.) Higher pressure tires = less area contacting the ground = maybe faster (Basically, what Tulip said). 28's would actually be a big difference for you - that's what I ride on my Bike Friday and my Surly Cross Check (and I've done distance with both). I actually am riding 32's on my Lynskey, but may change to something narrower for >50 miles.

[sandra]

Yes, I have the Alex Ace-19 rims. I'd love to have either 25s or 28s.

Can anyone recommend a higher pressure tire?

[tulip]

Jamis Auroras are nice bikes. You'll need tires and tubes. Tires are personal preference and what fits in your budget. I like Serfas Seca tires. The foldable version is about $60 each. The non-foldable version is about $25-$30 each.

I also like Hutchinson tires. I had one bad experience with Michelin Race Pro tires (sidewall split while riding), but that was just one bad tire; alot of people like those tires.

I'm sure alot of folks will chime in with their preferences.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yes, I have the Alex Ace-19 rims. I'd love to have either 25s or 28s.

Can anyone recommend a higher pressure tire?

Any tire that is thinner will be pumped up to higher pressure. Fat tires get pumped to lower pressure. It's a matter of physics, not tire brand.
Every tire will have it's maximum pressure recommendation printed right on it.
If you get a narrower tire like a 25 or 28, it will automatically be a 'higher pressure' tire than the ones you have now.