How do I know how wide my tires can be?

[IBrakeforPastry]

I'd like to put slightly wider tire on my bike. The current ones are 25. I know it depends on the rims, the brake and frame clearance. Anything else? Is there a way to know, or do I have to just take the bike to a shop and let them decide?

[happyscientist]

I'd like to put slightly wider tire on my bike. The current ones are 25. I know it depends on the rims, the brake and frame clearance. Anything else? Is there a way to know, or do I have to just take the bike to a shop and let them decide?

What kind of bike do you ride? Most road bikes don't have the clearance for 28 mm in either the brakes or the forks. Cyclocross and touring bikes tend to have the clearance though.

Why do you want wider tires? It might be that a different tire of the same dimensions suit your needs, and they would cost a lot less than new rims. Take it into the LBS and get their opinion. They don't get to decide, though. It is your bike.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I was just thinking I'd like make it more of a utility bike. Maybe just a deeper tread? Maybe I need a lesson in tires. It's funny, I've been riding for almost 40 years and I'm just now learning how much I don't know. Or maybe there's just more to know now.

[nuliajuk]

You could always take the tires back if they're a little too big. As long as you don't actually ride anywhere on them. Frame clearance is the big one, but if your rims are really narrow you might be limited as well.

[goldfinch]

For determining what size tire can fit on your particular rim, there is a chart about half way down this page: http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

It is harder to tell what you might have clearance for on your bike. For example, my hybrid rims can accept tires as wide as 44cm and those tires actually will clear the frame if you sit and spin the tires. However, the tires actually rubbed on my front fork, probably when turning, wearing off the paint.

[Sky King]

here is another nice diagram from Schwalbe What tires will fit my frame They have some great FAQ's on their site. Again, what is the bike, many TE members will be able to help once you tell us the frame make and model