Wheel change

Dirk1978

I am changing my wheels and tyres on my hybrid and have a very basic question.

My current wheels are 700x35, these are the wheels that came with the bike when I bought it, questions is can I choose different size wheels?

Many thanks

redvee

Diameter, No. You need to keep to 700c/622 wheels for the brakes. If you've got disc brakes then any size wheel with a disc hub will fit.

antikythera

Given the nature of the question, what do you mean by wheel?

Are you referring to the tyre (rubber thingy), or the wheel (hub, spokes and rim)?

As redvee implies the "700" is the diameter on the wheel and unless you have a good reason you wouldn't want to change that. Firstly it would change the handling and characteristics of the bike (normally not for the better) and secondly you may have to make major modifications elsewhere eg the brakes.

Th other number, "35" is normally a specification of the tyres (inflated) width. You can get lots of different tyres at the same wheel diameter (ie 700) but at different widths. In general; wider tyres are more comfy but slower. narrower tyres are harsher but faster. You'll also find that between the narrow and fat ranges (of tyres) manufacturers will focus on different types of properties; puncture resistance, "rolling resistance", grip, wear etc....

So changing the tyre is a minefield in it's own right but you can experiment to your hearts content.

Dirk1978

Thanks for the advice, I was thinking of downsizing the 700 part of the wheel; however I wont be now, will change the width to get a bit of extra speed.

Cheers

balthazar

Dirk1978 wrote:

Thanks for the advice, I was thinking of downsizing the 700 part of the wheel; however I wont be now, will change the width to get a bit of extra speed.

Cheers

If you want to go faster then get slick high-pressure tyres to fit the wheels you have. Probably, any 700C road tyres will do, though those wider than 25mm may be most appropriate to your rims.