Knobbly tyres for 17mm rims

NickSy

Have a 3-4 year old Marin Muirwoods (fixed fork) that I've used for commuting and has now been replaced by a road bike.

I want to convert the Muirwoods for light crosscountry MTB use and don't really want to replace the wheelset. (If I was going to spend money I'd buy a hardtail 29er but that's a different story!)

Rims are WTB Dual Duty XC, 559x17.

Looking at Sheldon Brown's tyre sizing guide pages (http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html) suggests that the largest tyre I can use with these rims is possibly a 40mm (26 x 1.5) at maximum but I'm having trouble finding any decent all round off-road tyres that are this thin.

Are my calculations correct or can I use, for example, a 2.0 or 2.1 tyre (More air would also mean more comfort on a fully fixed frame!). I am pretty sure I would have enough clearance for bigger tyres but don't know for sure till I try.

If I need 1.5 knobbly tyres, where can I get them from and what would you recommend?

Thanks for the help

Nick

cooldad

What size tyres do you have on at the moment. I can't see any problems with 1.95's.

NickSy

Got Panaracer RiBMO 26 x 1.5 on both for heavy commuting.

They fit fine but are smooth and pretty skinny and not suitable for off road really.

Dirtydog11

Plenty of people running 2.3 s on 17mm rims, whilst not ideal I don't think anyone has has been killed yet.

Will be absolutely fine with 1.95 - 2.10/2.25 ish.

Have a look at Schwable Nobby Nics 2.1/2.25, they're light and fast rolling, Maxxis Ignitors 1.95/2.1 are also worth a look.

The Rookie

Maxxis Beaver 2.0's I'd suggest, light (510 or 540g depending on who you believe) and fairly fast rolling, £30 ish each, that or Panaracer Fire XC pro, 1.8 wireds can be had for about £10 each and they are great all rounders (grip better than NNs on wet rock and roots).

The daughter runs a 2.1 front and a 1.8 rear on 17's no problem, I have 18mm Mavic 317's on mine and run 2.3's (Michelin admittedly which come up a bit narrow) without issue.