Wheels

j_mcd

I was thinking of putting CX tyres on my hybrid/foldie which has Shimano r501 wheels.

Does this mean that it'll be able to stand up to a bit of towpath action, i.e. will thicker, wider tyres be able to cope with some of the bumps that might have previously led to the wheel going out of true.

Or, do I need to buy a whole new 'stronger' wheel set?

dhope

J_MCD wrote:

I was thinking of putting CX tyres on my hybrid/foldie which has Shimano r501 wheels.

Does this mean that it'll be able to stand up to a bit of towpath action, i.e. will thicker, wider tyres be able to cope with some of the bumps that might have previously led to the wheel going out of true.

Or, do I need to buy a whole new 'stronger' wheel set?

You'll be fine just changing the tyres

UndercoverElephant

Shimano reckon they're only good for tyres up-to 28mm wide. You may get away with wider, of course, or you may die in a spectacular fireball on your first ride out. It's up to you if you want to risk it.

craker

I'm on my 3rd set of R501s now - never a buckle or a snapped spoke. OK, road use only but I do load up my panniers with shopping from time to time.

And they're that cheap that if you do bend them, just get a new set....

asprilla

I use R501s with 32mm Kenda Small Block 8s on my SS hybrid. It mainly gets used for the school / nursery run and family rides along the Thames path between Weybrdge and Hampton Court. They are absolutely fine (and the tyres are great too).

Kieran_Burns

You don't really need the full treaded CX tyres (but they do help on the muddy sections) if you are looking at wheel protection. You could fit 28 / 32c road tyres and perfectly fine.

However, as said: if you are running along muddy section some tread will really help

daniel_b

501's must be the best value out there pound for pound surely.

I think you will be fine.