Widest tire in early 1991 MTB?

[FPrue1304]

What is the widest 26’ tire you have squeezed into an early 90ies Cannondale MTB? Aluminum 3.0 Series / Pepperoni fork

 

[JohnnyD]

2.25" was the largest I could get to fit on my 92 M700(same 3.0 series frame with the Pepperoni fork) . Even then it is a pain in the butt to get the tire through the original cantilever or V-brakes I upgraded too later. I currently have 2.1" on it and had no problems fitting the tire through the brakes. It's not an issue anymore since I have Magura HS33 Hydraulic Rim brake on it.

 

[FPrue1304]

You mean the limitations were the brakes not the clearance of the frame and fork?

 

[JohnnyD]

While I haven't tried anything bigger than 2.25, I think a 2.3 might be the largest size you could get into the frame with just a tiny bit of clearance in the chainstay area. As it was a 2.25 has very little side to side clearance in that area. I'll have to check my 94 Delta V to make sure though. It has 2.2" I believe and is also a 3.0 series frame. I'll snap a picture after work.

 

[FPrue1304]

Thanks. I thought it should be possible since a 2.3 is less than 60 mm, but I am very curious about what you find out. Unfortunately that is currently all I have right now.

 

[black lightning 1987]

I think that I have 2.25" tires on my 1993 M800. Width and diameter can vary with tire manufacturer and even model though. I would expect that chainstay clearance would be the most critical point on the 3.0 frames. I have had problems with mud jamming up in the brake area of the later frames with the wishbone seat stay. Something else to consider if you are in an area where you will be riding in muddy conditions.

 

[JohnnyD]

Here are pictures of the chain stay clearance for both of my 3.0 series bikes

94 Delta V 600 with 26x2.25 Michelin Country Trails (measured at 2.25" at the widest part of the tread while inflated @ 35 PSI)

92 M700 with 26x2.1Continental Traffics (measured at 2.2 at the widest part of the tread while inflated @ 35 PSI)

As you can see there isn't alot of chain stay clearance for anything much bigger than 2.25".

PS.. I know both bikes need a good cleaning too.. dopodomani for those that speak Italian..LOL

 

[FPrue1304]

That’s very helpful. Yes, 2.25 looks like the limit, but the difference to 2.3 is roughly one mm. I will have to check if the clearance with the older, round chain stays Is less.

 

[black lightning 1987]

I checked my 1993 M800 with 2.25 Bontrager tire and chainstay clearance is similar to what JohnnyD posted. Much better clearance on the fork. I would think that clearance is going to be more dependent on brand/model of tire than 2.25 vx. 2.3.

 

[FPrue1304]

Successfully installed a 2.3 slick tire.

 

[JohnnyD]

Makes sense that 2.3" slick would fit vs a 2.3" MTB tire.
So I take it you are going to use the bike on pavement more than trail use?

 

[FPrue1304]

I like slicks.in dry conditions slicks are great for most: pavement, gravel, stones etc. in wet conditions I am not found on my bike so often and would avoid mud. On my other gravel bike a wide slick is great and confidence building on loose ground. Here, I tried a super wide version to compensate for the smaller 26 diameter. It is a monster tire though. On my other gravel bike I use 47mm on 27.5.