Can I put mountain bicycle tires on a hybrid bicycle?

Question

Hi, I have a hybrid bike (it looks like a mountain bike, but has narrow tires).

The bicycle cannot support my weight (I'm 180 lbs). In fact, that's the reason the past owner sold it (But then again, he was over 220lbs...).

When I sit on it, the back tire just compress alot. This forces me to put more effort while pedaling; I feel I go slow 'cause of that.

I would like to know if I can swap them with wider tires. Also, will it actually solve my problem?

Thanks.

Answer 1

180 pounds is not that heavy. If they rear tire is compressing when you sit on it, it is likely because you do not have enough air pressure in the tire. I suspect the tire takes 80 or 90 pounds of air. Go to a bike shop and have them properly inflate the tire. Perhaps purchase a pump with a pressure gauge right on it. May cost around $20. I can almost guarantee that this is the problem.

Mountain bike tires would not fit since they are 26" in diameter rather that the nearly 27" (700c) that hybrids are. Also, mountain bikes tires can actually only handle a lower pressure than hybrids. Even though they may have more rubber, they cannot be made as "hard" and therefore may even be worse depending on the condition.

Answer 2

In order to put mountain tires on your bike you would need to change to a wider wheel, and this might also require some frame modification. An easier route would be to make certain your tires are properly inflated. The narrow tires of a hybrid bike should have anywhere from 90 to 120 pounds of pressure in them. Check to make sure yours are at the proper poundage. There should be writing on the sidewall of your tire telling you the inflation range.

If your tires are not rated to inflate that high, get to a good bike shop. They should be able to sell you tires that will fit properly and take in a high amount of pressure.

Remember, a larger tire will not take more pressure. The narrower the tire, the higher the pressure. Your sized tires should work fine for you. Don't be afraid to inflate them, they're made to take it.

Answer 3

thats hard to say because i have no idea what the bike or rims are so bring it to a shop and ask, then you could purchase anything necessary