New wheels and tyres

[CAH706]

Hi all

I have a boardman hardtail MTB which I use for local off-road rides with my 11 year old. Nothing serious but we enjoy it.

I ride on my own every now and again on the roads and used to have a road bike. I dont have the space for another bike and in reality I would not use it enough to justify the purchase.

Could I get different wheels/slick tyres for my bike to use to make the road rides more enjoyable? Feels a chore at the minute to go any distance. Current wheels are 29" and I have disk brakes.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts

[Tony1963]

The trouble is, you’ll quickly find yourself frustrated by the limited abilities of an mtb on the road. I have big slicks on my 29er, and they’re a huge improvement over proper off road tyres, but I run out of gearing far too often now.

I’m itching to get a road bike lol.

I bet a new pair of wheels with tyres and discs will cost the same as a used road bike (post lockdown when real prices return).

[CAH706]

Thanks Tony. The gearing is an issue on downhill stretches so a good point.

I have been looking at second hand bikes. Post lockdown they will no doubt be cheaper but i will have space issues.

[Tony1963]

Could you sell the mtb and then buy a gravel bike?

[CAH706]

Again a good idea.

I will be honest, until I started looking at this section of the forum recently I had not heard of a gravel bike! Whilst we do ride off road at the minute is limited mountain bike riding really.

I do like my current bike though!

[Tony1963]

It’s never easy. N+1 is a bd lol.

[PomBstard]

Presume you’re running a 1x gear set up, so get a bigger chainring to use with the slick tyres. Chainrings are cheap’ish and quick/easy to change if you are 1x

I did a wheel/slick tyre combo years ago on my old 26” hardtail. Used it for commuting and getting in road miles when the trails were sodden. Still got it and ride it with the young bloke now, though he’s only 6. Was a cheap way to get more use out of the bike, but I do have a gravel bike now too - trust me, wheels and tyres will be cheaper...

[CAH706]

Thanks.

Yes, it is a single chain ring. I think I'll pop in to my local bike shop and see what they have / recommend

[loskie]

be careful you will come out £1k lighter!!

[CAH706]

don't say that. My wallet has already gone into hiding!