Application for 28 x 1 3/8 x 1 5/8 tires

[mikes105]

I bought a used wheelset for its 36 hole Araya alloy rims. On these came mounted Continental 28 x 1 3/8 x 1 5/8 tires. The rims are stamped as 700c so I started pondering how these 28" tires mated and what might be their intended application. I've demounted one and these tires are massive; so are the tubes (with Presta valves). Also, the demounted tire would not re-mount on a different 700c rim (an Araya steel rim). The tire's bead diameter was just too small to stretch over the rim. So how is it that a 28" tire fits on a 27"/700c rim? Why would it mount on one rim (the 700c Araya alloy) and is too small to mount on another (the 700c Araya steel rim? And what did application did Continental intend for these tires; touring bikes, rickshaws, etc?

Here's a pic of the mate on the front of the wife's bike. FWIW, the hubs are Shimano without a model designation and the freewheel is for an 8 cog cluster. If that might give a clue to their vintage...

[DaveM]

Tire sizes and markings are a mess. The tires that came on the rims are almost certainly "700" tires. Some European brands use the designation of 28" (not to be confused with the other 28" that IS different.)

see here: http://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html

Various rims of the same official size will often fit tires more loosely or tightly. I'd bet that you could get these tires onto the other rims, it's just going to be a tighter fit.

These tires were probably intended for general transportation riding. Don't get sucked in to the "narrow is faster" myth. As long as they fit in the frame, 700 x 28/32/35 tires will usually be more comfortable and ride as fast or faster as super skinny tires.

Note that the type of valve you use (presta or schraeder) is determined by the size of hole on the rim. Don't use presta on a schraeder rim unless you use a little rubber grommet adapter.

[nfmisso]

The tires that we put on our T50 are marked "28 x 1 3/8 x 1 5/8" and "35-622" and "700c-37" and maybe a couple others that I can't recall off the top of my head. Our tires are Kenda Kwest K191; which we like a great deal. See my T50 thread for more info.

[mikes105]

Thanks guys, tire sizing sure is a lot to digest. But know I'm informed. This forum is great! I sure do appreciate being able to tap such a huge body of experience and knowledge. The next time I buy tires I'll be much more cautious and not just trust the selection of the teenage salesperson at the LBS.

[nfmisso]

(09-18-2012, 04:44 PM)mikes105 Wrote:  ..... the demounted tire would not re-mount on a different 700c rim (an Araya steel rim). ....... So how is it that a 28" tire fits on a 27"/700c rim? Why would it mount on one rim (the 700c Araya alloy) and is too small to mount on another (the 700c Araya steel rim? .......

You are aware that 700c and 27" are different sizes, aren't you?

It is safest to use ISO sizes, which are the diameter of the bead seat in the rim (roughly the ID of the tire). 700c, some 28" and 29" mountain bike tires are all ISO622. 27" is ISO630. ISO622 and ISO630 are not interchangable.

Where did you find a steel 700c rim? Steel went out of fashion for road bike rims before 700c became common.