What's your best guess on increasing tire width?

[rock49911]

Hello, what is your best guess on changing the tires on my 1996 Cannondale T700 from current 700 x 32 gravel king to something fatter. Something I could use for riding in the snow.

How fat could I go?

Thank you for your help.

[Painkiller]

Measure the distance from tire edge to the frame at the seat stays and rear stays on each side. include the fork blades and top of tire to crown also. That should give you an idea of how much more mm you may go to. You might be able to use 38mm If you have approx. 5mm on each side for clearance.

[Jesper]

(07-24-2020, 12:33 PM)rock49911 Wrote:  Hello, what is your best guess on changing the tires on my 1996 Cannondale T700 from current 700 x 32 gravel king to something fatter. Something I could use for riding in the snow.

How fat could I go?

Thank you for your help.

You did not mention if you are replacing the entire wheel, or just the tire. If you just want to up size the tire width, assuming it will fit the frame at proper inflation; you can go approximately 2X (based on multiple sources) the inner rim width (e.g. 20mm rim width size can fit 40mm tire width size). I believe it pertains to road and mtb tires/rims. I'm sure there are exceptions, and it would be best to ask both tire and rim manufacturers what their products' recommended limitations are. Greatest size difference that I use is: 30mm tire on a 16mm rim; no problems regarding handling or tire wear. 30mm barely fit my road frame so make sure the larger tire size is compatible to your frame.
I'm not familiar with your frame nor what you would consider snow, so l cannot tell you what width/tread would be best. I've ridden in snow using 32mm tires with touring treads, but if I was trying to hit the trails I'd want 45mm or more.