700c tires are mostly designed for use on road bikes. But if you have a mountain bike too, sometimes you must think that are 700c tires good for mountain biking or not. Because we all love to know about multi-use of the same kind of things. In that case, the answer would be, 700c tires are not very good for your mountain bike but it is possible to use them. But you must pay attention to the width of the bicycle rims as 700c tires can attach to the rims of specific and consistent widths.
So here, I am going to talk about a brief detail of 700c tires, whether this size is suitable for mountain cycling or not, its benefits & drawbacks, and the perfect tire size for mountain biking. Stay Tuned!
Details About 700c Tires
700c refers to the approximate diameter across the outer wheel of a bicycle tire. This is a very basic size for most bikes. Basically, the diameter of any type of tire depends on how wide it is.
- 700c size tires are mostly used on road bikes and hybrid bikes.
- It is designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride.
- However, 700c-size tires are also usable for a variety of racing and intense riding activities.
Based on your riding style, bike model, and preference, you will find a variety of tires in this size range. Most rims on 700c wheels are fairly similar and taper inwards.
- As for the diameter measurement, it is again found in a variety of widths from 23 mm to 45 mm.
- Based on the ISO standard, the 700c wheel is controlled by 5775 and measures 622 mm.
- And yes, you can fit and tighten the tires as per your needs, resulting in a significant change in the riding experience.
Are 700c Tires Good For Mountain Biking?
Since mountain bikes are mostly manufactured for riding on hilly and tougher terrain, that’s why 700c tires are not so good for mountain biking. 700c tires are best for a regular terrain or road bike.
- You can find 29″ tires that are best suited for MTB riders.
- Sometimes you can find 700c tires which are almost the same as 29″ tires, available for mountain biking.
Mountain biking requires larger diameter and broader width type tires which can give cyclists the best grip on any type of off-road surface. Although 700c tires and the perfect 29″ tire for mountain bikes have a lot in common. Also, there are many discrepancies in rim width. Actually, they are almost the same type of bead-seat diameter as 700c tires.
But most of the 29″ mountain bike tires are too wide and really large to fit with 700c wheels. Still, you can use 700c Tires for Mountain Biking with various customizations.
However, if you have the option of 26 inches, 27.5 inches, or 29 inches tires for mountain biking, Â then the 700c tires should be skipped. That means 700c Tires are not so good for Mountain Biking.
Advantages Of Using 700c Tires For Mountain Biking
Many riders feel very comfortable using 700c tires when they use them for mountain biking. There are various advantages for them. I will inform you about all those advantages at this stage of today’s article.
- In the case of mountain bikes, bigger-size tires are able to provide the most cushion, traction, better control, and stability. From that point of view, 700c tires are bigger than most other mountain bike tires.
- More resistant to punctures and cuts which is really important for mountain biking over many different rough terrains.
- The larger diameter of 700c tires can easily decrease rolling resistance which provides more speed and efficiency for mountain biking. Also, this size is beneficial when climbing hills.
- 700c tires can improve the overall aerodynamics of the mountain bike. And this results in better performance on the trail.
Disadvantages Of Using 700c Tires For Mountain Biking
Looking at the disadvantages, you will see that 700c Tires have many Disadvantages when used in Mountain Biking. If you start cycling after knowing about those disadvantages then your journey can be much better.
- 700c tires are extra heavier than most other mountain bike tires. So it is difficult to accelerate and climb quickly.
- Sometimes the wider contact patch of 700c tires can also create extra rolling resistance on paved surfaces. It can reduce the overall speed of the bike.
- It rubs against the frame, which can cause bigger damage.
- More difficult to maneuver on tight and technical trails.
- 700c tires can’t be perfectly attached on most of the MTB. Because it is manufactured for regular road bikes.
- It creates more drag that reduces the overall speed of the mountain bicycle.
Then, Which Size Tyre Is More Perfect For My MTB?
Which tire size is perfect and best for your mountain bike, depends entirely on the type of terrain, weight, riding style, personal preference, bike model & type.
You may know that wider tires will provide more traction and stability on rough terrain. On the other hand, a narrower tire will be faster and more efficient on smooth terrain. In the case of mountain bikes, use on loose or rocky terrain, wider tyres would be the best option.
- Considering the size, 29 inches, 27.5 inches or 26 inches tyre diameter is most acceptable in the case of a mountain bike.
- And look at tire widths that range from 1.9 to 2.5 inches, that is called a cross-country bike. Trail, all-mountain bikes, and downhill bikes have the 2.25 inches to 2.4 inches width range.
Although some mountain bikes have tires as narrow as 1.5 inches or as wide as 3.7 inches to 5 inches. Therefore, you should choose the perfect tire according to your needs after checking the specifications properly.
Final Thoughts Regarding 700c Tires For Mountain Cycling
Choosing the perfect tyre can always make your cycling experience more enjoyable. After checking the complete writing, you must have understood the answer that are 700c tires good for mountain biking.
However, the tyre size for mountain biking may vary depending on your riding style and preference. There are some advantages and disadvantages of using 700c tires on MTB that I have mentioned above. So be sure to keep those things in mind and safe climbing.
