hey! I've started a project bike few months ago, rlly not knowing much about bikes. it started from a fuji club (single speed) in bad condition that i bought on marketplace for too much because i didn't really know much at the time.
I changed the handlebar tape
gave it new pedals
swapped the saddle
took off the rear break
repainted it
I think the frame is bent
(bought it mainly for the frame)
tried to swap wheels with my old bike for black rims to then realize that i can't put a 7speed hub on a fixie frame. 🤦🏻
Of course buying multiple tools before realizing it.
So i'm back on the original wheels but the tires are in terrible shape. The previous owner rode the bike with deflated tires i assume so the sides of the wheels are cracked all around.
I've been riding it a lot since buying it, trails, roads, grass, exploring suburbs, i like it a lot but every time i go over a bump in the road (crack, slight curb, rocks, or uneven grass) i feel like one of my tire is going to burst or something is going to break.
I thought gravel tires would be a great hybrid and since i like the look of wide tires i was pretty hyped about it so i tried the Bontrager Girona RSL GR TLR Gravel Tire 700×38 They felt great, they made the ride super smooth i could hop curbs roll in grass and trails without feeling much i liked them a lot.
Issue is :
1. They are slightly too thick so i really had to struggle to put the front wheel on and get it to move freely (when put it on normally it turns but some uneven part of the wheel touch the end of the fork)
2. Since it is a single speed it is now much harder to pedal, i love the confort they provide but i don't think it's worth the constant effort.
So i thought of downsizing to a 700×35 but i think it might still be too thick for good speed? Would 32 still be as comfortable? But the model i tried doesn't go thinner than 35.
Does anyone have a suggestion? i'm searching for comfort but also to keep the efficiency as much as possible.
by RaysPoppy