I've a charge grater bike with 700x32c tyres, need some advice.

[DarioDarioDario]

Ok, I've bought this bike used (coming without anything else than the bike itself). The tyres are 700x32c, soon to be replaced. This kind of tyre size is good for hybrids. I've to admit that although they are sturdier, I was happier with tyres with less drag when I had a road bike.

What I want to know is: what other sizes will fit well on the wheel? And also, to what extent should the airtube match the tyre size? With that I mean: if the tyre is 700x32c, do I have to use a 700x32c airtube (provided that it exists) or a 700x28 would do?

Also, can you recommend a good compromise between tyre sturdiness and speed (I mean a bit speedier than the tyres I have now, that have a deep grip, but still more resistant than the average road tyre).

Finally, probably I will have to replace the rear wheel soon. Shall I just look for a 700 one???

Please help, as you can see I'm a bit of a newbie.

 

[Cycleops]

You could drop down to 28c or even 25c without any trouble I would have thought. I think 28 offers the best compromise. By "deep grip" do you mean tread pattern? Because this will no effect on grip. You can use your existing tube with the narrower tyres. I am currently using 37c tubes in 25c tyres as I can't find the narrower tubes! The only penalty is weight. Why do you need a new rear wheel? If the hub is OK you can just put on a new rim.

 

[andrew_s]

Suitable tyre sizes depend on rim width, normally measured internally. Standard widths are 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23...
If it's a 19 mm rim, you ought not to go narrower than a 28 mm tyre, and if a 21 mm rim the 32s that you have are probably as narrow as is advisable.

Tubes are stretchy, and anything will do at a pinch. Small tubes are lighter, but as they are stretched more they will chafe through more easily, and any puncture will let the air out quickly. Large tubes are heavier, more awkward to fit without getting the tube trapped between the tyre and the rim, and when punctured, there's more chance of it being a slow puncture that you can ride on for a while before the tyre becomes too soft ( pump and run, or find a flat tyre the next day)
A tube will generally be marked with a range of sizes - eg 700 x 28-37 or 700 x 18-23.