Newbie help with upgrade!

[SpeedyCannon]

Hi guys. I would like to upgrade my Cannondale Synapse Alu Sora '11 with some winter tyres and wheels. I was thinking of getting Schwalbe Durano tyres in green along with fulcrum 7 wheels, but I do not know which size wheels/tyres I need etc

Can anyone help me to workout how I know which are compatible with my bike.

Thanks

 

[Theseus]

From your link the bike comes with ...

TIRES Schwalbe Lugano 700x25c

Any tire marked with 700x25c or 25-622 will fit

700x25c says that the nominal diameter is 700mm and the thickness is 25mm

25-622 says that it will fit in a rim with a "Bead Seat Diameter (BSD)" of 622mm and thickness 25mm. The bead seat is the groove on the inside of the rim that the tire fits into to stop it popping out, probably a more important value than overall size.

The new tire could be larger or smaller than the 25mm. The limit depends in the internal width of the rim. For example if your rim is 15mm wide internally, you can fit tires from 23 to 32 on with confidence. Outside this, the confidence level drops the further you go.

You should also consider the clearance your frame has for fitting wider tires. I an mot familiar with that bike so can't advise, but you could measure the width of the forks, seat stays and chain stays at the point where the tire passes. The brakes you have could also limit the tire size.

More details on Sheldon Brown

 

[SpeedyCannon]

Thats brilliant Touche. Thanks for the explanation. You see all these numbers etc and I havent a clue what they refer to. Cheers

 

[smokeysmoo]

Schwalbe Durano are not a good choice for winter. They're a great tyre but quite soft and cut very easily.

SCWALBE DURANO PLUS are an excellent option, I use them on my fixed gear and have just put them on my winter build as well. They offer great protection without too much weight.

SCHWALBE MARATHON PLUS offer the ultimate protection. As puncture resistant as you can get but they are are touch heavy and can be a bitch to fit.

As for wheels, I use Halo Aerorage for winter riding, FRONT, REAR. They are relatively inexpensive and about as bombproof as a 700c wheel can be.

 

[SpeedyCannon]

Thanks smokeysmoo will check the Halo Aerorage wheels out.

Are you sure the Schwalbe Durano is not for winter? Only it says that the Durano's are good for wet winter roads?