Tire options for 1991 Specialized BX23 rims - can I go fatter than 1.95"?

[DHart]

My '91 Stumpjumper came with BX23 rims and 1.95" Specialized Crossroads tires. Without removing a tire from the rim, the outside rim width measures 23.6mm (where the brake shoes contact). I am guessing that the internal width of the rims is about 23mm?

I would like to go with a wider tire than 1.95", if that is possible? And if so, what size and brand/model of tires might be recommended to go with the BX23 rims? I'm thinking I should replace the tubes, as well, while I'm at it.

Any advice on these changes would be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[klunkrider]

the outside rim width measures 23.6mm (where the brake shoes contact). I am guessing that the internal width of the rims is about 23mm?

If your rims only have 0.3mm wall thickness I’d be changing them out ASAP!

I suspect your internal width will be more like 16-18mm.

 

[minor_LEGEND]

Could remove a tyre & actually measure instead of assuming.
More or less any tyre width (26") will fit on those rims.

 

[bikeworkshop]

The limiting factor to tyre size is the frame clearance.
You can't go low pressure on a narrow rim with fat tyres though, they fold over.
Hence the rise in superwide rims (and tyre width recommendation) with the spread of low pressure tubeless.