Since riding the Grand Bois Extra Leger 32s on my winter cross bike, I’ve been waiting for a 25 or 26 mm Extra Leger tire to fit the English 700C. True, the 23 mm tires were available, but 25 mm is the minimum I’ll ride on the crappy roads in my area.
A few weeks ago I got my wish, and I installed them today.
If you’re wondering why my rings are silver: I recently geared down–34/25 wasn’t a useful low gear for my usual rides, which generally include 10,000+ feet of climbing with extended 12% to 22% segments. Although the climbs were survivable, I was wrecking my knees. I couldn’t get the rings I wanted in black, so I’m making do with silver.
Back to tires: The fit is tight in the THM Scapula fork, which is only rated for up to a 25 mm tire. Nevertheless, there is some room to spare.
I’ll report back after a few hundred miles, starting with the 72-mile Peekamoose route, which I’ll be riding tomorrow morning with new companions who haven’t been out that way yet. Peekamoose is a great ride, because you suffer like hell for the first 16 miles; thereafter, it’s high-speed downhill for the next 30 miles.
John
Riding the Catskills 
John, what king of crank is that and when size rings? Looks smaller than 34.
THM Clavicula M3 mountain bike cranks, 46 x 30.
Enjoy the ride my friend!!
Please let us know how they hold up. My 23mm EL’s suffered a torn sidewall on only the 3d ride. Very disappointing. The subject of the 26s came up three times on a ride yesterday. There are a people willing to buy them if they hold up.
Just found your page – lots of reading to do here as I look for some autumn rides in the Catskills. Question for you on that inner ring – does it make the jump up and down OK? That is a massive looking difference between the two.
Hi Mick,
No problems with the jump–it’s only 16 teeth (same as a regular compact double). If you need any help with selecting a ride, let me know!
John