Car Luggage Carriers

Are thin bicycle road tires suitable for the city?

I just bought a second-hand road bicycle to commute around town. It has a lightweight frame, mudguards, luggage carrier, normal handlebars (not drop handlebars), and I guess it is not a racing bike. But the tires are very thin. The Question is: how good are these thin tires suited for the city? I'm not doing any off-road riding. The town where I live has a very good infrastructure for riding bikes (i.e. separate lanes, lowered curbs...), but there are still some bumps, different pavements and tram rails and such. I heard that thin wheels are not suitable for riding on rough terrain, because bumps bend them. Is that correct? How rough is "rough" in that case? Are the city pavements rough? (I realized that thing about the tires late, but I can still return the bike) P.S.: If needed, I can measure the width of the tires/rim.

Public Comments

1. Thin tyres mean a more efficient but less comfortable ride and they also entail a greater risk of getting pinch flats. It depends on the quality of the road surface- I wouldn't choose to have thin tyres if I'm riding on roads with a lot of potholes.
2. Hello!! I used to ride in town with a mountain bike fitted with 26' slick (thin tires) and not only they were uncomfortable but they turned out to be dangerous in crossing tramway rails. You must cross them at 90°, otherwise, this is risky... Therefore, I have invested in normal 26', big and comfortable tires and I can cross the rails at 30° without the least risk. I don't speak of the paving stones which were the hell with thin tires! To answer your question acurately, yes, these paving stones are rough and your bottom feels better on low pressure 26'.... Anyway, the rim is the same, but you'll have to change the tubes as well...
3. Yes they are suitable for the city. They are more prone to deflating due to pinch flats. It also depends on the conditions of the roads you are riding on. If the roads are smooth, it will be fine. They are calling rough terrain dirt roads with rocks and stones. you should be fine on paved roads if u do not ride off any big curbs