Ultegra rim and tire clearance?

[Julien]

I’m considering getting a new bike. I’m thinking steel frame and Ultegra groupset. I like the idea of easily setting and maintaining my bike myself, so I’d prefer rim brakes. However, we have rather terrible road conditions here in Montreal, with lots of potholes and cracks, and poor quality pavement. I also like light gravel and packed dirt road.

So I’d like to have wide rims (HEDs or Dt Swiss) and 30s tires (actually measuring 30 irrespective of label) and to go tubeless and low pressure.

Does that actually make sense though? Would that be too wide for rim brakes? How much would Ultegra rim brakes clear?

Thanks 😊

[prototoast]

If your frame fits 'em, the brakes will work. Current gen Shimano calipers can fit up to about a 32 with a well-placed brake bridge.

[marciero]

Originally Posted by prototoast

If your frame fits 'em, the brakes will work. Current gen Shimano calipers can fit up to about a 32 with a well-placed brake bridge.

That's key here. Rim brake bikes are designed around the brakes, and rim brake choice is dictated largely by tire size. So the frame should be designed for it. You may want to consider mid-reach calipers, for a little breathing room-either for bigger tires or fenders. I have some Shimano that give up very little to short/standard reach.

[Julien]

Originally Posted by prototoast

If your frame fits 'em, the brakes will work. Current gen Shimano calipers can fit up to about a 32 with a well-placed brake bridge.

Great, good to know.

[Julien]

Originally Posted by marciero

That's key here. Rim brake bikes are designed around the brakes, and rim brake choice is dictated largely by tire size. So the frame should be designed for it. You may want to consider mid-reach calipers, for a little breathing room-either for bigger tires or fenders. I have some Shimano that give up very little to short/standard reach.

I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you