Am I stuck with my narrow mudguards and 700x23s forever?

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Hi all,

I would be grateful for your thoughts as I have 2 questions.

I have a Spec. Sirrus pro which I love but find the riding on 23cm tyres quite an uncomfortable experience. Furthermore, I found another bike left leaning on mine whilst it was in the rack which I presume left my rims out of true since the 700x23s have hardly any meat on the sidewalls to protect rim. I am considering going a little thicker on the tyres but I am challenged.

I made the mistake of buying full SKS Narrow Guards (P35) Mudguards to fit the 700x23s. I feel that I am now stuck with the 700x23s as I am not sure if the mudguards would take anything thicker than 700x23s.

My question is:

1) With the narrow mudguards on, what would be the thickest tyre I can take? Should I ditch the mudguards?
2) Can my Specialized Sirrus, without mudguards, take tyres 700x28 and above?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

PS: I am assuming it was the other bike that caused the rim to give in because the Ritchley rims that come with Spec Sirrus seem quite robust. At least that's what I heard. Has anyone had any problems with these rims. For London commuting where the roads are just awful, would you agree that 700x23s are just too ambitious?

Not sure about frame/brake clearance on your bike, but Harris Cyclery's site says the P35's are good for tires up to 25 mm.

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/fenders.html

I have a Sirrus (Elite, don't know if it's the same frame) which currently has 700x28s on and looks like it could even go a bit bigger. I have clip on plastic mudguards with them which are OK but don't give 100% protection on bad days.

Zefal makes some good "full" coverage fenders that will take larger tires, depending of course on how much clearance you have. I also made & installed a trim leather mudflap at the bottom of the front fender, helps.