How wide a TIRE can I run safely?

[xjcampx]

I am thinking about venturing out onto the hard packed beaches here in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island. I have spent several months tearing up the bike paths and getting things adjusted. I purchased a used set of Specialized Stumpjumper wheels [28 hole -Mavis X221 rims] and I plan to switch this set with the stock wheels.
How wide of a tire can is use on my Sofride?

 

[Doug Burton]

Generally about 2 inches is as wide as will dependably clear the front fork legs and front chainstays for 26" tires.

Remember that the rim width will affect the ultimate width of the tire sidewall-to-sidewall.

Best,

Doug

 

[John Zabriskie]

I've currently got a 26 x 2.3 Kenda K-rads on a Freerider I'm building up for a heavy guy (320#). I had to re-true the front wheel to get the tires centered properly, but no big deal. There's barely enough clearance. If you have high profile knobbies that stick out rather far, you may have to grind them partially to get the clearance.