Fitting larger tyre for tour - Panaracer Pasela

[chris-s]

I'm taking the road bike on a short tour to Paris next month and the advice is to swap out the skinny lightweight tyres (Schwalbe Ultremo 700x23) for the Panaracer Pasela.

Question is, I can definitely fit the 700x25, but would there be any advantage in fitting the 700x28 instead and how do I know if they'll fit? Looking at the calipers and frame, there definitely appears to be enough space, but what about the rims?

Chris

 

[mickle]

Don't worry about the rims - it's the frame clearance which determines the upper limit. 28c will give you a more comfortable ride for sure.

 

[tyred]

The larger tyre could be safely run at a lower pressure allowing a smoother ride and probably improved traction in most circumstances. Any differences in rolling resistance would be negligible, although that is a controversial opinion in some circles.

If you measure the width of your rims (it might even be written on the label or stamped into them) and compare to a chart you will find on Sheldon Brown's website, you will get a good idea of the range of tyres you can use on those rims.

 

[srw]

If your tyres are comfortable over the distances concerned, why change? Remember that roads in France are considerably smoother than roads over here!

For what it's worth, I've previously been used to 35mm+ touring tyres and have recently gone down to 25mm (on a different bike). I've been surprised about the lack of difference in comfort.

 

[gwhite]

If your tyres are comfortable over the distances concerned, why change? Remember that roads in France are considerably smoother than roads over here!

For what it's worth, I've previously been used to 35mm+ touring tyres and have recently gone down to 25mm (on a different bike). I've been surprised about the lack of difference in comfort.

I've just experienced the opposite and now have all my bikes fitted with at least 35mm tyres. The exception is my Chameleon with 25mm and I really notice the difference in comfort. The roads are all in a disgusting condition of course.