Thinner wheels ?

[Beethoven]

Last year I got a Specialized Sirrus Sport flat-bar road bike and I'm really pleased with it but I would ideally like a thinner wheel (I think my tyres are 27mm). Is it possible to change the wheels only and what would be the implications or do I need a different bike ? Sorry if it's a dumb question but I'm not all that knowledgeable about technical stuff.
thanks
matt

 

[Fiona N]

If you're currently using 27mm tyres (or is that 28mm?), then you've already got pretty skinny rims so you can just change to narrower tyres - say 23mm which is a fairly normal skinny road tyre.

 

[Beethoven]

Oh right, I didn't realise I could just change the tyres, I thought I had to change the whole wheel for a thinner rim. That's great, thanks for the advice.
Matt

 

[GrasB]

Question, what sort of riding are you doing?

 

[numbnuts]

Thinner tyres could mean harsher ride

 

[Beethoven]

Road cycling.....we have a big ride coming up in the summer and a few mates told me I'd benefit in the long run from thinner tyres but I don't want to invest in a new bike really. I like the one I have, it's comfortable for me. Don't mind if the ride is a bit more harsh

 

[Fab Foodie]

Road cycling.....we have a big ride coming up in the summer and a few mates told me I'd benefit in the long run from thinner tyres but I don't want to invest in a new bike really. I like the one I have, it's comfortable for me. Don't mind if the ride is a bit more harsh

The primary benefit from narrower tyres is reduced wind resistance, which is a notable a factor at higher road speeds, they're also lighter which means they accelerate better the downside is less comfort (due to the smaller air pocket and high pressures needed) and they'll be less tolerance of poor road surfaces.

I would also add that tyre quality is a big factor too, decent supple tyres like Michelin Pro-Race 3 are worth paying-for in terms of speed, comfort and lovely grippiness. Downside is slightly more p*nctures and faster wear. I'm pretty happy riding up to 100 miles! Though if I was doing that day-in, day-out I might consider 25mm's for extra comfort (23 PR3s are quite narrow).