Trek Alpha - Is it OK to get 25 tyres instead of original 23?

[DSK]

Apologies if this has been covered but I did not find what I was looking for via a Google search and I'm new so apologies if this in the wrong section.

After a maiden ride on my (new to me) second hand Trek Alpha 2.3, I had a quick look at the tyres and could see signs of potential previous puncture wounds / debris that's damaged the tyre but been removed. I want to get a set of Gatorskin Hardshell tyres. I phoned up Halfords to check stock availability and they advised, to go up from the original 700x23 to 25 tyres as 23 is old now and 25 would also help comfort wise.

Current fitted tyre is Bontrager 700x23.

Can any experienced members in the know advise if a 25 tyre will fit onto my existing wheel rim and bike?

(I'm a newbie and only ride for leisure/fun so don't care about shaving tenths of here and there).

 

[Spiderweb]

25mm will fit fine on both rims and there is definitely clearance at the frame/brake callipers.

 

[Drago]

23 isn't old as such, it's simply somewhat fallen out of favour as a road/road race size. Most bikes will accommodate 25s up from 23s, and even 28s, which are themselves becoming increasingly common on the bikes of the race boys.

From the looks of things your bike should swallow 25s with ease.

 

[tom73]

25s will be just fine.

 

[vickster]

May give you less room for decent mudguards if it's an all weather bike

 

[DSK]

Thank you so much to all for the above validation!

I will go ahead and get a pair of Gatorskin's ordered up in size 25. I have seen youtube videos on the latest bikes (not that I will buy one) and they are all on 28's but, I'll go one step at time.

Its not an all weather bike so mud guards are not an issue at this time but, handy to know!!

 

[Smudge]

If you're not bothered about fitting guards and you say you only ride for fun/leisure.... then why not fit 28's ?
Can use less psi, more comfort and better for light offroad like canal paths.

 

[DSK]

I work away during the week so the pictures were some old ones and I'd have now way of measuring the gap.

As experienced members state that 25 should fit easily, that's good enough for me and I will look at 28C the next time I need a pair.

Thanks again, I have just ordered a set of the Conti Hardshell 25 (https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/continental-gatorhardshell-folding-tyres-25c-pair/rp-prod183134). Just need to order up some new tubes as well.

 

[vickster]

I work away during the week so the pictures were some old ones and I'd have now way of measuring the gap.

As experienced members state that 25 should fit easily, that's good enough for me and I will look at 28C the next time I need a pair.

Thanks again, I have just ordered a set of the Conti Hardshell 25 (https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/continental-gatorhardshell-folding-tyres-25c-pair/rp-prod183134). Just need to order up some new tubes as well.

Why do you need new tubes? Are the old punctured?

 

[Spiderweb]

Your existing inner tubes will be fine, it’s only 2mm, don’t waste your money.

 

[Milzy]

It most certainly is!!

 

[DSK]

Its a fair point. As I have no history of how old the existing tubes are or if they have been repaired at any stage, I thought its just easier to pop a new set of tubes in at the same time.

 

[vickster]

Its a fair point. As I have no history of how old the existing tubes are or if they have been repaired at any stage, I thought its just easier to pop a new set of tubes in at the same time.

You can do but if the tubes are sound why change. By all means get a couple of spares which is good practice (and carry them with you). Personally I avoid continental tubes and their loose flying valve cores!! (Michelin or Schwalbe for me)

 

[DSK]

I was looking at these inner tubes as despite the high reviews on Conti's it could be a pot luck.

SCHWALBE : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Schwalbe-S...sprefix=700C+inner,aps,161&sr=8-22&th=1&psc=1

VAVERT : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vavert-18-...9&s=gateway&sprefix=700C+inner,aps,161&sr=8-5

 

[vickster]

I was looking at these inner tubes as despite the high reviews on Conti's it could be a pot luck.

SCHWALBE : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Schwalbe-SV15-700C-Inner-Tube/dp/B000AQQVF2/ref=sr_1_22?crid=3IF5XBCRP3GJ2&keywords=700c+inner+tubes&qid=1568121669&s=gateway&sprefix=700C+inner,aps,161&sr=8-22&th=1&psc=1

VAVERT : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vavert-18-25c-Road-Inner-Tubes/dp/B074P5N8ZS/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3IF5XBCRP3GJ2&keywords=700c+inner+tubes&qid=1568121669&s=gateway&sprefix=700C+inner,aps,161&sr=8-5

It doesn’t really matter. I’ve just been let down several times by Conti (not sure if I still have any)

Wilko skinny tubes are bloody awful too though!