tyre width for safe commute 38 or 47 size

[philepo]

Hi
I now have a 4 mile daily commute to the train station. I'm not a speed freak, i wear normal clothes, no helmet, brooks saddle etc. So i just want some tech advice about tyres to make things a bit comfier. My bike is a revolution Street finder of 2008 vintage. The tyres on it from new ware kenda 700 x 38 (measured as about 35) all season types. The mud guards are 48mm wide. Would 42 or 47 size continental tyres be ok? I assume they'd also be 3 or 4 mm narrower than advertised. Also although my commute is all tarmac there are a lot of dead leaves around in the gutters so should avoid "City tyres" with their reduced tread compared to cross tyres. These are 2 in by budget. Any expert thoughts?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-contact-ii-city-road-tyre/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-tourride-city-road-tyre/

Rims are 25 mm od.
Much appreciated.

 

[Venod]

IMO tread makes little difference on narrow tyres for the road, I would be looking at something like a Schwalbe Marathon Racer 700 x 30 don't be put off by the Racer name its not compulsory to ride them fast. these tyres will roll easier than a wider tyre which will make your journey easier.

 

[John the Monkey]

I'd differ slightly in suggesting that you go for the widest tyre you can fit, assuming comfort is your main concern.

I run 42c Continental Touring Plus on my Surly, and prior to that, Continental Comfort Contact. Prior to those, I had 32c Vredestein Perfect max - the increase in comfort from the bigger tyre is noticeable, a decrease in speed was not (and wasn't shown in the average speeds I recorded either). Of the two 42s I've run, the comfort contact rolled nicest - the Touring Plus have more puncture protetction, but the Comfort Contact had a Kevlar breaker belt and survived 28 miles each day in and out of Manchester. Assuming your measurements are right, 42s should fit the rim, and mudguards (although SKS' chromoplastics for 38 - 45mm tyres are 50mm wide, I suspect 2mm less won't matter)

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Agree with our simian correspondent. 700x42 Schwalbe Marathons on my urban bike are good and comfy. I think you're over emphasising the problem leaves will cause you and shouldn't be riding in the gutter or close enough through leaf debris that might be hiding potholes to send you tumbling into traffic or sharp nasties to damage even the most robust of tyres.

Go for city/slick tyres and ride where you are clearly visible as part of traffic and can see what you are riding over.

 

[John the Monkey]

Cheshire East council have thoughtfully not cleared any leaf litter all year, in order to give cyclists practice for winter, when they'll not be clearing snow or treating cyclepaths (if last year is anything to go by).

I ride the stuff daily, on Continental Touring Plus (700 x 42) or Brompton Greens, or Brompton sized Schwalbe Marathon plus (the greens having given up the ghost last week, after 5 years of service). It's fine. I'm not saying you can slam on the brakes unthinkingly, or dart from side to side, but the tread on these tyres hasn't felt skittery or insecure on the decaying leaves.

 

[Apollonius]

It isn't how wide it is that counts, it is what you do with it. Pick your path with care and ride on an adhesive part of the road. The only thing that will have you off without warning is ice, and no tyre will resist that (except the ones with spikes, I guess...)

 

[philepo]

Thanks for the replies. Without going into details i have to ride through a lot of dead leaves. And as i haven't used the smoother looking tyres that's why i was a bit unsure. But it sounds like that isn't an issue.

What about 47c. Is that too mad? ! If I'm going to faff around i think i may as well go the whole hog. BTW yes i am only concerned about comfort and grip.

Thanks

 

[John the Monkey]

What about 47c. Is that too mad? ! If I'm going to faff around i think i may as well go the whole hog. BTW yes i am only concerned about comfort and grip.

They might be a bit tight for your mudguards (even the widest SKS Chromoplastics only take 45mm tyres). IME, 42c is plenty comfortable.

 

[mjr]

I've a 2009 street finder. I took some 40mm tyres off because they rubbed the guards. 37 seems fine but I switched from the CST it came with to Schwalbe Marathon (the regular version, which rolls much better than the plus). I actually run 28 on the front at the moment (I think on a slightly narrower replacement rim than yours but please excuse me not going out to check right now) so it bites through leaf mulch but maybe that's just me.

 

[philepo]

Cheers for that. Mine is possibly a 2008 model, not certain. Think I'll order some 42c and see how the comfort is. Basically my wrists ache a bit from the buzz, even tho my riding position is as upright as i can make it. Was reading that more air = comfortable. I think some tread may be useful through the leaf mulch.

 

[mjr]

I moved the bars closer, fitted ski bar ends and then eventually replaced them with Porter bars. It's a very flexible bike.

 

[BrevetRider]

Just on reading the OP and not the replies, I'd go with Schwable Big Apples. Note for their comfort. the bigger the better.

 

[philepo]

One more thing that occurred to me is that why don't bike tyres come in winter compounds, ie soft like a winter car tyre? Winter bike tyres are studded, which obviously isn't great for tarmac. ..

 

[Smurfy]

I've been commuting on 23s for years and years. Leaves can have you off no matter how wide your tyre, so keep a good look out for them, especially on bends. Not riding in the gutter also helps a lot, as you'll miss most of the leaves and other road debris, you'll have a better presence on the road, and get fewer chancers trying to overtake when it's not safe.

 

[mjr]

Continental make a few winter compound tyres.

There's also a spray on extra grip stuff for motorbike tyres (sometimes called spray snow chain) and I'd love to hear if anyone's tried it on a bicycle.