Tyre width & mudguards for commuting

[rob7222]

Hi, I'm currently riding on 700x23's with mudguards on my commute to work (11.5miles). I'm thinking of ditching the guards and getting some 700x19's - is this likely to cut some time off my commute, how much could it impact on my comfort (specifically the tyres) and will I need to buy a new wheelset?
Cheers guys.

 

[mickle]

Tyre design, construction, materials and inflation pressure have more effect on rolling resistance than cross-section. Comfort though is entirely dependent on volume. A good quality 28mm tyre might have better rolling characteristics than a cheap 19mm but a larger tyre will always be more comfy than a skinny tyre.

Unless you are racing I would err on the side of comfort, for competition the rolling resistance advantage of a few microseconds makes sense, in the real world of potholes and greasy streets a bigger tyre provides better rim protection and a larger contact area.

If you want to go faster work on the aerodynamics of your riding position, at 20mph 80% of your effort is being used just to overcome wind resistance.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Having gone through the 1980's fad for narrower and narrower tyres, I'd bet that you would regret switching to 19mm. Pro's ride 22 - 23mm because they offer the best compromise between performance and comfort, and for commuting 25mm would probably be more reliable without making you any slower.

 

[gbb]

Tyre design, construction, materials and inflation pressure have more effect on rolling resistance than cross-section. Comfort though is entirely dependent on volume. A good quality 28mm tyre might have better rolling characteristics than a cheap 19mm but a larger tyre will always be more comfy than a skinny tyre.

Unless you are racing I would err on the side of comfort, for competition the rolling resistance advantage of a few microseconds makes sense, in the real world of potholes and greasy streets a bigger tyre provides better rim protection and a larger contact area.

If you want to go faster work on the aerodynamics of your riding position, at 20mph 80% of your effort is being used just to overcome wind resistance.

Agreed.
It's no accident i rode my evening circuit faster than ever before a few nights ago, because i've ony just started using the drops after 6 years of roadbike riding. You very quicky find yourself doing an extra 1 or 2 mph when on the drops...and you dont even seem to have to try any harder.