Wider tyres on a road bike - how wide is too wide?

[simon.r]

I fell for the hype and replaced my 23mm tyres with 28mm. To my surprise it has made a difference in comfort, presumably because of the lower pressures, with no discernible impact on speed. So definitely "a good thing".

What's the maximum width you can go to (assuming the frame / fork has clearance) before there's a noticeable impact on speed?

Anyone running 32's, 35's or bigger?

 

[jowwy]

I fell for the hype and replaced my 23mm tyres with 28mm. To my surprise it has made a difference in comfort, presumably because of the lower pressures, with no discernible impact on speed. So definitely "a good thing".

What's the maximum width you can go to (assuming the frame / fork has clearance) before there's a noticeable impact on speed?

Anyone running 32's, 35's or bigger?

28s is as far as i would go

 

[Pikey]

I run 35's on my trike. Plush comfort lushness.
I'm probably a tiny bit slower than on 25's, but I really appreciate them on fast descents on Wiltshire roads.
I might get some 28's when these wear out, just to see.

 

[Banjo]

Theres a big weight difference between a 23 and a 32c tyre.
I have 32 c tyres on my steel Jamis Aurora but that is basically a touring bike they certainly soak up the rough bits on the road though.

 

[StuAff]

Finding 35s (on the Litespeed) as fast as 25s (Viner) so far. It's not comparing apples with apples- carbon & quick releases vs Ti with through axles, different wheelsets, different tyre compounds as well as weights. Remember that the larger circumference will marginally raise your overall gearing. On rougher stuff there's a definite advantage, you can just press on much more easily.

 

[Racing roadkill]

I run 25 mm as standard. In the winter time I'll run 28's on the bikes that will take 28's without a lot of cocking about. The improved comfort, over rides any extra drag.

 

[User6179]

I ran 34s( semi slick tyres) on my CX bike , they were as quick as my GP4000s 25s on my good bike over a hilly 40 miler with a poor road surface , my PR on the route was on 34s which surprised me considering GP4000s are meant to be one of the quickest tyres .

 

[Accy cyclist]

I have 28 mm tyres on what i call my wet road bike. There's very little difference in speed to the other bikes i have, with 25 mm tyres. I can tell the difference in comfort though,with the deeper tread and less tyre pressure.

 

[Racing roadkill]

I ran 34s( semi slick tyres) on my CX bike , they were as quick as my GP4000s 25s on my good bike over a hilly 40 miler with a poor road surface , my PR on the route was on 34s which surprised me considering GP4000s are meant to be one of the quickest tyres .

The Gp4000's are bloody quick. Unfortunately they are bloody fragile I.M.E. swings and roundabouts.

 

[User6179]

The Gp4000's are bloody quick. Unfortunately they are bloody fragile I.M.E. swings and roundabouts.

I don't want to tempt fate but I have 20000 miles plus on the gp4000s and found them quite tough compared to similar race tyres, maybe been lucky .

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I run 28 on the Tricross and 25 on the Allez, now I know the Allez is lighter and a more of a road bike than the Tricross, but in my experience the 28 whilst very comfortable do take some of the speed away.

Oh, I use marathon plus, so you might want to ignore my opinion

 

[GuyBoden]

I'm 15 stone, so I find wider tyres more comfortable on a road bike, if I was 11 stone I would probably use thinner tyres.

 

[Venod]

I run 32mm Vittoria XN cx tyres tubeless at 50 psi on the cx bike they a marginaly slower than Vittoria Pro Radials on the road but a lot more comfortable.

 

[Gravity Aided]

I use 35's on my commuter bicycle, but I prefer 28s. My last 28s (Bontrager) blew out a sidewall. So I'm going to have to get new ones, as the 35s(Kenda) are a little sloggity on the already heavy Fuji Crosstown.

 

[Racing roadkill]

I'm 15 stone, so I find wider tyres more comfortable on a road bike, if I was 11 stone I would probably use thinner tyres.

It's still more comfy on bigger tyres, and I find I can bank over more without the wheels washing out.