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

[HLaB]

I doubt most road frames will take anything bigger than 28mm. I'm currently running Mitchelin Pro 4 SC 25mm which come up closer to 27mm. I don't really notice the difference between 23,25 and 27mm though.

 

[BSRU]

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 .

Is that 20,000 or 2,000 miles?

 

[raleighnut]

28s would be tops for me, even for touring.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

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?

Lots of people running 35s over on Cycling UK.

A very high percentage of them running these specific fast-rolling but comfy tyres: http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TYVIVOHY/vittoria-voyager-hyper-folding-tyre

Pressures can be significantly lower on these bigger tyres too, so comfort is even better!

 

[User6179]

Is that 20,000 or 2,000 miles?

20000 miles but on about my 16 tyres and only lost one prematurely to a cut.

 

[BSRU]

20000 miles but on about my 16 tyres and only lost one prematurely to a cut.

On my current GP4000s I've managed 4000 miles with plenty of life left, according to the tread wear markings.