Fifty Plus (50+) - What Sizes of Road Tires Do 50+'rs Use and Why?

What Sizes of Road Tires Do 50+'rs Use and Why?

Answer the poll above, then tell us why below.

This is NOT an anonymous poll. Your votes will be visible to others.

What Sizes of Road Tires Do 50+'rs Use and Why?

Answer the poll above, then tell us why below.
DFox, no poll appears on my screen.

I use 700 X 23 or 25 for low rolling resistance. When I replace tires I look for a higher TPI as well. But, when it comes to road riding, I love a bargain. So I look for slightly used tires or new, local resales on ebay.

700x25 Nashbar Prima Plus 2 seems to be right on the money for me... they're also less than $8 each (much less on sale w/discount)...

my other favorites are 700x27 (yes, 27) SpeedBlends i bought from Target ('Target Dog!'):

Here for $19.95! (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/602-7395421-6572646?_encoding=UTF8&frombrowse=1&asin=B000E7WU02)

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000E7WU02.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS260_.jpg

I use 700x28. I first used these because we had a tandem with this size and in an effort to reduce sizes of spare tires and tubes tried these on the single. I actually like them better than the 23-25 sizes used earlier. Road surfaces in our area are often cracked and smaller sized tires can get sucked into cracks etc. I notice no rolling resitance difference between these and smaller tires. I inflate to 100 -105 psi for my single and 120 psi with the tandem.

I use some moderately expesive michelin fold ups in size 23 on my Topolinos which I use for fast club rides.

I use some Bontrager Hard case wire beaded 25's for daily riding on my Velocity rims.

I use a cheap wire beaded Cyclocross 32's (Richey Crossmax) for fall, winter and spring.

I use 700x23's on my road biker & 700x32's on my touring bike. I'm a clydesdale & have had no problems with the 23's. They are more easily found on sale in my area & I like saving money when possible. I did buy 25's once and saw/felt/noticed little difference between the 23's and 25's. The touring bike also gets used on gravel paths, in the snow & with heavier loads. I just like the 32's on it.

I use 700X25 because that's what came on the bike (yes, I am a newbie). I may try 28s when it's time to replace the tires, but have not had any problem with these.

I ride a variety of road surfaces from smooth to chip seal to dodge-the-hole. I like 25's best (GatorSkins, Avocet) for a cross between lightness and comfort. At 165lbs, I run them 95 in back, 90 in front.

On my urban-assault, dirt road, ride it to Starbucks, beater machine tdhat never dies I ride 32's.

I use 700X25 because that's what came on the bike (yes, I am a newbie). I may try 28s when it's time to replace the tires, but have not had any problem with these.
Same reasons but 700x26. These will acyually provide grip on some of the milder offroad trails but they are bone dry at present. Now on the tyre quality- I obviously haven't bought any road tyres yet but going By my offroad experiences- once I find a tyre I like- which probably will not be in the cheaper range of rubber- I will get the kevlar beaded form to save weight. These are more expensive but worth it in the performance stakes.

700X23 on all my road bikes. Michelin Pro2 Race, Schwalbe Blizzard, Conti Ultra 2000.

i use 700X20 tubulars on one bike and 700X23 clinchers on the second bike. i guess i still think of myself as racer even tho i have slowed a lot with age. the tubulars are vittoria cx's pumped to 130 psi. the clinchers are michelins at about 110 psi.

I tried 700x25 and found it a pain to get the wheels on and off without messing with the breaks. I've been riding Conti GP4000 700x23 for about 2500miles now and I am happy with them. They feel good to ride on and don't cut easy. No flats yet either. They are a bit pricey since I need to replace the rear at about 2500 - 3000 miles so that means I need to buy tires at least twice a year. Found a guy on ebay that sells them for $40 ea including shipping. The 23s slide right on and off easy.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus, 622 40, except for December to March, when I use Nokian Hakapillita W-106 700 x 35mm studded tires.

I like wide tires because they are much better on steel grates and metal plates than narrower ones. They are also much better on potholes and road debris. Since I have a daughter to get ready for school, there is never any time for pre-ride preparation, so the fact that they only require pumping up every few weeks is important.

The Schwalbes meet my minimum specification -- I won't accept any tire that is more flat-prone than a car tire. However, they are much more than that. They also roll very easilyand are long lasting. I've had my set for 4 years and about 10,000 miles, and they are still fine.

The Nokians are a good compromise between rolling resistance and traction on snow and ice. They have carbide studs, but the tread isn't too extreme. They are not a "full on" winter tire; still my bike works much better on snow and ice than my car does -- that's good enough for me. Even though the Nokians only get used for a quarter of every year, they are showing some rubber wear at 4 years and 2,500 miles. This winter may be their last season. The carbide studs are still fine, though -- it is the casing that is wearing.

Paul

700x23 - I spend most of my riding time on the road - and like to go fast!
Caruso

I have a couple of road bikes and a tandem.

My go-fast bike has 23mm higher performance Michelin tires but I only ride it in rural areas where I don't expect to find a lot of broken glass and the like.

My retro-grouch bike has 23mm Armadillo tires but, if they ever wear out, it's getting 25 or 28mm tires, probably Gatorskins. I don't ride very fast, expecially on this bike so I might as well go for a little more "cush".

My tandem uses either 25 or 28mm (I forget the size) Gatorskins. I love 'em.

It might have been interesting to see the popularity of mixing sizes (e.g., 25 front / 28 rear) :)

Fat,flatproof,fairly priced & comfortable.

It might have been interesting to see the popularity of mixing sizes (e.g., 25 front / 28 rear) :)

Then write your own poll, exactly as you would like it, as I did this poll..

On my touring/cross bike I have Maxxis Overdrive 700 x 38, and they are set up tubeless. I'm very happy with them.

I use 700x20's on my tri bike. Faster, but I notice one needs to be more cognazant of handling. Example=Rocks don't usually 'ping' out, bike tire actually kicks up & rolls sideways a slight distance. Also - I run them at 125+psi - they skid EASY! gotta watch corners and I touch brakes EASY.
Other road bikes I use 23's, then 28's on my cross bike.
I don't mix sizes.

The used Trek I purchased came with 23's. I've always been uncomfortable with skinnie tires. A second set of wheels I purchased came with 25's. I really don't see much difference, but have remounted the tires so that I have the 23 on front and 25 on back. I do not expect to replace 23's with 23's. Think I would prefer 28's all around, but till I ride on 28's I can't say. Maybe by next year I'll actually wear out some existing rubber.

My 650 x 23's weren't on the poll.....

Bianchi: 700Cx28 Conti. Ultra 2000, but these are closer to 25mm in width
Capo: 700Cx28 Specialized Turbo w/ Armadillo Technology
UO-8: 27x1-3/8 (35mm) Schwinn knobbies (great for commuting and potholes)

As I age, I become more interested in safety, stability, and reliability than in all-out performance.

My 650 x 23's weren't on the poll.....

Neither was the neighbor's son's tricycle!:D

I use Michelin Pro Race 2's and they would be ultra expensive if I bought them at my LBS. For some reason probikekit sells them for less than my LBS pays for them and there is no shipping charge. Buying locally it would cost me over $100 for a pair, but I get them for just over $50 a pair. Very low rolling resistance, wonderful cornering, reasonable puncture resistance, but I only get around 2500 miles per rear tire before it's worn out.

My "old" bike runs tubulars and we don't even want to start that discussion.

I've been using 23s for years and pumping them up to about 110 psi. My new frame is a little on the harsh side so I just replaced the rear tire with a 25, the largest that will fit. I inflated it to about 100 psi and, based on the 32 miles I rode this morning, it seems more comfortable.

Currently using schwalbe marathon racers, 700x30. mostly for reflective sidewalls and protection. Next bike will probably be 700x25 or 700x28. If forced to will run 700x23. Haven't started research yet, so if anyone knows of those thinner tires with good flat protection and reflective sidewalls, let me know.

I've been using 32's for the past three years and am thinking of going to 28's. I want more of a road tire but will not consider going smaller than 28. I personally like the ride of a bigger tire and when you are up to speed, I don't think rolling resistence is really a factor.

Maybe it's the age or the I don't give a darn what people think. I road sew ups for years and now find larger tires just more fun. Who could recommend a good 28?

I run 28 X 700c Panaracer Pasela Tour Gaurd at 100psi on the Bridgestone. I see little if any loss of speed vs. 23 or 25 tires I have tried. The benefit is no worrries about snake bite flats from hitting potholes and such. I can also run as low as 80psi for more comfort when speed is less important. The wider tires easily handle my gravel driveway and the occasional short run on dirt roads.

The Fuji has 27 X 1 1/4 cheap Kendas that I run at 90psi. Much the same benefits from the width.

The tandem has 32 X 700c Paselas.

The Raleigh Technium has Conti Grand Prix's 700x23 and the Trek 1500 came with Bontrager Select 700x25's. Pretty much riding on what I have, but thinking about a set of Conti Attack/Force or Conti GP4000's for the Trek.

I use Ruffy Tuffy 700 x 28s right now. I like the slightly softer ride. Other times I ride on 700 x 23, they are a little faster but lots harsher. I think that the 28 are a nice in-between for 23 and 32's. I may be moving in the near future and if so that will require a lot more riding on gravel roads, and I think I will bump up to 32's then

Michelin Pro Race 700 x 23 mostly. I ride pavement only and weigh 165. These tires are a great compromise between comfort and low rolling resistance. On my time trial wheels I have Continental Attck/Force, 700 x 23 rear, 20 front.
My wife rides 650 x 23, also Pro Race. She thinks they make her faster than her previous tires.

Al

My 650 x 23's weren't on the poll.....

Mine, either.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus, 622 40, except for December to March, when I use Nokian Hakapillita W-106 700 x 35mm studded tires.//////////

Paul

Hakkapeliitta means, "Charge," in Finnish. I asked.
We have Nokian WR's on two cars and Nokian RSI's on two others for winter tires.

Neither was the neighbor's son's tricycle!:D
I may want to borrow the trike as a loaner, while I'm waiting for my bike. The bike will have 650B wheels, and the primary tires will be 650B x 33 (Maxy Fasty). The backup tires to have a better road efficiency will be 650B x 30 (Michelin Megamium).

"I would rather have a German division in front of me than a French one behind me." --General George S. Patton

He never said any such thing.


* Misattributed by former Defense Secretary James Schlesinger on Fox News. Patton commanded French troops, the 2nd Armored Division commanded by Philippe Leclerc, integrated in the Third Army, and had rocky but friendly relations with the french general. For instance, on August, 15 1944 Patton wrote in his diary: "Leclerc came in very much excited. He said, among other things, that if he were not allowed to advance on Paris, he would resign. I told him in my best French that he was a baby and said I had left him in the most dangerous place on the front. We parted friends"

He did say

Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of the men who follow and of the man who leads that gains that victory.

I use 26x1.75 and 20x1.35 on my recumbent. They both have a 58psi max and give a softer ride with moderate pressure. Of course, I'm not in any big hurry. bk

I have 700X35 CC's on both my touring bike (Cannondale T800) and my Hybrid (Marin).