Bicycle Mechanics - Question on Tire sizes..

I am looking for info on what size tires you would use for 700c wheels.

anywhere from 700x18 to 700x2.1", depending on frame and wheels.

Break it down further;

It depends on the bike, riding conditions, and comfort level. More info would help.

Welcome!!

ehenz

I was informed that the tired would be 700 x 23 or 25...the most popular being 23, The bike is an old Nishiki 12? speed...That I am using to train with until I get my new bike. I live just outside of Los Angeles.
The wheels are Araya 700c.

I'm a fan of 700x28 or x32, but I like to soak up potholes.

Your info is correct. I'd go for the 23s with a quaility name brand tire. 25s with something else. Other's opinions may vary.

Hope this helps,

ehenz

what do you mean 25s with something else?

I have a personal theory that the smaller tire you have, the more quality you need. Compared to 23s, big old 700x38 have plenty of extra rubber preventing flats and absorbing shock, but just slightly more with the 25s. Which makes a difference, just my personal opinion and I hate flats.

I do like the Specialized line of tires. Their 23s seem more like 25s, plus great flat protection.

Thanks Ehenz I appreciate the help

The most significant practical difference between two identically branded and designed tyres where one is a 23 and the other a 25, is that the recommended operational air pressure for the 23 will be higher. This translates into a bit harsher ride, but it also translates to a theoretical slight speed advantage. I had been riding 23's from a company that suggested they be filled to 145psi. I never did do that but once. I'm not particularily heavy (163lbs.) and I don't ride competively, so the 145psi was way to harsh for no real benefit (again unless I were racing). After that I always kept them at 120psi. Well then I looked up the recommended tyre pressure for this same company's 700cx25 and it turned out to be 125psi. At that point I realized that I could mount the 25's and fill them to the same pressure as I had been using with the 23's, but the 25's would have less rolling resistence than the 23's infalted to the same pressure. The point here is that to get the advantage of the narrower tyre, you must inflate it to the recommended pressure, otherwise you might gain the advantage by going to a 25.

Wow...Okay...Well...I ordered a pair of Hutchinson Flash tyres off of bike nashbar (4.95 each, Cant beat that) and they are 25s I am only using the bike initially for training and until I get my '03 Giant OCR3 out of the shop. Thanks for all the help.