Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Thinner tires?

First post here, i've been riding fixed gear for a little over 3 months.
I've looked it up, and people say the difference between 23 and 25mm tires is minimal, but is it worth getting new tires? I'm currently rolling on some fat 32c's. If i switch over to 23c tires, would i feel a difference?
I skid somewhat frequently, and i rotate my tires (bad gearing for skid's on my bike :notamused:), so i'm not looking for some $$ tires to burn :thumb:. I'm thinking of getting some thickslicks for the back, but i've read that they're heavy, and i'm looking to make my bike roll easier. I come from the automotive world, and i know that rotating mass is important, so im guessing the lighter better tires will make for better acceleration. Please excuse my noobiness, just looking for some insight.

Also, could i use my 28/32mm tubes, or would that just make me more pinch flat prone?

Thinner tires will make you feel much faster. 25c is also another popular road bike size. I recommend the Serfas Seca, a seriously underrated tire that has good puncture protection and lots of grip.

Also, you can not run larger tubes then what size your rim is. Bad things happen

Edge_Walker

I suspect you'll notice a significant difference in speed by switching to 23c. All things being equal, they will be lighter, offer less rolling resistance, and be more aerodynamic. The tradeoff is that you need to run them at a higher pressure, and they will be harsher on rough roads. Personally I don't care for 23s on most "real" roads, but they can be ok. I generally run 25s or 28s depending on the situation.

I don't think you'll have a problem using your 28/32 tubes in a 23c tire. Just be careful when mounting it so that you don't pinch the tube somewhere. Right now I have a 27x1 1/4 tube (32-ish mm) in a 25c tire with no issues.

Regardless of what tire you buy, get one with a smooth tread. Tread patterns are useless on pavement, and will only create noise and make you slower.

Well, I think there is a big difference in feel and shock absorption, even between 23 and 25. As a bigger rider, I like 25 but on marginal roads or that chipseal stuff I'll be on a 28. A big tire like 32 is plush, but slow & heavy, and like sledding the front. I wont go bigger than 28 on any road bike. If you're not used to it, going to a 23 is going to make the steering feel very twitchy.

Also, you can not run larger tubes then what size your rim is. Bad things happen

Edge_Walker

don't tell my mountain bike.

i weigh 120lbs so no problemo, and bike handling is the least of my problems
thanks for all the help guys, and ill be keeping my tubes unless anyone has any last objections to make (besides being careful when mounting them)

I've been using a "too big" tube in my front tire with no problems for days now at 120 psi. My front tire has not imploded/exploded yet.

The only problem I have had is when I use a tube that is too small for the tire.