700x28 too skinny for a big boy?
 

Title tells all!

Not at all. A good wheel set and tires and you are good to go. I am 330+ and run 700x25 Armadillos on my Roubaix. I have over 1000 miles and no problems.

I am running 28s on my Tricross. Over 1000 miles and no problems.

Good wheel set and tires and you are good to go!

28's will work just fine.

You failed to give us your weight, but I think anything under 350# should be ok.

Keep them well inflated and you should be fine.

260 lbs. --> I ride 700x23's in everything from crits to centuries. No problems.

Nay!

240#+ and I also ride 23's with no problems

250, and I ride 28s on my commuter/distance rig without an issue. I also have a 25/23 combo on my fixed gear and it's never been a problem. Watch your inflation pressure and you'll be fine.

I'm 315#

One last question in addition to this, would 700x28 be ok on bike paths that have crushed limestone? Or should I keep it on the road?

Would be ok if it was hard packed. Loose would be a problem

I find 28s a bit narrow for loose-pack paths. Hardpack dirt and/or limestone they're OK on, but even then I prefer going up to a 32mm tire with some traction.

Tires are never really the issue, but wheel build and build quality.

I took my 32's down a 17 mile limestone/ash/ dirt bike path last summer. I made it, but there were some iffy spots where I felt a little "slippery". If it is well packed and in good/dry condition you should be ok, but those skinny tires really slice into loose dirt.

When I was 260 lbs. I went from 700x25 Armadillos to 700x23 Conti 4000s on my road bike with no problems at all. I keep the pressure at 120 and have had no pinch flats ever.

When I started riding again last year I was 313# and was riding 700x23, and that included sections on paths that had ruts through the pavement from tree roots and seams where the path crossed with streets and sidewalks. The only problems I had were pinch flats when I didn't pay enough attention to my tire pressure.

They will be ok, but wider is more comfortable(to me at least) and comfort = distance. I'm sticking a set of 32's on my roadie for spring :-)

I weight 220 and I ride 700x25 Race Lite Bontragers. No problem on them. I was running 700x35 before so now the ride is a little rougher. But it's a BIG difference in speed and handling going from 35s to 25s

I used Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy 27c tires for years and loved them. I wasn't so wild about them off road. I currently am using Panaracer Pasela TG folders in what they call a 32c. It's really more like 30c, IMHO.

Picking a tire is choosing a set of compromises. Better off road means losing a bit back on the road. Heavy usually means reliable, durable. But, of course, it's going to be slower.

Some brands seem to be slower than others, especially when the tires get bigger. The Marathon Racers I used are smaller than my Paselas, but heavier and a fair bit slower.

I'd suggest trying what I am using.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=4286

I was 340 riding on 23's no problem. I have ridden 28's on my hybrid for 2500 miles. I started at 350 and now down to 290, however all my miles are road miles.

I wouldn't go for the "race" tires cause big guys tend to wear out tires fast enough. But you shouldn't have any problem with any good touring tire in whatever size you want.

I agree with this sentiment. I have one bike with 25mm which I use when I don't have time for a longer ride, but I prefer a 32mm tire.

700x28 (conti sport contact) fine here at over 350, too

I have thousands of miles on 700x23 Michelin Race3's on Mavic Ksyrium SL's and a carbon frame at 290lbs.

700 X 28 Bontragers at around 310 lbs. Slipped and fell on my arse trying to take off from a snow packed shoulder on my first ride with them. No problems after that though. Just keep them properly inflated. I find that my tire pressure usually drops down to about 60 psi., or so after each ride, and I keep them at 100-110 psi.