Sizzle-Chest

hi, i'm not really new to commuting, but i recently bought a touring frame and now have the option of running larger tires. i currently run 700x28's with two fully loaded rear panniers and it feels like the rear rim is taking a pounding. i need new tires and i'm considering buying some vittoria randonneur 700x35's. the only problem is, i just bought some SKS fenders that only accept tires up to 28. should i suck it up and buy the 35's and new fenders for a total of $80, or is that overkill? Is it okay to just run 28's? Anyone like those vittoria tires. Any comments appreciated, thanks!

b_young

I run 25's. I have an MTX DX by topeak that I carry around 30# extra in to work. You will get a smoother ride with the larger tire, but you lose speed. Not a lot, but you do lose. If you are on road most of the time I would keep the 28's but if you do a lot of MUP and dirt roads, I would go larger.

ax0n

I'm on 25's and have a heavily-loaded double-pannier setup. My commute takes me through MUP, industrial parks, smooth pavement and urban blight. I have to avoid potholes and curbs, but the 25s work fine, and that's with more than 20 pounds of stuff (and a 190 pound rider). I don't think you need the wider tires unless you're planning on tackling really unfavorable conditions. Sand, mud, gravel, slush and that kind of stuff.

M_S

What 28s are you running? With mine, I know my PSI is too low if it feels like the rim is taking a pounding.

I've toured on 28s with no problems. My friend had 23s

Sizzle-Chest

i'm running contis always inflated to 110.

CBBaron

With 28mm tires inflated to 110psi there is no way your rims are taking a pounding unless you weigh or carry about 500#. A fatter tire will ride smoother and give you more confidence on bad roads but what you have should work just fine.
I prefer a 40-50mm tire which allows me to not worry much about the road and makes the ride much less harsh. However I also have a bike with 28mm slicks that I like for the quicker acceleration and handling.
BTW I'm about 250# bike+load+rider.
And next time buy the fatter fenders to allow using fat tires.
Craig

o-dog

28's are alright if your roads are generally in good condition. I wish I could still run 28's but not on DC-area pavement, 32's are a must here.