28 vs 32 vs 35mm tires and good value recommendations.
09-04-16, 07:04 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,825
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 401 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
28 vs 32 vs 35mm tires and good value recommendations.
Hi,
So I have on my hybrid/gravel bike 28mm tires. Not all 28mm tires are created equal and these are rather beefy Kendra 193 tires.
I normally ride in dry conditions mainly dirt which can sometimes get a bit sandy. No rocks and not much gravel. Classic single track stuff.
The 28's feel fine but I was wondering if going to 32mm tires will make much of a different in handling compared to the 28mm or if I need to go for 35mm tires to see a major difference.
A related question is will my frame even take 35mm tires. Currently I have an extra 0.6 inch of clearance on the read frame and 1 inch of clearance. As mentioned the 28mm Kendra 193 tires are beefy and the wheel diameter including tires is 27.5 inches.
Finally, can anyone recommend 32 or 35mm tires which are good value
So I have on my hybrid/gravel bike 28mm tires. Not all 28mm tires are created equal and these are rather beefy Kendra 193 tires.
I normally ride in dry conditions mainly dirt which can sometimes get a bit sandy. No rocks and not much gravel. Classic single track stuff.
The 28's feel fine but I was wondering if going to 32mm tires will make much of a different in handling compared to the 28mm or if I need to go for 35mm tires to see a major difference.
A related question is will my frame even take 35mm tires. Currently I have an extra 0.6 inch of clearance on the read frame and 1 inch of clearance. As mentioned the 28mm Kendra 193 tires are beefy and the wheel diameter including tires is 27.5 inches.
Finally, can anyone recommend 32 or 35mm tires which are good value
09-04-16, 08:08 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,065
Mentioned: 63 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1217 Post(s)
Liked 186 Times
in
117 Posts
I never noticed much difference going one step up. 25->28 felt the same 28->32 felt the same but 25->32 felt way different. So I guess if you're going to go go to 35s? 
Vittoria Voyager Hyper RFX is going to one of the faster options for 32/35. Compass tires get good reviews as well. If you want to wait 3 weeks I can let you know which I like better as I'm going to try both.
Vittoria Voyager Hyper RFX is going to one of the faster options for 32/35. Compass tires get good reviews as well. If you want to wait 3 weeks I can let you know which I like better as I'm going to try both.
09-04-16, 08:13 PM
#3
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,543
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3674 Post(s)
Liked 5,431 Times
in
2,759 Posts
I really like Panaracer Gravelkings. They have two tread patterns, I think you would prefer the one with knobs unless you have mostly paved surface. Fatter tires give so much more confidence on dirt, go as big as you can. The 32s are all I can fit on my bike and it can feel sketchy on a downhill.
09-05-16, 04:25 AM
#4
Banned.
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
Posts: 2,717
Bikes: '74 Raleigh International utility; '98 Moser Forma road; '92 Viner Pro CX upright
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 939 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
you can also run lower pressures in bigger tires, which improves everything
09-05-16, 05:28 AM
#5
Old Fart In Training
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,268
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times
in
16 Posts
Note:
As many have said tire construction Is every thing. I recently found out my very versatile Bontrager H5's In 700 x 32c that are tough and hard to puncture loose It In the handling department above 27 mph.
Am told It's due to the construction and the tread pattern.
I think I'll give the Vittoria Voyager Hyper RFX In 32C a try..
As many have said tire construction Is every thing. I recently found out my very versatile Bontrager H5's In 700 x 32c that are tough and hard to puncture loose It In the handling department above 27 mph.
Am told It's due to the construction and the tread pattern.
I think I'll give the Vittoria Voyager Hyper RFX In 32C a try..
09-05-16, 08:30 AM
#6
Full Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: ETX/ SNH
Posts: 225
Bikes: 2011 Handsome/ Twin Six Speedy Devil, 2006 Soma Groove, 1991 Haro Impulse Comp, 1987 KHS Montana Pro, 1986 Ross Mount Hood, 1986 Mongoose ATB, 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker I, 1973 World Voyageur, 1941 Schwinn DX "Klunker"
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Liked 96 Times
in
45 Posts
I just put on a pair of Panaracer t-servs in 35. They are great on the street. I have had them up to 36mph so far with no squirminess. Great on potholes and broken pavement. Off-road I had them on packed dirt paths and gravel roads and they have done well. They can be had for about $25.
Last edited by MrK.; 09-05-16 at 01:17 PM.
