Anyone use 700x20c tires?
05-08-05, 07:17 PM
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Anyone use 700x20c tires?
Is such a thing made? How are they?
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05-08-05, 07:25 PM
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THey are going to need extra psi compared to the 700x23 tires
05-08-05, 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Sincitycycler
Is such a thing made? How are they?
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...&estore_ID=342
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05-08-05, 07:45 PM
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20's kind of suck on any road surface that isn't brand new. I'd only go with them if my rides were entirely on relatively flat and freshly-paved roads.
05-08-05, 07:48 PM
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I'm using 23s right now, but I often run 20s. How are they? You may lose a small degree of comfort with the 20s. They're usually lighter (if comparing within the brand and model) so maybe that's worthwhile if you are a racer. I had a 700X18 tire once that I won in a race. It felt weird and I didn't use it much.
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05-08-05, 07:50 PM
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I ran a 700x20 on the front wheel of a bike I had a while ago where the clearance on the front fork was so tight that even the slightest wobble of a 700x23 would cause it to touch the inside surface of the fork. Outside of a feeling a little strange at first, I road with 23s on the back and 20s on the front for several years with no problem. I never did try them front and read combined, so I can't speak to that.
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05-08-05, 07:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Sincitycycler
Is such a thing made? How are they?
05-08-05, 08:03 PM
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I used to ride 700x20s. Very choppy...basically you will feel the road, and your rims had better be very strong or they will feel the pain.
I actually liked how fast they were on reasonably smooth roads though...I don't see where everyone is going off about "only if it's fresh pave", it's so long as there are not large cracks/holes/gouges in the pavement you are pretty much fine.
I'd say go with 700x23c though, a lot better ride, and close enough to the same rolling feel on straights that you won't really miss it. I also feel the 23s corner a bit better.
I actually liked how fast they were on reasonably smooth roads though...I don't see where everyone is going off about "only if it's fresh pave", it's so long as there are not large cracks/holes/gouges in the pavement you are pretty much fine.
I'd say go with 700x23c though, a lot better ride, and close enough to the same rolling feel on straights that you won't really miss it. I also feel the 23s corner a bit better.
05-08-05, 08:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Sincitycycler
Is such a thing made? How are they?
They're obviously harsher, but I'm about 185lbs, so I find I can squish a 120psi 23mm tyre right down to the road
Also, our roads are mostly pretty good.
05-08-05, 08:44 PM
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Yes, there is such a thing. Harsh ride and propensity for pinch flats, so I don't use 'em.
05-08-05, 08:45 PM
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Yes, there is such a size.
Yes, have used them on my racing bike.
A bit harsher riding, and good for racing.
Yes, have used them on my racing bike.
A bit harsher riding, and good for racing.
05-09-05, 06:05 AM
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There's a lot of false thinking associated with narrow tires being faster along with higher psi and speed. It's not true. There's a lot of good information both here and on cyclingforum.com associated with various tires, rolling resistence, and relative speed. Except for the slightly more narrow aero profile for some rims, there is no advantage with 18 and 20 tires. Downsides include a more harsh ride and a potential to damage rims.
