Jedi391

I want to get a road bike but I'm nervous about the skinny tires, I'm 6'1 270 so I don't want to overload them. If I were to get a road bike what's the widest tires that I'll fit on a typical road bike wheel? To exame what would be on a Specialized Allez or Secteur?

Creakyknees

Most of them are going to come stock with 23c tires. I weigh 190-ish and I use 25c which are just a bit wider. My bike, a Cannondale, could probably fit a 28c tire which is getting into touring sizes but the clearance would be tight.

As you're shopping, ask the shop to mount a 28c pumped up to 100 psi and see how it fits in the bike. At your weight I'd recommend that over a 25 but take a 25 as an alternative.

Creakyknees

oh also, check out the spoke counts - 24 rear / 20 front is too little for your weight, I'd recommend 32/32 if they offer it

ptle

I think a lot of frames (not high end race ready frames) can be equipped with 28c tires, which should be good enough for your weight.

Barrettscv 

The short reach brakes on most road bikes will limit you to a max size of 700 x 28. Some forks and frames are tighter still, but most bikes will allow a 700 x 25.

I've been between 250 and 210 lbs during the last few years. I started on 700 x 28 but now use 700 x 25 without worry.

I also started with a Cyclocross bike, these are drop-bar road bikes with brake systems and clearence for larger tires, 700 x 35 or larger. Cyclocross bikes are often tougher than road bikes, since thay are raced off-road.

You might visit this forum here at bike forums for more info: https://www.bikeforums.net/forumdispl...-(200-lb-91-kg)

mkadam68

I wouldn't overly worry about the tire width. As creakyknees said, check the spoke count. 32-spokes is where you'll want to be.

A skinnier tire may only wear more quickly, requiring replacement ($$), whereas a wider tire will give a more comfortable ride while adding a small amount of rolling resistance. I ride 23's almost exclusively and only weigh about 15-20lbs. less than you.

urbanknight

As said above, I'd only worry about tire width if your weight is causing a tire pumped to the max psi (maybe even 10 or 20 above) to pinch flat. If that happens, a wider tire will spread the load out so the tire doesn't deform so much that it pinches the tube into the rim.
https://www.rouesartisanales.com/article-1503651.html

That being said, it varies but most bikes will be able to handle up to 28. My Specialized Allez has 25's on and it looks like there's room for more.

AngryScientist 

wheels are what to worry about, not tires at your weight.

10 Wheels

36 spoke wheels with 700 X 28 tires.... Good to go.

Drew Eckhardt 

Counter-intuitively wider tires (of the same construction) have lower rolling resistance at the same inflation pressure.

Huge differences exist between different tires though - ones with supple carcasses can take 20W less to turn at 18-19 MPH.