Good evening,

When I replaced the wheels I didn't think about tyre size, and they only just take 700x23 and this is a pretty tight fit. I have a track pump and do pump the tyres up as hard as the pump will go, which is a bit over an indicated 100psi, but I wouldn't put too much faith in the accuracy of this number.

Before commuting I did use Continental Gatorskins on pleasure rides, but these were no better on my routes, just almost twice as expensive.

Even If I do replace the wheels to allow for better suited tyres, frame geometry won't allow more than 700x28, and in reality there is not a lot greater volume of air between 23 and 28.

There is a chap on my commute who runs 10speed and I have stopped twice when he has mangled his chain, a lot of roads that I ride on should be fine, but maintenance has slipped and it’s almost like the Paris – Roubaix sometimes.

My gut feeling is that a less race orientated bike would be a good idea on this route, and as the wheel base is quite short there is a quite steep chain angle, even large chain ring and even the 3rd biggest of 8 sprockets doesn’t look too “nice”. This is a temporary job that will finish in a few more weeks so a new bike doesn't really make sense.

Maybe my 200lbs, plus a rack and change of clothes is just too much for this type of bike.

Bye

Ian