Originally Posted by
Bill Kapaun
Since the bike is a Hybrid, I would verify the inner rim width before committing to that skinny of a tire.
My Specialized Globe Hybrid has a inner width of 21MM, which I think is a "more standard" width.
I have 26MM tires on it and WOULD NOT go narrower.
On my way to 26MM from 35MM, I tried 28's. They were so much faster/quicker than the 35's, I took the "next step".
The gains were quite negligible going to 26 from 28. The main difference is a bit harsher ride and having to air up the tires even more frequently.
The smaller the tire, the more critical to maintain air pressure and the less volume to prevent pressure loss.
My recommendation would be a 28MM. It'll still be strides ahead of the 35MM, while providing reasonable comfort (less road buzz) and a bit less finicky pressure wise.
DISAGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY. latest trend on RACING bikes is to go with wide rims (23mm internal width) and a 23mm tire. zero issues with tires coming off the rims and much improved ride quality reported by many.
Now if you are saying to not go below 28 for comfort or something like that, than fine but in terms of function, there is no reason he can't put 23mm tires on that bike.