Originally Posted by
mstraus
I have been commuting on a road bike with 23mm tires (Conti Gator skins after my old tires got several flats).
I am looking at a new bike which will allow a larger size tire as well as fenders, etc. as well as likely Steel for better ride
I am trying to decide WHAT size tire I would like to get.
It depends on how much you weigh. At 200 pounds you want 25mm tires to keep the inflation pressures needed to avoid pinch flats down to 90-95 in front and 100-15 in rear loosing a few pounds a day.
At 140 pounds you don't need 90psi in 23mm tires.
I could just stick with 23mm, which would be the fastest but also I assume least comfortable and most prone to flats.
All else equal wider tires have lower rolling resistance, although the fastest designs are only made out to 25mm wide (next year Continental will release their GP4000S II in widths to 28mm).
Any input from people who have tried different tire sizes on the same bike is appreciated.
25mm tires with lower pressure than 23s as a fat guy feel better.
At 145 pounds I would not bother. At 195 pounds I'd definitely get the 25s.