Originally Posted by
Lazyass
Don't fall into the huge tire fad that's exploded into the scene over the last few years unless you really need huge tires. I see no need for a road tire bigger than a 28 unless you're going to take it off paved roads. The only advantage of a bigger tire is the ability to run lower pressure without pinch flatting. But then you have a squishy tire with a lot of deflection on the road (and more rotating weight) and to me that makes the bike feel sluggish when climbing and sprinting.
Yes and no here.
Not putting 45c tires on a single speed but for a more supple ride, a bigger tire triumphs a thinner tire.
A 32c is fine more or less and all you need for pavement, depending on the tire itself and psi. But would’ve been nice to throw some Rene Herse 38c on this for gravel.
I run 38c Pathfinder Pro’s on a Specialized Diverge Carbon at 40psi on carbon wheels and the ride is butter on tarmac and gravel.
My Bianchi Carbon with 28c Veloflex handmade tires is crispy but not as supple. Both bikes run at the same speeds, there’s no loss of rolling resistance (well, minimal) but speed is the same more or less. I can go 2-3mph faster on the Bianchi but more likely due to geo than tires. Bigger tires are just as fast as smaller tires, there’s tons of testing that proves what we thought wasn’t true. Unless you go above 40c of course.
I have classic Italian steel running 25c and it’s great but not as smooth.
Youre right, however, a 28c - 32c max is all you need for city, road. Again, depends on the type of tire and tread.