I have a Trek 1.5 with 700x25C tires mounted. I have found that I use the bike about 90% commuting and 10 riding races,workouts, etc.

What tire would you recommend, how big can I go? Needs to be something that can take the occasional gravel road, light path wear and tear.

Should I consider a Cyclocross or Commuting type?


Any help appreciated.

Thanks!!

What's wrong with your current tires? The gravel roads?

Yes. Plenty of rough roads, pot holes etc where I'm at

I just figured my current tires are too narrow??
Thx

Yeah, 25c is probably narrow for gravel. Don't get anything with any major tread, though. Even slick tires of sufficient width should be fine on packed dirt bike paths and gravel. If you're mostly on the road, get a tire that suits the road and just go easy on the rough stuff.

I just rode off-road on some Kenda Kaliente 23's last week, even over lingering snow. I survived. Partly b/c I wisely walked 10 feet of the route...

Your bike was sold with 23's.
I was able to squeeze 28's on to my Felt F-85.
It depents on your frame, brakes, rims, and tires.
I have a set of 28's that measure 27 on one rim and 30 on another rim.

The only way to know is to try some.
Find someone that rides with 28's and see if you can fit their wheel on your bike.

Without fenders, probably 28mm. The Trek 1.5 has rather good clearance to accomodate at least 25mm with fenders.