Greybeard712

Does any have experience with different tire sizes on a Specialized Sirrus? Or on any hybrid, for that matter.

The bike came with Specialized All Condition 700x32, too many flats. I tried Bontrager Hard Case 28c but found that Bontrager Hard Case Lite 32c rolled better. Possibly because the full hard case are heavier, less flex.

I'm thinking of trying 25c (Czar, Michelin, Specialized Roubaix Touring, Serfas, whatever I win the bid on ebay) but before I outlay yet more cash I'd like to get a few opinions.

Bicycles are a black hole that suck up all your $oney

2702

My Sirrus came with 25c stock and I have changed the front to a 23c and really like the handling feel. Feels more fun, nimble and to me fits the character of the bike more. Some say 2mm is no difference but I don't agree.
The tires you have are a tank size to me.

Greybeard712

My thinking was, the Roubaix usually comes with 25c. The Sirrus frame is closer to the Roubaix, only a flat bar. Ergo, 25c.
I just ordered CST Czar Pro 23c for the Allez (much better w/23c), but it's a drop bar racing bike.
Maybe I should try them on the Sirrus before I decide on a size tire for it.

Inquiring minds want to—No!

NormanF

Most people ride 35. If your bike can take 50, you'd have a very plush ride.

At the end of day, its essentially a decision between efficiency and comfort.

Greybeard712

I love ebay. I found 3 Specialized Roubaix Armadillo Elite 23/25 (used) tires for $17 apiece (incl shipping). One is like new, the others used but in good shape. Two can go on the Sirrus, one in reserve.
Now I have two set of 32s (and 5 tubes), two sets of 28s (and 2 tubes) I need to get rid of. I might have to become an ebay seller (and deal with shipping). Not much luck on Criagslist.
Thanx for the input on tires, guys.

lopek77

I had a very bad luck/many flats with Specialized Armadillo tires. Switched to Vittoria Rubino and these are sweet. I run 28mm, and they last a long time. I ride off road, rocks, limestone, asphalt, city sidewalks and trails. Rubinos are cheap. Vittoria Zaffiros are even cheaper, and are almost the same tire as regular Rubino.
Got only 1 flat in the last 3000 miles on a very bad stretch of the Lakeshore trail in Chicago, but it was an epic one lol Bunch of holes in my tube/tire at once, from glass and wires.
Zaffiros starts from $13-$15, and Rubinos starts from around $25. Well worth the try.

SQL_Monkey

I recently downsized from 37c tyres to 28c Conti Gatotskins and its the best change/upgrade I have done. The pedal effort is way less and they handle any trails or tracks I use just fine.

NormanF

I prefer the opposite. I think there's a lot to be said for Schwalbe's advocacy of the balloon tire bike.

The wider the tire, the less the rolling resistance and the greater the comfort on the road.

Jaeger99

I went from 35 to 28 and could not agree more. Wish I had done it sooner.

cderalow

My GT came with 42c Schwalbes.... I've downsized to 28c rear 25c front from performance bike...

significant increase in speed... the schwalbes make great gravel/crushed stone tires, but terrible on road.

themishmosh

Unless they make a performance tire that is puncture resistant and lightweight that is wider than 28c, I will stick with Michelin Pro4 SC in 25c (as wide as a 28c almost).

treadtread

Since you already have an Allez, I would suggest not making the Sirrus into a flat bar equivalent - keep it versatile!. That said, I agree - the stock tires are dogs. I upgraded to 700x32 Panaracer Paselas (mainly because folks here said they perform well at the cost of puncture protection, and cost just $20 per tire at Jenson USA) and I love them. Panaracer does make a version with some puncture protection. If you are willing to spend more, try Vittoria Hypers or Schwalbe Marathon Supremes in 700x32 or 700x35 - I read good reviews about these in the commuting forum.

themishmosh

What about weight? The Michelin Pro4 SC 700x25c (actually closer to 28c in width) weights 215g. I am unwilling to try even respected wider tires that are over double that weight. The Pro4SC are super grippy, and very puncture resistant. They seem to last too. Wider is not always faster! It depends on the tire! I usually cruise down this one hill--the Michelin Pro4 SC 25c get a higher top speed at the bottom than the Bontrager Hard Case Lite 32c that came stock on my bike. Conti GP 4 Seasons 28c (240g?)... also a great tire.

Greybeard712

Um... the Sirrus IS a Flat bar. It's a hybrid.

I found three used (in good shape) Roubaix Armadillo Elite 23/25C* 125psi tires on ebay for $51 ($17ea, $60ea new). I need the puncture protection because Nevada is rampant with sticker bushes (goatheads), even on paved bicycle paths.
The rolling resistance is much less, the ride stiffer. Sort of like regular vs sport tuned suspension on a sports sedan. The interminable pavement cracks are going to jar the rider regardless of tire size, even a fat tired mountain or comfort bike.
The Sirrus is more of a cruiser, but still a road bike. It takes a little more effort to get up to 15-20 mph than the lighter Allez, but it's a great ride. I'll give up some cushy in favor of a little less effort pedaling and less rolling resistance. So far I like these tires.



*Online review sez Specialized named these 23/25 because the center is 23mm on a 25mm casing. They work.

treadtread

I know, I have a Sirrus I meant, don't make the Sirrus into a flat bar Allez, retain it's hybridness.

Jag767

The roads where I am are pretty bad, ergo I use a 700x47mm front and 700x32mm rear. seems to do the trick just fine.