23’s vs. 25’s Tires, pros and cons?
 

What are the pros and cons of 700 x 23 tires vs. 700 x 25 tires?

Jon.

700x25 pro- 2mm more tire
700x23 con- 2mm less tire

I don't think there is a whole lot of difference. Theoretically, 25s are more comfortable and slower, but I can't discern any difference at all by feel. I ride 23s usually.

More grip, less grip around corners, but probably negligible unless you are really pushing it.

I have noticed zero difference after recently switching to 700 x 25s. I mean, it is 2 mm (< 0.1"), how much difference can it really make? :)

Usually less rolling resistance but higher air resistance. More comfortable.

Depends on how you ride. 23's are slightly lighter and will give you less air resistance. This makes them better for climbing and riding fast. However, if you're not going fast and need something for commuting or rec riding, 25 may be better.

Like nocondorfx says though, it's basically just 2mm. You'll barely notice.

The only difference I've found is that there is a smaller selection of 25mm tires both at my LBS and many of the online stores, so when they put tires on sale, typically you won't find 25s.

From a ride perspective, I switched to try to remove some road buzz. At the time I also switched from a 20 spoke ritchey deep section to a 32 spoke mavic OP so I'm not sure how much of the added comfort is due to the tire versus the wheel.

The only reason to use a 25mm tire is that you want to use a lower tire pressure, but still avoid pinch flats. According to Sheldon Brown's web site, people who claim that they have lower rolling resistance with 25mm tires are overinflating their tires. The proper tire pressure for a 25mm tire is lower than for a 23mm tire, thus giving you more cushioning, but also a small increase in rolling resistance (as well as weight).

+1

I switched to 23's and now I am like twice as fast and I get all kinds of chicks.

23's have slightly less roll resistance, but a harsher ride.

My neighbor had 25's on his "winter" bike and said that they were less likely to get flats...I assumed the rubber was thicker or something...I have no idea if it's true.

Maybe because he rides less in the winter.

25mm = lower tire pressure
lower tire pressure = less flats

Rubber thickness depends on brand and model of tire.

Both will cause a crash if you get them in the streetcar tracks by mistake. I speak from painful experience.

If you are not in the habit of always using the pump before every ride, you probably would expect to get more pinch flats with 23s. That's the main difference between the two sizes: 25s have a little more sidewall height but they do not seem much wider, e.g., you probably do not even have to use the release on your brakes to remove 25s.