Chipseal and tire size
11-07-12 | 05:29 PM
#1
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Chipseal and tire size
Currently riding 700 x 25 and think I can open many more local roads for daily use by going to a fatter tire. Quality of local chipseal roads varies from very nice, to never in hell will I ride that one.
Would modest change, say 700 x 28, make much difference or will I need to go 32 or more. Brand of tires not the question - just size. Thanks.
Would modest change, say 700 x 28, make much difference or will I need to go 32 or more. Brand of tires not the question - just size. Thanks.
11-07-12 | 05:55 PM
#2
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From: Austin (near TX)
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Tire pressure will make just as big of a difference. You should be able to take those 25s down to 70-80psi and have a pretty nice ride. I lower my 23s to 85-90 on long rides with lots of rough chipseal.
No need to buy anything new.
No need to buy anything new.
11-07-12 | 06:26 PM
#3
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Yep. I run 85/90 on 23s for the local super rough road race which has potholes and roads made entirely of patches. Our new extra rough chip seal (1" chips!) is smooth in comparison.
Lots of road frames won't fit anything larger than 25s. I have one that won't take large 23s.
Lots of road frames won't fit anything larger than 25s. I have one that won't take large 23s.
11-07-12 | 06:31 PM
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Wider tires at lower pressure will certainly make for a more comfortable ride, clearance may be an issue. Many frames have issues with tires wider than 25's.
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"When I hear another express an opinion, which is not mine, I say to myself, He has a right to his opinion, as I to mine; why should I question it. His error does me no injury, and shall I become a Don Quixot to bring all men by force of argument, to one opinion? If a fact be misstated, it is probable he is gratified by a belief of it, and I have no right to deprive him of the gratification."
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11-07-12 | 06:42 PM
#5
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In my experience on fairly smooth chip seal, there's a difference between 25 and 28, but it's not huge. 32s make a larger difference I think, but I ride those on a different bike so the comparison isn't really fair. I was using 28s because I have a couple chipseal roads on my regular routes, but had to shift to 25s due to clearance issues and although it made a difference, it wasn't big enough to really matter.
11-07-12 | 08:16 PM
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