Commuting Tyres...again....sorry!

[akb]

Thanks to everyone for your advice and recommendations; given me lots to think about.

Conti Travel Contact - I have searched for these online (both Wiggle and CRC); struggling to find a size smaller than 700 x 37. Another further recommendations from the Conti users? These are the first contenders.
Schwalbe M+ - A new contender based on the above recommendations. If weight is negligible, these will be second choice after the Conti's.
Specialized Armadillos - Another contender; altough compare to the M+ and Conti, the reviews arent as good.

Thanks again, this forum has truly helped me develop my bike and cycling overall. So cheers all!

 

[twowheelsgood]

"Tyre size is the single easiest thing you can do to improve your efficieny/speed. 35mm to 23mm is about a 33% decrease in friction = approx 33% increase in speed/efficiency. very roughly."

Nah, nowhere near. The main restriction in speed in aerodynamic and the contact patch with the road is not necessarily proportional to the tyre size (e.g. Panaracer Paselas run on a moulded ridge in the tyre). Small tyres may even be slower on rough surfaces. I reckon from the days I used to ride this size you are talking 2-3kph at around 30kph due to 35mm vs. 23mm.

Personally I'd go down to 28mm and stop there on a general purpose bike 35mm is just unecessary. I'm quite heavy and have never needed more except on my MTB.

 

[HLaB]

When I looked the City Contacts & Top Contacts came in 32mm but the last time I got conti's for the town bike I got cheaper reflex tyres.

 

[akb]

Update!
I have purchased the Conti Travel Contact 700 x 37s. Cant be much difference between them and the current 35s I am running on. The weight issue swayed it for me; Half kg difference for two tyres compared to the M+. Also treated myself to a Joe Blow track pump too to ensure correct pressures are achieved. My current Mini Pump just doesnt have the beans. Thanks for all the advice given.

Anil.

 

[Simba]

I use Specialized All Condition tyres, they are fast, light and p*nc*u*e proof.
http://www.google.co.uk/products/ca...a=X&ei=mL1ZT__5MIf98QOErfHhDg&ved=0CHkQ8gIwBA

 

[BSRU]

I use Specialized All Condition tyres, they are fast, light and p*nc*u*e proof.
http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=specialized all condition tyre&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=11687953418202152315&sa=X&ei=mL1ZT__5MIf98QOErfHhDg&ved=0CHkQ8gIwBA

Danger, danger, stating your tyres are puncture PROOF is just asking for a visit from the PF, only solid tyres are puncture proof.

 

[jonny jeez]

somewhat ironically, I picked up my first puncture last night (on the nu-bike not the armadillos clad steed).

I thought I was having a stroke, the whole world seemed to wobble and my balance was all off, before I realised it was a flat.

phew

 

[akb]

I use Specialized All Condition tyres, they are fast, light and p*nc*u*e proof.
http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=specialized all condition tyre&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=11687953418202152315&sa=X&ei=mL1ZT__5MIf98QOErfHhDg&ved=0CHkQ8gIwBA

They look excellent...for a Roadie...!

 

[akb]

somewhat ironically, I picked up my first puncture last night (on the nu-bike not the armadillos clad steed).

I thought I was having a stroke, the whole world seemed to wobble and my balance was all off, before I realised it was a flat.

phew

Have a read above for some excellent recommendations...

 

[biking_fox]

I reckon from the days I used to ride this size you are talking 2-3kph at around 30kph due to 35mm vs. 23mm.

My anecdata is 2-3mph going from 25mm to 23mm so would expect massive difference from 35-23. I do accept it won't be 33% because of the air issues, and the more complex discussions about precisely how much rubber is in contact with the road. But ti's still the single biggest change you can make to improve speed/efficiancy.

 

[BSRU]

I think tyre size is an indirect cause of increase in speed, it is more likely the higher pressures that can be used on thinner tyres means less rubber is in contact with the road therefore less rolling resistance.

 

[MrGrumpy]

Well...... Put my bike away in the garage yesterday after my commute home, however today I have just gone into the garage to think about changing out my Marathon + tyres for something about more svelte like when I noticed my rear tyre has deflated???? Somewhat worrying this as I cannot see nowt on the tyre. Anyway have pumped it back up and will check again later and see what the state of play is?

 

[Trevrev]

I've tried loads of makes of tyres. But i'm never going to stray from Marathon plus ever.
They are just well 'ard....
Don't care how heavy they are. Great all round tyres that can take a right battering.

 

[smutchin]

My anecdata is 2-3mph going from 25mm to 23mm so would expect massive difference from 35-23. I do accept it won't be 33% because of the air issues, and the more complex discussions about precisely how much rubber is in contact with the road. But ti's still the single biggest change you can make to improve speed/efficiancy.

The pros ride tyres as wide as 27mm in races like Paris-Roubaix. Why doesn't someone just do it on 23mm tyres? They'd win by miles!

d.

 

[JDP]

I've just dropped from 35's to 23's and there has definitely been an improvement in rolling speed. I do find that they need to pumped up much harder though. 23's are much less forgiving!