Do narrow tyres make that much difference?

[Fab Foodie]

Thanks for the advice guys

As I said I'm not looking for a quantum leap in speed, just anything that will make getting up inclines a bit easier.

One other question - When I started I was averaging 14mph over a 13 mile route. This has gone up to 17 - 17.5mph avg over a 15 mile route.

That kind of average is pretty good. To start to go significantly faster the main hinderance is wind resistance and little else. That's why people ride drop-bar bikes to go fast, aerodynamics becomes everything, changes in tyres become a fairly small part compared to the size of your body sat-up on a hybrid.

Going uphill is a different matter, it's about practice, technique and all-up weight... oh and pain

 

[Moodyman]

Yes it'll make a difference but not enough to make it worthwhile.

I have two bikes.

I have 28mm on my 700C wheels and 1.75 inches (44mms) on my 26 inch wheels. Over a 12 mile commute, the 28mm is only a couple of mins faster and far harsher. Both run slicks.

I'd rather be 2 mins slower and more comfortable.

 

[al78]

Yes it'll make a difference but not enough to make it worthwhile.

I have two bikes.

I have 28mm on my 700C wheels and 1.75 inches (44mms) on my 26 inch wheels. Over a 12 mile commute, the 28mm is only a couple of mins faster and far harsher. Both run slicks.

I'd rather be 2 mins slower and more comfortable.

Similarily, I have 23mm x 700C on my drop bar road bike and 26 x 2.0 inches on my flat bar MTB. The road bike is about 1-2mph faster over my 9.5 mile commute with two significant climbs. The MTB has a more upright riding position and is heavier than the road bike and I imagine this explains most of the speed difference.

 

[Peter10]

I think it has a lot to do with what you get used to. I have only ever ridden wide fat tyres on mountain bikes and then 23s on a road bike. I haven't experienced anything wider on my road bike so what may be a bumpy road for one person is a normal ride for me.