Is the 23mm tyre dead?

[SS Retro]

25mm tyres once the winter tyre size for the seasoned clubman not anymore?

Most of the pros have switched to 25mm in the last couple of years, Tony Martin wins worlds TT champions on 24.2mm conti gp clinchers! Wheels and frames now being designed for 25mm?

I think it makes sense with the road surfaces we have in the uk, 25mm offers an aero advantage and no change in rolling resistance.

We have of course been here before in the 80's when most rode on 20mm then I think it was the La Vie Claire team stuck 23mm on and went faster so everyone followed suit.
I just bought some Schwalbe Ultrimos 23mm and noted the 25mm are more expensive surely another sign 25mm are the way tyres are going?

 

[Kestevan]

It will take a long while to go. There are many bikes around where clearance for 25mm tyres is sketchy or non existent - especially if trying to run mudguards.

 

[SquareDaff]

Cheaper! Looks like I'll be switching to 23's then!

 

[zacklaws]

25mm offers an aero advantage

Thats a totally incorrect statement, if you research it you will find that at high speeds, drag is increased with 25mm tyres and why they are at a disadvantage in a sprint finish. I rode 25mm through the winter and it is very noticable how draggy they become when you are riding into a good head wind compared to a 23mm.

But apart for that and being heavier, they are about the only disadvantages of a wider tyre, providing they fit your bike and accept the fact that if it is a close fit in the frame, it could be ride over if you get a slightly buckled wheel that suddenly starts rubbing against the frame.

But their are more advantages with a wider tyre than a narrow one

 

[SS Retro]

So if a 25mm tyre alone would not offer an advantage, would a 25mm tyre offer an aero advantage with a rim designed for that size and purpose?

 

[MikeG]

Anyone who is discussing tyre width increases of 2 mm in terms of their aerodynamics is surely considering taking a spokeshave to their lower legs and upper arms.

As with all cycling matters, there are advantages and disadvantages to any change. Increased comfort, and increased amount of time the rubber is in contact with our crappy tarmac, would seem to me to be more important than some miniscule increase in drag. I mean, we're talking about a width difference of 8% on something which is already very slim, so I suggest a little perspective..........

 

[jowwy]

Thats a totally incorrect statement, if you research it you will find that at high speeds, drag is increased with 25mm tyres and why they are at a disadvantage in a sprint finish. I rode 25mm through the winter and it is very noticable how draggy they become when you are riding into a good head wind compared to a 23mm.

But apart for that and being heavier, they are about the only disadvantages of a wider tyre, providing they fit your bike and accept the fact that if it is a close fit in the frame, it could be ride over if you get a slightly buckled wheel that suddenly starts rubbing against the frame.

But their are more advantages with a wider tyre than a narrow one

your statement is also incorrect - 25mm tyres on the correctly sized rims for the tyre offer an aero and speed advantage over 23's

if you can feel the drag difference between a 23mm tyre and 25mm tyre of the same make then you must be in the lowest percentile of the cycle fraternity to even know the difference

 

[zacklaws]

In that case then, we are talking not just about a 25mm tyre on its own which has a disadvantage over a 23mm at high speeds which is widely acknowledged, but also the rim as well being taking into the equation. Likewise it is not hard to notice the extra effort needed when riding into a head wind on a 25mm on "A my bog standard rim", especcially on a club ride etc

Anyway time to go fishing now for rest of week, done all my riding for this week, need to recover

 

[SS Retro]

Anyone who is discussing tyre width increases of 2 mm in terms of their aerodynamics is surely considering taking a spokeshave to their lower legs and upper arms.

As with all cycling matters, there are advantages and disadvantages to any change. Increased comfort, and increased amount of time the rubber is in contact with our crappy tarmac, would seem to me to be more important than some miniscule increase in drag. I mean, we're talking about a width difference of 8% on something which is already very slim, so I suggest a little perspective..........

No need to spoke shave they do aero spokes these days, and a Gillette will take care of any unwanted arm leg or face fuzz!

I was using the aero thing as one point to discuss the merits of the change over to 25mm from 23 mm will it happen in the general cycling community? It has once before its not like LBS have racks of 21mm tyres any-more?

 

[fossyant]

No no no no no 23mm all the way !!

You'll be saying Marathons are the tyre of choice next. If that happens, I'm giving up and hanging up my wheels !!

 

[jowwy]

No no no no no 23mm all the way !!

You'll be saying Marathons are the tyre of choice next. If that happens, I'm giving up and hanging up my wheels !!

never ridden 23's always been a 25's man - sorry fossy

 

[fossyant]

25's - bloody tractor tyres !!

 

[ianrauk]

Just switched my commuter bike and my Van Nich over to 25's and have noticed no discernible speed difference, however they are a little comfier.

 

[fossyant]

I used to ride 18mm when I could get them !!! 20c was the norm, then all these pansies that ride bikes these days insisted on 23mm. My bikes don't have room for 25c (it's not a MTB, it's a road bike)

 

[fossyant]

Just switched my commuter bike and my Van Nich over to 25's and have noticed no discernible speed difference, however they are a little comfier.

OMG - you'll be going Marathons next !