Is the 23mm tyre dead?

[SpokeyDokey]

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..........

Good point!

I love watching these crazy little debates about nth degree stuff.

Maybe a thread should be started as to how to increase ride comfort by switching from 23mm to 25mm but maintaining same amount of overall aero resistance.

Best I can come up with is: suck cheeks in whilst riding, sellotape ear lobes to skull, wear one of those aerodynamic all in one swimming cossies, work out optimum position for pinkies on the bars, wear a camelbak as bottles on the cage must create more drag than a pack on your back, don't wear a helmet, get rid of Strava gizmo etc. There must be more.

 

[Smurfy]

Just to complicate matters, Specialized have a tyre that is a 23mm tread, on a 25mm casing.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb/road-tires/endurance-road-tires/roubaix-pro#features

Supposedly it offers the handling of a 23mm tyre, with the comfort of a 25mm tyre.