So, tyre size ...

[Tangoup51]

So, i've been running 700 x 25c tyres for the majority of my rides around where I live; which, has very cr*ppy roads.
I mean that honestly, it's not the pot-holes as much as it is the broken lines - that feel like a washboard.
That coupled with, i'm not the lightest rider. 85Kg w/o bike.



this caused me to be in 2 minds about upgrading my tyres; on one hand I could upgrade to 700 x 28c - This is still going to be fast in terms of rotational weight in the countryside; but it's not going to be as much comfort as I need (or as i feel) in the city/suburbs/light offroad

Sadly, the next one up is 700 x 32c. - This, i feel will provide the comfort but may sap rotational speed BUT could allow me to go light-offroading, which I feel is pleasant as my bike is built toward such use.


I since have purchased a pair of 700 x 32c tyres (Vittoria Zaffiro Pro) which are similar to my current tires, just with an upgraded size; they're quite light for 32c tires and are very much biased toward road-bike rather than hybrid.

They have yet to arrive; but my question is really this

- 700x32c -
Is this a sporty tyre size? or is this just a glorified commuting tyre?

 

[Banjo]

I wish I could fit 32 tyres to my synapse but they wont fit.

You will find on rough surfaces you will go qiuicker as they will soak up the lumps and bumps.

I doubt you will lose any performance compared to 28c tyres.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

We've been through this before with you not so long ago.

The answers are all in here.

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/tyre-width-for-commuting.217393/

 

[Ajax Bay]

I love the grip they [Rubino Pros have] been offering though, the tread pattern on the rubino pro is just what you need for the roads around here imho, plenty of little bits to bite into the roads imperfections. - That said I also run them with a Conti skinny butyl tube, not for weight reasons but for rapid braking/cornering, the tread bites a little easier into said imperfections because theres less rubber to flex around.

 

[Tangoup51]

I would appreciate the replies above but they doesn't answer my question that I proposed; apart from @Banjo

I will reiterate my question to clear up any confusion.

From a Road Bike Perspective - Does a 700x32c tyre bias comfort too much over speed? or is there little difference between either comfort or speed in relation to a 700x28c tyre of the same kind.

@Yellow Saddle That link is in the perspective of commuting, I appreciate the link but I mentioned Long-distance country side rides, in which my question lies - is a 32C tire compromising too much.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

I would appreciate the replies above but they doesn't answer my question that I proposed; apart from @Banjo

I will reiterate my question to clear up any confusion.

From a Road Bike Perspective - Does a 700x32c tyre bias comfort too much over speed? or is there little difference between either comfort or speed in relation to a 700x28c tyre of the same kind.

@Yellow Saddle That link is in the perspective of commuting, I appreciate the link but I mentioned Long-distance country side rides, in which my question lies - is a 32C tire compromising too much.

The tyre cannot see whether you are in the countryside or in the city.
The linked text tells you that "all else being the same, a wider tyre has less rolling resistance than a narrow one." Therefore you can have comfort and speed or discomfort and sluggishness. It sounds too good to be true but it is.

Don't confuse things with meaningless concepts like rotating speed.

 

[Tangoup51]

The tyre cannot see whether you are in the countryside or in the city.
The linked text tells you that "all else being the same, a wider tyre has less rolling resistance than a narrow one." Therefore you can have comfort and speed or discomfort and sluggishness. It sounds too good to be true but it is.

Don't confuse things with meaningless concepts like rotating speed.

I saw your quote in the Link but rolling resistance is quite trivial in terms of speed at this tyre size.

"meaningless" rotational weight or not, it is more weight. The drag from the front wheel is another factor too. - That's why I was making the post, for someone who has ridden with both sizes and could take all these things into account.

I'll settle with Banjos reply for the sake of this topic.

 

[Flick of the Elbow]

Given that you've already gone and ordered a pair it sounds as if you are about to find out first hand. Let us know what you find.

 

[Ajax Bay]

rolling resistance is quite trivial in terms of speed at this tyre size. "meaningless" rotational weight or not, it is more weight. The drag from the front wheel is another factor too.

If rolling resistance is quite trivial, then the increase in 'drag' by moving from 28mm to 32mm at the general speeds I infer you ride at are even more "trivial". "Rotational weight" only comes into play if you are constantly having to accelerate, which for normal rural riding is rarely required. Otherwise it's just weight, and the delta between two tyres (same make/model) is small - less than 100g probably. And this is a very very small percentage of the "not the lightest rider" (see OP) body weight. For interest, why not have a look at this tyre comparison link which looks at 3 tyres (same make/model) in different widths.

 

[bonsaibilly]

I saw your quote in the Link but rolling resistance is quite trivial in terms of speed at this tyre size.

"meaningless" rotational weight or not, it is more weight. The drag from the front wheel is another factor too. - That's why I was making the post, for someone who has ridden with both sizes and could take all these things into account.

I'll settle with Banjos reply for the sake of this topic.

Is that because it gives you answers that you hoped for, as opposed to answers you didn't want to hear or try to understand?!

 

[winjim]

The tyre cannot see whether you are in the countryside or in the city.
The linked text tells you that "all else being the same, a wider tyre has less rolling resistance than a narrow one." Therefore you can have comfort and speed or discomfort and sluggishness. It sounds too good to be true but it is.

Don't confuse things with meaningless concepts like rotating speed.

But all else isn't the same. Wider tyres are usually run at lower pressure. You really need to compare the tyres under their usual operating conditions, which may well involve them being at different pressures.

 

[Ajax Bay]

my question is really this: 700x32c -
Is this a sporty tyre size? or is this just a glorified commuting tyre?

Why not have a look at this tyre comparison link which looks at the tyre you have been really pleased with, and your new ones.
Conclusion
Rubino Pro III Zaffiro Slick
Full Review Full Review
Verdict Recommended Not Recommended
Rating 4 / 5 2 / 5

 

[StuAff]

Running 35mm on my Litespeed. First century on it was the second-fastest I did that year (and solo, in November...). Faster on rougher roads, of which there are many in my neck of the woods, let alone cobbles, gravel...

 

[Shaun]

Unless you're racing flat out on smooth roads, if your bike can take 32's go for it and get the comfort. It isn't going to slow you down noticeably for the same tyre pressure. Some good info here: https://www.schwalbe.com/gb/rollwiderstand.html

 

[Yellow Saddle]

But all else isn't the same. Wider tyres are usually run at lower pressure. You really need to compare the tyres under their usual operating conditions, which may well involve them being at different pressures.

No. Wider tyres have a lower maximum pressure but it doesn't mean they have to run at a lower pressure. If you keep the pressure the same, the rolling resistance is less on the wider one. Once you get into these type of widths there's no need to compensate as much for pressure as you do with much narrower tyres.