wider tyres for a hybrid?

[phil-b]

I have an older trek FX that I am using for my 4 mile commute, if I cahnge the current 700x32 tyres to 700x38 (I think 38 is the max the frame will take)
will I notice much difference or am I wasting my money

 

[ColinJ]

Unless you are doing some significant rough offroad riding I don't think that you should bother.

If you are finding the 32s uncomfortable, what pressures are you using front and back? What are the surfaces you ride over like? How much do you weigh?

 

[sleuthey]

Much difference with what? Speed, grip, effort, noise, comfortability, puncture resistance?

 

[Moodyman]

You might find a bit more comfort, but wider tyres are usually heavier and feel slower.

 

[Cycleops]

It's swings and roundabouts. You don't get something for nothing. What difference do you want to notice?
Better puncture protection? More comfort? More speed?
You can fit some Marathon pluses and probably never get another puncture but they're awful heavy and will feel very sluggish. Lighter tyres will feel faster but you won't be able to ditch the puncture kit.
This will give you some interesting reading:
https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/

 

[8mph]

I have an older trek FX that I am using for my 4 mile commute, if I cahnge the current 700x32 tyres to 700x38 (I think 38 is the max the frame will take)
will I notice much difference or am I wasting my money

Yes, wider tyres are going to be more comfortable. I have 700 x 42 Schwalbe Mondial tyres on my older FX (7000?) which give good traction on bike paths, roll well and are very reliable. I sometimes swap over to Continental Contact Travel 42mm tyres during summer months, which are noticeably comfier and faster imo, not as grippy on cycle paths.

 

[Sharky]

Do you have rim or disc brakes?

 

[phil-b]

My route is all tarmac a mix of cycle path and road. The path is next to a river and is often coated in a thin layer of mud. The road surface is not the best with multiple manholes and pot holes.

I’m a heavy rider at 240 lbs . I was hoping to get a more comfortable ride . I know wider tyres will help but i am not sure if the difference will be worth the cost as there is still plenty of life left in my current tyres

If the tyres got worn or damaged I would just by wider tyres and not worry about it. But replacing good tyres might be a little wasteful

 

[phil-b]

Do you have rim or disc brakes?

Disc brakes

 

[phil-b]

Much difference with what? Speed, grip, effort, noise, comfortability, puncture resistance?

It may affect all of these?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I’m a heavy rider at 240 lbs

I’d go for the 38mm in that case. You don’t need to throw away your 32mm tyres, just store them.

 

[phil-b]

I’d go for the 38mm in that case. You don’t need to throw away your 32mm tyres, just store them.

Can I ask why . I like to have an understanding of things

 

[ianrauk]

Can I ask why . I like to have an understanding of things

In case you need them again in an emergency. You may cut a tyre really bad or such like. So always good to have replacements handy.

 

[Cycleops]

You'll get better comfort from the 38s especially if you run them on reduced pressures. You're the one who will have to decide if it's worth the change financially.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Can I ask why . I like to have an understanding of things

A wider tyre has a larger volume of air and can support your weight at a lower pressure. The lower pressure will mean it’s better able to deform when you encounter rough sections of road. This translates to less vibration, less likelihood of deflection, and a smoother more comfortable ride for you. In essence your tyres are providing suspension for you.