Road bike tires were formerly made to be as narrow as possible to lower resistance. From the conventional 23C and 25C to 28C, wider tire widths have been trending in recent years, and increasingly more brands are even starting to advertise 30C tires. Like the arrival of disc brakes, the acceptance of bigger tires was not originally very strong. Still, their great riding comfort, great stability, and extraordinary dependability have drawn people. Road bikes now often have 700×25C tires, and depending on the race circumstances, occasionally even 28C tires are utilized. Furthermore, compatible with many wheelsets are larger 32C tires.
Many companies and riders have tested and discovered, generally speaking, that their overall performance exceeds that of 23C tires even across various manufacturers of 25C tires. According to Innova's management, 25C is the normal configuration in today's road bike market; professional riders will use 28C or wider tires depending on race conditions.
Particularly on severe road conditions—that is, in classic races—if riders utilize 23C tires like in the past, they must pump them to very high pressures, up to the limit of 110 psi, to avoid pinch flats. But raising to such great pressures causes strong vibration feedback while passing over obstructions, which can numb the hands and complicate handling. Long race distances might cause rider cumulative tiredness, which will inevitably influence general performance.
Wider tires, such as 25C or 28C, allow lower tire pressure, which improves shock absorption; their bigger circumference also makes rolling over hills easier and increases control, therefore lowering rider tiredness. Huang Wendian said that although 23C was the mainstream a few years ago, Innova has virtually stopped exporting 23C tires presently. 23C tires are still rare in the domestic market since certain older bike models have frames and brakes unable to fit tires wider than 25C. Still, you seldom ever find 23C tires on modern motorcycles.
25C tires provide superior shock absorption for more comfort, lower rolling resistance because of a smaller contact area, lessen the possibility of punctures and pinch flats, and give overall improved stability in handling.
How precisely may wide tires increase general riding speed?
We have to start with discussing "rolling resistance." The contact point between the tire and the ground deforms going forward, and energy is wasted via friction with the air. Although theoretically a wider tire would have greater contact with the road surface, thereby lowering speed, this is not really the case. "A narrower tire has a long and narrow contact area, while a wider tire's contact area is more rounded under the same weight and tire pressure. This means that the sidewall of a narrow tire has more contact with the ground, and to produce better power feedback, higher tire pressure is needed—hence, wh120 psiand 1130 psiare typical," Tim Ward, a Schwalbe spokesman, said.
Although high tire pressure can offer better power feedback, it is not efficient in absorbing ground vibrations, which can cause chronic arm and lower back damage on extended rides. This is the reason more and more people are choosing broad tires; the comfort of low tire pressure is quite enticing. They also give better tolerance while cornering and descending. With thin tires, the erratic bouncing that sometimes occurred is no more a problem; you may boldly lower your body posture and really savor the excitement of high-speed riding.
▲A low tire pressure and wide tire setup can effectively absorb vibrations from the ground.
Of course, wide tires also have a major disadvantage—weight. Even the screws for bottle cages are painstakingly minimized in this age of lightweight innovations, yet wide tires carry a disproportionately heavy weight. Though personally the benefits of comfort and low rolling resistance outweigh any disadvantage, you cannot have the fish and the paw of the bear. After all, the aims most riders aim for are the slight vibrations and stability; a few extra grams will not greatly affect general speed.
Should you switch to wide tires?
I believe the rims and kind of bike you ride still determine the response. 25C tires are already the limit if you are still a fervent admirer of rim brakes. For people using disc brakes, 25C will be your best option as well. After all, wide tires can manage unanticipated events in all kinds of weather, and you cannot forecast road conditions. But should you think about using even more broad tires, or perhaps 28C?
Rolling resistance and tire width have to be in harmony. Rolling resistance will probably rise with increasing tire width and contact area. Wider tires also imply more volume, which increases weight and even influences pricing. And you have to make sure your bike frame and wheelset fit if you wish to convert to larger tires. For now, 25C tires remain the most often used and adaptable option. Many riders who have shifted to 28C tires, however, claim that the road feel is greater and offers more safety; hence, fellow riders should try which tire width fits them best.
Your tires' width is what?
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