700 23mm to 28mm Much different??

sean65
sean65 Posts: 104
edited March 2009 in Commuting chat
Hi All

I'm running Conti's Ultra Gators 23mm at the moment but have recently started lugging a heavyish pannier around.

Would changing up from 23mm to 28mm tyres make much of a difference? To be honest, everything is fine until I ride some on rough roads. I'm just wondering when it's time to change tyres if the slightly wider tyres might smooth things out a little.

Cheers

Sean

Comments

  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    Never used 28mm, but I did notice a difference using 25mm as opposed to 23, although I have to say that this was mainly uphill.
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  • Kieran_Burns
    Kieran_Burns Posts: 9,757
    I went from 25 to 28 and noticed a much softer ride, you are (albeit slightly) increasing your gearing as well, but mainly you do even out the worst of the bumps with the fatter tyres.

    I got a set of contis with a smooth centre section and treaded outers and really didn't notice any lessening of my (admittedly low) commuting speed.
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  • always_tyred
    always_tyred Posts: 4,965
    Huge. It will be lilke a magic carpet in comparison. But it will feel a little slower and you may take a little while to get used to the handling. Oddly, I'm less confident cornering on 28c's than 23's. I wonder if I should try 25's.
  • sean65
    sean65 Posts: 104
    Mmm... Thanks guys

    Interesting replies. Maybe I'll try 25's first. It might be a less dramatic but subtle improvement.

    Ideally I'd like a second set of wheels. One for commuting and one set for fast weekend riding, but that's another story.

    Thanks again

    Sean
  • simon_e
    simon_e Posts: 1,707
    sean65 wrote:
    I'm just wondering when it's time to change tyres if the slightly wider tyres might smooth things out a little.
    If you're going to bother then go for 28s, swapping to 25mm isn't much if you're looking for an improvement in comfort. Pressures will make as much difference as tyre width.
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  • itboffin
    itboffin Posts: 20,064
    I run 32s on my tourer and 23c everywhere else until this week I couldn't tell the difference, then I rode the same road two days in a row on different tyres, wow! what a difference one was a bone shaking wide eyed white knuckle journey the other I barely noticed the road surface.

    the 32s are slower lots slower but really soak up those rubbish surfaces and help if your carrying a little more weight on the bike, the tourer not me :wink:
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  • wgwarburton
    wgwarburton Posts: 1,863
    I tend to run 28s, sometimes a 25mm front. With thin tyres you need to keep the pressure high and the loads light to avoid "snakebite" punctures, and that pressure leads to an unforgiving ride.

    I've just re-geared my "new" winter hack, and am wondering about changing to a 25c on the rear to ease the (fixed) ratio a touch, it's a tradeoff with the risk of punctures, but my roads are better than most.
    32c seems excessive to me, but then 28c would seem excessive to others... It's a compromise and you have to find what works for you... Bear in mind the weight you carry- heavy panniers need more sidewall than a light daysack or messenger bag.

    Cheers,
    W.

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