Which Wider Tyres?

Roger_This

Now that I have a proper road bike (Spesh Allez) I'm looking to replace the 25mm Conti's on my Ridgeback Flight with something a bit wider, so that it's more suited to canal paths and the like.

The 32mm Spesh Boroughs would seem to fit the bill - anyone tried these or have alternative thoughts?

Ta,

Roger.

Wooliferkins

I've ridden many a bridleway on 25mm Gatorskins and not really had a problem apart from in the very wet. For a bit of tread the Conti Tour Ride or Vredestien Perfect Touring

Monty Dog

Firstly, check that you can get the wider tyres to fit! Conti GP4 Seasons come in 28mm or if bomb-proof is your priority, look no further than Schwalbe Marathons

maddog 2

how much grip do you want?

I run 28mm GP4 Seasons in winter and they are excellent, but pretty slick. The touring tyres from conti have more bite, and weight

Roger_This

Thanks all.

It's as much about comfort on bad surfaces as grip. The Ultra Sports I have are 25mm and I thought something with a bit more volume would help - hence I was looking at 32 rather than 28.

mrushton

Best to check your fork width and height to see what the max. room is.

Monty Dog

Depending on the your fork / frame / brake clearances, 28mm is about the max for road bike with a shallow caliper - with some it's as little as 23mm. You still need a couple of mm clearance at the fork crown otherwise you'll find that dirt build-up can bring you to a halt - it's unlikely that you'll be able to squeeze in a 32. Suggest you try a few wheel/tyre combos first before commiting to purchase - front wheel is generally tighter than the rear IME.

Roger_This

Thanks all for pointing out the potential width issue.

I'm going to have a look at the Conti Contact Reflex 28 (as fitted to the '09 Ridgeback Flight).

pottssteve

Roger_This wrote:

Now that I have a proper road bike (Spesh Allez) I'm looking to replace the 25mm Conti's on my Ridgeback Flight with something a bit wider, so that it's more suited to canal paths and the like.

The 32mm Spesh Boroughs would seem to fit the bill - anyone tried these or have alternative thoughts?

Ta,

Roger.

I had these = they came with my Tricross. I liked them - lots of grip. I did get a rear p******* a few weeks back - a thorn that would have gone through just about anything, I think. Other than that, no complaints.

Steve

passout

When you've decided try spa cycles - very good prices on wider (touring type) tyres, especially swalbe. I got 32mm marathon pluses for £19. The are heavy but I haven't punctured once in a over a year of commuting! I also find the 28m Gatorskins OK - lighter but more slippery in the wet perhaps.