What size tyres - 25cc or 28cc?

sporttourer

Sorry, I know this is probably asked time and time again.

Currently have a Tricross Sport with Mavic CXP22 rims & standard Specialized 700 x 32cc Borough CX Sport tyres.
Want to change tyres to a more road specific type to be a bit quicker but be long lasting, good puncture resistance & good grip in all weather conditions, to use all year round. I appreciate there will be compromises to be made with regard to comfort/grip/punture proofness! Majority of riding is on roads although they are pretty rough and bumpy in a lot of instances, some smooth tarmac and also well surfaced trails ( not that often).

Have narrowed choice down to Continental GP 4 seasons, Schwalbe Durano or Specialized All condition Armadillo.
Main dilemma is whether to go for 28cc or 25cc.
Half of me says stay safe and go for 28's for the wet/slipy conditions - but will that be a big enough improvement over the 32s I already have?

Any help gratefully received.

tomb353

I've just gone the other way, upsized to schwalbe marathon supreme 32mm tyres. No punctures in the last 6 months / 3000 miles.

I woudn't go below a 28 commuting, and wider tyre will also fit cyclocross rims better than 25. Have had a good run with Conti 4 seasons, but still got the odd puncture.

Depends what you want, if its absolute reliability that you won't puncture and will get to work on time, plus a bit more comfort on dodgy roads, then maybe go bigger?

saladdays

I've owned some Conti GP 4 Seasons, the 28mm ones are more like 26mm.

Choosing tyre width is dependent on your weight and road conditions. If you're average wieght and normal roads then 28mm is suitable.

Moodyman

28mm is about the right balance between comfort and speed for commuting.

You'll also appreciate the extra rubber on the road in winter

pdw

25mm Gatorskins for me. No desire for anything bigger. I doubt there's any noticeable difference in grip even when it's wet or slippy.

sporttourer

tomb353 wrote:

I've just gone the other way, upsized to schwalbe marathon supreme 32mm tyres. No punctures in the last 6 months / 3000 miles.

I woudn't go below a 28 commuting, and wider tyre will also fit cyclocross rims better than 25. Have had a good run with Conti 4 seasons, but still got the odd puncture.

Depends what you want, if its absolute reliability that you won't puncture and will get to work on time, plus a bit more comfort on dodgy roads, then maybe go bigger?

The rims on the tricross sport are quite narrow - Mavic CXP22's. I am also just over 10st and 5ft 8" tall so quite skinny.
Do not want to go any bigger than I already have. I am also doing some sportives this year. Whilst nobody wants punctures I am not after bullet proof tyres just something with a bit of protection over normal tyres but still fast on the road with good grip.

jomoj

I'd say stick with the 28s but get the folding bead version to save some valuable rotating weight. Plus from a purely aesthetic point of view, slightly wider tyres will look better on a cx bike, helps to fill the 'arches' so to speak.

28 will fit fine on the mavic cxp22 rims, that's what I use. Have also fitted 35c cx tyres on them for racing with no problems either.