which tub width?

shefbiker
shefbiker Posts: 255
edited May 2013 in Road buying advice
Hi
I'm about to embark on my first set of tubs, and was wondering what advice there is around deciding on the tyre width?

What dictates how wide the tyre is? Do you just go slightly wider than the rim?

I have a choice of 20mm, 21mm or 23mm.

Thank you

Comments

  • rozzer32
    rozzer32 Posts: 3,923
    Really depends on what comfort level you want. Standard is 23mm but a lot of people are now running 25mm for comfort and apparently they have less rolling resistance and more aero if the new wide rims. As a rule of thumb the wider the tyre the lower the pressure you can run them at hence a bit more comfort.

    For your choice I'd go for the fairly standard 23mm.
    ***** Pro Tour Pundit Champion 2020, 2018, 2017 & 2011 *****
  • petemadoc
    petemadoc Posts: 2,331
    Agreed, 23 is most likely best. Any thinner is only really suitable for very smooth surfaces which don't exist in the real world.
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    I use 23mm on the back and 21 on the front.

    If you're heavy / want more comfort, you could go 23 / 25.
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    PeteMadoc wrote:
    Agreed, 23 is most likely best. Any thinner is only really suitable for very smooth surfaces which don't exist in the real world.

    In my experience a 21 tub gives a much smoother ride than a 23 clincher......
  • petemadoc
    petemadoc Posts: 2,331
    PeteMadoc wrote:
    Agreed, 23 is most likely best. Any thinner is only really suitable for very smooth surfaces which don't exist in the real world.

    In my experience a 21 tub gives a much smoother ride than a 23 clincher......

    Well yeah, but who mentioned clinchers? I think the roads round my way are in pretty good condition but I have a feeling that in Northern France you have even less to worry about.
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    PeteMadoc wrote:
    PeteMadoc wrote:
    Agreed, 23 is most likely best. Any thinner is only really suitable for very smooth surfaces which don't exist in the real world.

    In my experience a 21 tub gives a much smoother ride than a 23 clincher......

    Well yeah, but who mentioned clinchers? I think the roads round my way are in pretty good condition but I have a feeling that in Northern France you have even less to worry about.

    I only mentioned clinchers because the OP is coming from clinchers to tubs for the 1st time. So in gauging which width to choose, he could possibly downsize and still have enough comfort.

    And yes, the roads here are pretty good. Thanks Brussels!
  • shefbiker
    shefbiker Posts: 255
    thanks guys, and thanks for the clincher comparison - a useful gauge.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,337
    shefbiker wrote:
    thanks guys, and thanks for the clincher comparison - a useful gauge.

    I wouldn't use 21... you need at least 120-130 PSI with those, which on wet roads is not very safe... 23 mm are a better choice
    left the forum March 2023
  • lovestheclimb
    lovestheclimb Posts: 483
    also depends on what wheels you are using.
    some wheels which have a wider profile, you'll need to run a 22/23 otherwise it will negatively effect the dynamics.
    what wheels are you putting them on?
    what tubs are you looking at?
  • shefbiker
    shefbiker Posts: 255
    I am looking at a set of corima aero rims, and looking to get vittoria cx evo tubs.

    Thanks for the help.
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,337
    also depends on what wheels you are using.
    some wheels which have a wider profile, you'll need to run a 22/23 otherwise it will negatively effect the dynamics.
    what wheels are you putting them on?
    what tubs are you looking at?

    Forget about the dynamics, if you fit a 21 mm tub on a wide rim, you hit a pothole and the rim is gone!
    left the forum March 2023
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    I'm using Vittoria CX Evo tubs on Mavic Ultimate wheels. 21 front, 23 rear.

    I'm not sure of the width of the Mavic's, but looks kind of 'normal' to me (although not wide like the Zipp Firecrests).

    I find the setup very comfortable and fast, and I've hit some fairly big ruts/holes with no issues at all.

    I am quite light though (63kg).

    I run 100psi in both front and rear.

    My only issue is poor wet weather grip - I think the Vittorias are known for this.
  • racingcondor
    racingcondor Posts: 1,434
    I'm on Vittoria SC's and so far have been impressed with them. On first impressions the new ISOGrip compound does seem to have improved grip over the old one (I haven't ridden them enough to really comment on wet grip but they were great on the damp surfaces after the very light showers we had last Saturday).

    Given the choice again I'd probably go Veloflex Criterium (tan sidewalls suit my wheels) or similar for a race tyre and stick with 23mm. If it's not racing I'd be heading straight to Veloflex Arenberg or Vittoria Pave.
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    Would like to try the new Vittoria isogrip compund. Wiggle don't seem to have them. Anywhere else? (Ideally less then RRP!)
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,337
    I'm on Vittoria SC's and so far have been impressed with them. On first impressions the new ISOGrip compound does seem to have improved grip over the old one (I haven't ridden them enough to really comment on wet grip but they were great on the damp surfaces after the very light showers we had last Saturday).

    Given the choice again I'd probably go Veloflex Criterium (tan sidewalls suit my wheels) or similar for a race tyre and stick with 23mm. If it's not racing I'd be heading straight to Veloflex Arenberg or Vittoria Pave.

    I have the Pave' as 27, they are nice tyres, but they don't compare with my 23 CX... much duller ride and a bit slower too
    left the forum March 2023