23 or 25 tyres?

figbat

I have just bought a road bike - after years on an MTB it all looks a bit spindly (but I am liking the weight)! Anyway, what I bought came with 23mm tyres. I have had one ride and they survived the ploughed fields they call roads around here, but they need replacing anyway so wondered if a 25mm tyre was worth the comfort/speed sacrifice?

Eyeballing the fork and frame it looks like there is enough clearance for a few extra mm in all directions. I'm not a racer, not looking for ultimate weight or speed but equally don't want to make it harder than it needs to be either. I ride for exercise and plan to do the odd sportive here and there for 'fun'.

All advice and experience welcome.

imposter2.0

There won't be any speed sacrifice, but there might be an improvement in comfort and rolling resistance if you have them correctly inflated.

fenix

Everyone has discovered 25mm in the last year or two. Go for it.

I don't think they're any slower but are comfier and you can run a lower pressure.

arlowood

25's all the way if you have the clearance to run them. Couple of suggestions to consider

Michelin Pro4 Endurance 25mm

£22 at CRC atm

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mich ... lsrc=aw.ds

Continental GP 4000S II

£30 at Ribble with free delivery

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/continent ... oC5ijw_wcB

figbat

Thanks all - it looks like 25s it is.

Wired or folding beads? I've always had wired beads on the MTB because.... well, because folding always seemed to be a compromise for the ability to do something I don't need to do (ie fold and carry a tyre). That said, I do struggle with getting the beads over the rim, even with levers.

*Dusty*

Don't be afraid to try 28mm if you have the clearance for it.

drlodge

Folded. Wired are heavier, so why would you? Michelin Pro 4 Service Course is another suggestion - a bit lighter weight than the Endurance, much like the GP4000SII.