Alright, I thought I settled on the Giant OCR1, but the three bike shops around me are sold out in my size (L). The OCR1 has a MSRP of $1000 and has a wheel size of 700x 25c. I noticed the same dealership has one TCR2 in stock in my size for $990 (MSRP $1100). The tires on this however are 700x23c.
Now I currently weigh 230 pounds and didn't know if the wheel sizes would matter that much? Could I change to a 700x25c wheel without changing the wheelsets? Or if I wanted to change the width, would I have to change everything? Would I even want to?
Would a LBS even consider changing out a 700x23c wheel for a 700x25c wheel of the same type? Or would that cost extra? (and again, does it matter for a big guy?)
I plan on riding the TCR this weekend and seeing how it feels.
And I do plan on commuting with this bike, about 8 miles (if that helps at all). Thanks all!
Are you sure the wheel is 25 not the tire? Usually you can fit 18-25+ tires on the same wheel. More than likely the specs are for the tires. I was riding a 23 when i was about 200-210 and it was ok, as long as I had it inflated properly. Had a number of pinch flats but it was mainly because of tire pressure.
tire size shouldnt be a breaker... tire QUALITY on the other hand...
the 23c refers to tire width. There would be no problem changing tires to a 25c if you find you're pinch flatting the 23c's. I've weighed as much as you before, and found i had no problem with pinch flats on 23c's if I kept the pressure at 120psi.
I weigh between 225 (off season), and 210 (racing weight).
I ride on 23c's all the time. The only thing as a caution is to watch the tire pressure.
And don't ride cheap junk tires.
The only way I'll put a cheap tire on the bike is to put it on the rollers in the house. I've been riding Michelin Pro Race 2's, or TUFO S33 Specials (tubulars).
you should be able to put a x25's on a rim that is currently running x23's There shouldn't be a difference in the width from one 700 wheel to the next... (or so I've heard)