700x23 vs. 700x25
1704
Member
1488 days
PrinceofClydes posted 1 year ago.
Two variables you haven't mentioned are rather important: your weight, and the race distance.
23s roll better than 25s - they can carry a higher pressure. I can't give you numbers. You may find that over at slowtwitch.com in the tech section. I think Lennard wrote about rolling resistance there.
I rode 23s during Ironman Canada last year and experienced no tire troubles, and they felt much faster than the 25s I trained on.
If you are heavy (200+) you may get more pinch flats with 23s - unless you really keep them pumped up hard.
25s are a comfy ride for commuting I use 25s to commute 50k daily.
A compromise of 25 on the rear and 23 up front is acceptable. I switch wheels fairly often and sometimes even wear a 27" tire if I'm too lazy or short of time to fix a flat when I am ready to leave.
On a touring / camping trip last year I mounted 27" wheels with heavy tough tires and had no flats and a comfy ride over Washington Pass - 6 days - the 27" wheels are stronger I think when loaded with gear and my 230lbs.
PoC
"Pain doesn't last, chicks dig scars, glory is forever!"
- Shane Falco.
111
Member
708 days
thebeatcatcher posted 1 year ago.
PrinceofClydes;76092 wrote:
Two variables you haven't mentioned are rather important: your weight, and the race distance.PoC
I'm right at 200lbs and the race distance will be HIM. But I won't have races until next spring/summer so I think I'm going to get the 25's and try them out during the offseason and maybe change when I start doing races again, we'll see. Thanks for your help, I never thought of using two sizes front and rear, I might try that too.
How much of a difference is there in the rolling resistance, etc. between the two sizes?
I have one bike that needs new rubber and will be commuting on it this year and I was thinking about using 25's and am curious about doing off season training rides this fall/spring on that size tire compared to a 23. How much would I be sacrificing with the bigger tire? Would I be crazy to leave them on for a race?
And yeah, I'm no speed demon, and it's an old schwinn (15+yrs).