28mm to 32mm on road bike - make much difference on roads?

28mm to 32mm on road bike - make much difference on roads?

Author
Discussion

deanobeano

Original Poster:

442 posts

195 months

Thursday 20th March
quotequote all
As above really,

I've got a cheapish carbon road bike that I use in the UK. It's got 28mm tyres fitted.
The country lanes near me are 'rough' and have a mix of field mud and gravel scattered about.

My frame can go up to 32mm - would this make much of a difference on these types of roads?

I'm thinking grip and comfort in exchange for a small drop off in speed.

Thanks

bennno

13,372 posts

281 months

Thursday 20th March
quotequote all

loads of difference, potentially fairly little on rolling resistance if you buy decent tyres.

road bikes used to all be on 20c tyres, latest thinking is 28-32c roll better - dont know if tyre construction has fundamentally changed.

Master Bean

4,252 posts

132 months

Thursday 20th March
quotequote all
32 is better than 28. Ask my friend Tadej.

oddman

3,028 posts

264 months

Thursday 20th March
quotequote all
I've moved from 23 with 120psi through 25 and 28. Now on 32s with 50psi. Unfortunately the roads seem to be deteriorating faster than my adjustments can compensate frown

I'm running GP5000s with TPU inners and carbon rims. They roll for ever and are silky on better roads.

I think tyres and tube tech has come on a bit too. Probably the best cheap upgrade for any bike.

JEA1K

2,590 posts

235 months

Friday 21st March
quotequote all
I run 32mm on my winter bike (gravel bike with road wheels) and 30mm on race bike and training bike. I ran 35mm last winter but they 'felt' pretty heavy but the 32mm feel just like 28mm or 30mm but with added comfort at lower pressures. I think run the 32mm about 55psi on tubeless ... I reckon its a welcome difference to the comfort on stty UK roads! smile