Are Wider Tyres Faster? | 26mm Vs. 30mm Tyres TESTED

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This video contains paid product placement for Pirelli. What's the fastest road bike tyre width? BikeRadar's technical writer, Simon Bromley, puts two different width tyres to the test.
Road cyclists traditionally used narrow tyres, because they were usually lighter and therefore assumed to be faster. Recently, though, the trend has gone in the opposite direction. Manufacturers are encouraging road cyclists to use wider tyres, with claims they offer lower rolling resistance and a more comfortable ride quality.
This raises a simple question, though, if wider tyres really are faster than narrow ones, why aren’t gravel bikes or even mountain bikes - which typically have much wider tyres than road bikes - faster than road bikes?
26mm and 30mm tyres are tested head-to-head, in real-world conditions as well as on rollers, to see which is faster. Keep watching to find out what width is faster!
What tyre width do you use? Do you prefer more traditional 23mm or 25mm tyres? Or are you all in on wider rubber? Let us know in the comments!
Want to know what the best tyre pressure is for road cycling?
→ • What’s The Best Tyre P...
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#WiderTyres #Pirelli #RoadCycling

Пікірлер: 396

  • @bikeradar
    @bikeradar2 жыл бұрын

    What tyre width do you use? Do you prefer more traditional 23mm or 25mm tyres? Or are you all in on wider rubber? Let us know in the comments!

  • @bonders01

    @bonders01

    2 жыл бұрын

    No idea stick with 25mm…

  • @ronitdebnath

    @ronitdebnath

    2 жыл бұрын

    26/27/28.

  • @Fred_the_1996

    @Fred_the_1996

    2 жыл бұрын

    I like whatever's cheaper •_•

  • @jamesmcguckin6288

    @jamesmcguckin6288

    2 жыл бұрын

    I wouldn’t believe the bs about wider tyres. 25mm are fine. Price hikes for wider tyres no thanks

  • @msironen

    @msironen

    2 жыл бұрын

    25mm on my deep section road wheels. They match the rim width nicely and weigh less. If I want more comfort I'll just switch to my gravel wheelset, don't see much point in going with some ~30mm compromise.

  • @RonHose
    @RonHose2 жыл бұрын

    Let me save you 15 minutes: Wider tires for rougher roads (traction). Narrow tires for smoother roads (aerodynamics). enjoy!

  • @EatMyPropwash

    @EatMyPropwash

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hey thanks!

  • @hisdadjames4876

    @hisdadjames4876

    2 жыл бұрын

    Great summary, but I still enjoyed this very orderly and sensible 15 minute version. Gives me more reasons to believe.

  • @ssanha99hassan96

    @ssanha99hassan96

    2 жыл бұрын

    O

  • @kenzukang3997

    @kenzukang3997

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes... thanks 😎

  • @revilo155

    @revilo155

    2 жыл бұрын

    Wait isnt the other way around…. Man Im about to send My hunt wheels back smh

  • @nihilistmarmot
    @nihilistmarmot2 жыл бұрын

    "Wider tires offer better comfort and control" says man on 20 cm bars.

  • @Advcrazy

    @Advcrazy

    2 жыл бұрын

    You’ve never ridden narrow drop bars have you? They feel awesome on tye road! And they’re faster

  • @nihilistmarmot

    @nihilistmarmot

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Advcrazy I live in an urban area near mountains; long climbs, descents, and broken asphalt, where narrow bars wouldn't make much sense.

  • @nihilistmarmot

    @nihilistmarmot

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Pablo Morales Let's say there's no handling or power output drawback to narrow bars. Are you keeping your elbows in line with your hands at all times? Because if you aren't, you're negating much of the aero advantages of narrow bars. It's like riding a small frame with a slammed stem: in theory it's more aero, but in practice you can't stay in the right position for a substantial length of time before locking your elbows, throwing all those aero gains out the window.

  • @RudiDwiHartanto

    @RudiDwiHartanto

    2 жыл бұрын

    i think 38cm below much more comfy to navigate the bunch on race. Idk but if youre racing you should consider switching to narrower bar

  • @yannickokpara4861

    @yannickokpara4861

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Pablo Morales There is something called structural drag reduction. It is basically an object breaking the wind for an object behind it. If your arm is in a straight line with your hand in the bent elbows position you get that drag reduction all the way up the forearm. If the elbows are wingin' it Froome style then they're likely outside the zone in which the hand and subsequent forearm section are breaking the wind. You could also experience an upward rotation of your shoulder blades pushing your shoulders up towards your ears and elbows even wider. While the shoulder position could be more aero like a turtling head tuck it is unlikely when it's forced rather than relaxed into. Having the bars too narrow can also fix the shoulder blades in a forward position rounding off the shoulders. This could prevent a turtle head tuck and might push the head higher than even your standard road position. To me it seems you are the one looking at the hands in isolation and only considering the leading edge. Water is a pretty bad example too, because water is a much higher resistance and slower moving fluid especially compared to the speed of the diver. Diving is also a very brief activity, so the initial drag reduction in breaking the water surface is quite important. I get that in a timetrial there is merit to what you're saying, but in a timetrial you have significantly shorter distances, armpad support and at the pro level you won't need to look up much and strain your neck. It is much less important to consider ergonomics on a TT bike than a road bike and discomfort is much less likely to affect your ability to maintain your aerodynamics.

  • @tpawlicki
    @tpawlicki2 жыл бұрын

    Currently run 36mm Challenge tires on my gravel bike and still manage to grab road KOMs. The effects of rolling resistance and aerodynamics are small compared to fitness. If your bike is more comfortable, you’re more likely to ride it longer and more frequently.

  • @seanism2011

    @seanism2011

    2 жыл бұрын

    Facts, I’m running 37mm on my topstone and in agreement to everything you said.

  • @kf168

    @kf168

    2 жыл бұрын

    absolutely true

  • @cypriano8763

    @cypriano8763

    2 жыл бұрын

    Kom are about legs, not bikes

  • @holdenclarke8491

    @holdenclarke8491

    2 жыл бұрын

    Are you running a 2x or 1x gearing?

  • @MrBJPitt

    @MrBJPitt

    2 жыл бұрын

    Not all Koms are equal. Anyone can get a Kom really.

  • @robertbennett1214
    @robertbennett12142 жыл бұрын

    I agree with all the data shown but as a mechanical engineer the mass of the rider needs to be considered. When you hit a bump the mass of the rider is thrown upwards this uses energy. If you ride on a very rough road and your body is bouncing up and down there is a lot of potential energy being used up. Try free wheeling down hill on a rough road next to a friend, If you sit firmly on the saddle with your arms stiff on the bars you will be bounced up and down but if you come of the saddle a little and flex your arms you will absorb most of the vibrations and your body will not bounce up and down as much. You will find that the later riding position will descend much faster. The effect also happens with tyres that absorb more of the road noise especially on rough roads. I remember when we were all riding on 18mm tyres at 120 PSI !!

  • @FooFahFoeFum

    @FooFahFoeFum

    11 ай бұрын

    At 220 pounds I was told in 1989 to ride on 140psi with 23 Continental tires. It was harsh and uncomfortable for more than 45 minutes.

  • @selfactualizer2099

    @selfactualizer2099

    2 ай бұрын

    not entirely true. a more aero position can easily outplay that tiny loss in friction.

  • @LitheInLitotes

    @LitheInLitotes

    Ай бұрын

    I am fat and I bounced up and down so much it made me incontinental

  • @walshman70
    @walshman702 жыл бұрын

    Is it just my eyes? Or are his handlebars terrifyingly narrow?

  • @jochem1986

    @jochem1986

    2 жыл бұрын

    Is your bike a terrifying handful when you’re holding the tops? Handlebars can be narrow.

  • @oldmancycling7440

    @oldmancycling7440

    2 жыл бұрын

    Those narrow bars look ugly

  • @saveriodipoce2201

    @saveriodipoce2201

    2 жыл бұрын

    They are narrow for wanting to be aero at all costs

  • @llavero5

    @llavero5

    5 ай бұрын

    @@oldmancycling7440 It's not a beauty contest

  • @selfactualizer2099

    @selfactualizer2099

    2 ай бұрын

    narrow bars are aero

  • @vigneshie
    @vigneshie2 жыл бұрын

    One of the best videos I've seen on tire width vs. rolling resistance. Well done for taking the time to dive into the details that matter.

  • @alangilmour4269
    @alangilmour42692 жыл бұрын

    As a younger rider in my youth I liked 23c on my road bike, but as the years go on and I gotten wider I’ve found my tyres have widened too!!! Now run 32c tyres nice and comfortable for my old body 😄

  • @ericmah3861
    @ericmah38612 жыл бұрын

    One of the most comprehensive videos on tyre width testing. Brilliant and perfectly demonstrated! I ride in Singapore where majority of the road conditions range from fair to smooth, even tarmac. We hardly get any cobble roads here. So I would say 25mm wide tyres for me though I am really keen to test out the comfort of 28mm tyres.

  • @markhagen7777
    @markhagen77772 жыл бұрын

    I rode the coast of Oregon in the US this past June with a tubeless 28 mm set up. Fast, smooth, predictable and no flats even in the instance of being blown off the road by the gust of a passing semi. The roads were pristine to rather course throughout the distance.. I would repeat the same setup and recommend everything I did. Used hed Ardennes wheels Teravail tires orange seal sealant

  • @elquienelquien1890

    @elquienelquien1890

    2 жыл бұрын

    What tires did you use?

  • @steveco1800
    @steveco18002 жыл бұрын

    I've used 23, 25, 28 and 32C over the years. I like 25 for dry summer riding and 32 for wet/rutted/muddy roads in winter. 23c can feel comfortable with a good supple casing, but feel skittish and don't inspire confidence over bumps. 25c feel as fast as 23 but more composed and grippy. 28c don't feel much different to 25c on typical roads, but don't have enough volume to feel confident on rough roads like 32c. 32c have a lot more cushion and grip but are slower and heavier. I think this trade off is worth it in winter IMO, so put them on my gravel bike for road riding.

  • @sethmichael8188

    @sethmichael8188

    2 жыл бұрын

    I have a set of teravail ramparts 32. Not a big name but they are extremely durable tires. They're heavier than most but they're made right here in Minnesota. And honestly after putting that many miles I'd buy them again. Regardless of weight.

  • @Quevallyn

    @Quevallyn

    2 жыл бұрын

    I run a gravel bike with 2 sets of wheels. My road wheels have Panaracer Gravelking slicks in 32mm and they’re perfect for British roads. They might be a bit slower but I prefer the cushion and the lack of skittishness. Perfect for audax.

  • @ohne_speed

    @ohne_speed

    2 жыл бұрын

    It all depends on you weight too! I usually say, choose a tyre which result 5-6bar of !optimal! pressure (zipp calculator is very good) front and back! With my current 90-95kg I'm currently on 25mm on 23mm rim @6bar front and 32mm 25 rim @5bar on the back.

  • @steveco1800

    @steveco1800

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ohne_speed Good point, I'm quite light so 25c are about right between 80-85psi.

  • @Dramboli

    @Dramboli

    2 жыл бұрын

    I‘m doing the same, but went even wider on the gravel bike with the panaracer slicks 35mm, but they actually are 38mm measured - maybe need to try the 32mm ones. This is also a setup to explore new roads, so I dont have to stop when there is rougher gravel. In the dry I run 25mm on my road bike. For both tires I found that the tubeless setup gives a lot of comfort. Also lighter tires feel a bit more responsible but the weight of the tires on a climb is not really important. I already came close to my PR with the gravel bike which is around 1kg heavier also on 25mm tires. I think I will hammer some segments on Strava on the 35mm tires to compare times also on flat roads, but I am sure the aero loss is not that big (I have a very similar position on both bikes and 45mm rim depth on both).

  • @bugeyesprite119
    @bugeyesprite1192 жыл бұрын

    Great video - clear and concise. Thanks!

  • @waynosfotos
    @waynosfotos2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for making this video, i have been saying this on my channel. But you get nay sayers. I have been saying the biggest influence is road surface and the ability of the tyre to absorb the imperfections in the road, either soft flexible sidewalls or a bigger volume of air to absorb these imperfections. So what is the faster tyre? "it depends". On good surfaces 21-25mm higher pressures are the best for aero, but as the road surface deteriorates the importance of road surface imperfections becomes the dominant energy to overcome. Everytime you ride over a bump, the forward energy needs to lift the bike and rider taking energy away from the forward motion. Therefore high pressure, skinny tyres for good surfaces, wider lower pressures, for poor surfaces. There is no overall "faster tyre"

  • @johnstarky
    @johnstarky2 жыл бұрын

    Bang on advice! I ride rough countryside ‘paved’ roads and have too found that 28mm is ideal all-around.

  • @Thracium
    @Thracium2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Valuable information! Good Luck!

  • @SonnyDarvishzadeh
    @SonnyDarvishzadeh2 жыл бұрын

    I think and feel 28c has a sweet spot for endurance rides. 25c for the races and 30-32c gravel when the path and weather get sketchy

  • @dr_transonic_2.1

    @dr_transonic_2.1

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi brother can you give instagram id

  • @fnmaristela

    @fnmaristela

    8 ай бұрын

    Agree

  • @stevec6232
    @stevec62322 жыл бұрын

    28mm plus is also a benefit to bike manufacturers as most pre 2015 frames won't fit them! Cha ching!

  • @nlz242
    @nlz2422 жыл бұрын

    Running wider tires with the same air pressure, is missing one of the points. If you look at the science behind the wider tires recommendations, one of the factor is that vibration caused by higher tire pressure is energy lost and that it also causes more rider fatigue.

  • @Mike0

    @Mike0

    2 жыл бұрын

    Not vibration caused by higher pressure. Vibration from pressures TOO high 90psi, 25mm, on bad UK roads works for a lot of surfaces for 75kg me This video says exactly what bicyclerollingresistance says. Identical rolling resistance for different tyre widths when they're setup to offer the same tyre compression

  • @michaelwillis4528

    @michaelwillis4528

    2 жыл бұрын

    Well done for commenting before watching the whole video

  • @nlz242

    @nlz242

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@michaelwillis4528 Thanks! It took alot of efforts, i'm happy you appreciate it!

  • @nlz242

    @nlz242

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Mike0 Agreed. The video threw me off when they explained their testing protocol, but indeed looking at the whole video they do mention it. Just their first test/protocol was ... sorta useless ... but they got around to it later in the video, so yeah, all good.

  • @rodbrown8306
    @rodbrown83062 жыл бұрын

    Wow...you've got this set up extremely well...I think with the 30's, even with all being equal, you are still left with greater air volume to make for a better more comfortable ride albeit the trade off slight weight gain. I moved up from 23's to 28's for riding on stone aggregate exposed bitumen roads in my area, the buzzing vibrations were almost totally eliminated using the 28 Conti's at around 70~75psi, definitely a faster setup under the conditions than 23's at 100psi.

  • @mlegrand
    @mlegrand2 жыл бұрын

    Damn, how narrow are those handlebars? Personally, I roll up to all my group rides on a Fat bike but I think your main point of pick tires, tire pressure and tire width based on road surfaces for the fastest setup. 👌

  • @alexisrodriguez6526
    @alexisrodriguez65262 жыл бұрын

    0:25 simple answer, traction mtb and gravel tires have treads designed to grab onto the terrain (usually gravel, dirt and rock) and prevent slipping and sliding. On the pavement, that works against us because the tread works as intended, creating more friction and therefore, not giving much acceleration

  • @cup_and_cone
    @cup_and_cone2 жыл бұрын

    Wider tire at same pressure is less rolling resistance...that's easy to understand. The struggle is figuring out how much lower pressure you can go in that wider tire before reaching (or exceeding) the same rolling resistance as the narrower tire.

  • @philiprobar

    @philiprobar

    2 жыл бұрын

    Bicycle Quarterly says as wide as you can go and as low as you can go.

  • @cup_and_cone

    @cup_and_cone

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@philiprobar Lowering pressure increases rolling resistance. This is a fact. The way it was made up for was by going wider. The caveat is at some point there will be a negative return on going too low with a wider tire. For instance, running 120PSI in a 25c GP5000 is faster (less resistance) than running 60PSI in a 28c GP5000. Bicycle Rolling Resistance has some good info for members, but they unfortunately don't do enough testing in different tire widths at different pressures, and the database is not comprehensive enough and some of the tests/tires are several years old.

  • @philiprobar

    @philiprobar

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@cup_and_cone Any testing done on rollers is fundamentally flawed. Again, Bicycle Quarterly has documented this extensively.

  • @cup_and_cone

    @cup_and_cone

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@philiprobar Bike Quarterly testing has way too many external variables to pretend they're actually a better test than lab controlled drum. Their main concern is also supple casing vs rigid casing tires, they don't even recognize the conundrum of same tire model across different sizes because their own testing was inconclusive.

  • @philiprobar

    @philiprobar

    Жыл бұрын

    @@cup_and_cone Depends greatly on the road surface.

  • @richardgate1571
    @richardgate15712 жыл бұрын

    My sweet spot used to be GP4000 28s for long distance ultra racing. They measured 30mm on my rims and were my sweetspot for my type of riding. Recent Conti tyres such as 5000 and 4seasons now measure true to size. I’ve had to switch to 30c schwalbe ones as Conti 32mm I feel are too big a jump.

  • @chrisvanbuggenum871
    @chrisvanbuggenum8712 жыл бұрын

    Good job Simon, i was worried at the start, i shouldn't have been.

  • @thewaywelive2775
    @thewaywelive27752 ай бұрын

    If knowing you're going as fast as possible is what you enjoy, go narrow. You will feel faster. If you, like me, want a fast bike that makes you want to jump off curbs and just have fun, 32s is the way to go. Just switched and I'm having so much fun on my bike now. The comfort between the two is night and day. It does feel a little sluggish, but personally I think the trade off is well worth it.

  • @RAG0407
    @RAG04072 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this. I have wheels with 21 mm internal width and I am testing a shift from 28mm with standard butyl tubes to 26 mm with lighter butyl inner tubes. Not sure if it will make it a difference. Setup change maybe 100 g lighter. Still trying to find that sweet spot. My hope is the specialised turbo pro 26 are just a bit wider than 26 in the real world. Compared to the Vittora Rubino pro 28mm.

  • @MrVizzle
    @MrVizzle2 жыл бұрын

    I was so worried after first part "same pressure" ... You make it right so now I am subscriber.

  • @richardfrancis5683
    @richardfrancis56832 жыл бұрын

    I used to ride 18mm tubs some years back and have recently gone from 23mm to 25mm for my road bike. To me 25mm is a wide tyre!

  • @sbsb4995
    @sbsb49952 жыл бұрын

    Outstanding video.

  • @samvilla6290
    @samvilla62902 жыл бұрын

    If you set the tire pressures so that the casing tension was identical then the wider tire would likely have more rolling resistance than the lower tire purely because there would still be a larger contact patch.

  • @marekkozub8957
    @marekkozub89572 жыл бұрын

    I still ride on 23 mm tires and I don't have any problems with it. I guess I've got used to them over the years.

  • @marekkozub8957

    @marekkozub8957

    2 жыл бұрын

    @King Of Crunk 8 years old Canyon CF SLX

  • @andrewbardwell4832
    @andrewbardwell48322 жыл бұрын

    I had a trek Madone (pre-aero) that I ran with 23mm tires pumped up over 100psi. Hit a bit of oil on the road and they found me unconscious. On my new bike, 2020 Domane, I ran 32mm GP 5000 for the last two seasons (roughly 4,000km per season) and loved the comfort and traction benefits. If they slowed me down I’m not aware of it. For this season I’ve installed 28mm GP5000 (new model). Hopefully I don’t give up too much in comfort and traction. I have XXX4 wheels so the 32mm were creating a bit of a lightbulb effect on the wheels, undoubtedly spoiling any aero benefits the wheels might have delivered. The 28mm looks to blend better...

  • @idealperson30
    @idealperson302 жыл бұрын

    What a strange dropbar

  • @ellismccoy

    @ellismccoy

    2 жыл бұрын

    Just a normal flared dropbar, pretty popular on gravel. He's got them quite narrow and hoods angled in so he can get into a TT position more easily. Setup arguably made popular by Dan Bigham.

  • @joelogjam9163

    @joelogjam9163

    2 жыл бұрын

    "Strange" wouldn't be the word I'd use once it came to standing up and trying to climb a hill, or doing 35mph+ down a bumpy bit of road.

  • @vpe808epv
    @vpe808epv2 жыл бұрын

    Would you disclose the make and model of your handle bar? Would like to try one of these. Thanks,

  • @cratecruncher6687
    @cratecruncher66872 жыл бұрын

    Interesting video but a bit beside the point. I'm an ME working in vehicle dynamics. Rolling resistance is a function of hysteresis in the rubber tire casing and tube at a molecular level as well as friction between the too. These power losses are expelled as heat energy when the rubber deforms into the shape of the road surface. Formula one racing tires get hot! As tire pressure increases the contact patch gets smaller and deformation in the tire required to form the contact patch is lessened resulting in less rolling resistance. The difference in frontal area of a 700x26c and 700x30c is insignificant (about 28cm^2) compared to the human and bike (about 5,500 cm^2) at cycling speeds (

  • @edsinofsky
    @edsinofsky2 жыл бұрын

    I run a 25 tubeless up front for aero and a 32 in the rear for comfort. Both set at the optimal pressures for me, makes for a fast and comfy ride.

  • @SonnyDarvishzadeh

    @SonnyDarvishzadeh

    2 жыл бұрын

    yep, unless you got a flexy seatpost like the canyon's :p

  • @saveriodipoce2201
    @saveriodipoce22012 жыл бұрын

    A lot of details in regards to what ever tire size,not one word about going out on your favor ride and have fun doing it!!

  • @FIGHTTHECABLE
    @FIGHTTHECABLE2 жыл бұрын

    I ride 25mm and I actually just started road biking. I'm actually a mountainbiker and I generally feel like the road is very rough. My mtb was such a soft flowy ride to commute, but I needed something faster and more efficient. I run my 25mm at 7.0 Bar.

  • @81caasi

    @81caasi

    2 жыл бұрын

    I ride 28mm back and 25 front, I'm 68kg. If I were bigger I'd probably ride both at 28mm. Psi is low enough that it's soft but not bouncy. Aslo it's true that after 1hr plus of riding, your faster if your still comfortable.

  • @lachlan_bakewell
    @lachlan_bakewell Жыл бұрын

    11:37 30mm tyre not sitting in the bead off the right side of the screen. Not sure if this was the tested set up but may affect results.

  • @TK-mk9nv
    @TK-mk9nv2 жыл бұрын

    Great Video

  • @thatguy9051
    @thatguy90512 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this Video, Elephant in the room (Please tell us about your narrow bar choice)

  • @bikeradar

    @bikeradar

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching! Simon has promised to make a video all about his favourite bar width - spoiler alert - it's narrower than most stock handlebars!

  • @Zzyyxx22

    @Zzyyxx22

    2 жыл бұрын

    26cm? He’s brave going off-road!

  • @jellyfishsalad5926

    @jellyfishsalad5926

    2 жыл бұрын

    Those bars look crazy narrow compared with the current gravel bike trend. I wondered initially if it was a trick of the lens but no...

  • @TwoWheelWarrior
    @TwoWheelWarrior2 жыл бұрын

    Way to go buddy!

  • @jeeping32810
    @jeeping328102 жыл бұрын

    You got me thinking 32 is a solid choice for inspiring rides, not racing. I am a racer, and I want more inspiration now...

  • @GustavoSoares06
    @GustavoSoares062 жыл бұрын

    slick handlebars mate 😅👍

  • @0views372
    @0views3722 жыл бұрын

    What size handle bars are those?

  • @adriancrago-graham8100
    @adriancrago-graham8100 Жыл бұрын

    Overall I love this! There's the tubeless element does effect this. I found ride even faster on lower psi. I generally roll on 28s and don't ever go higher than 65psi and weigh 75kg. Each time i've gone higher, I've had no material gain in speed, I thought I was going faster, but I wasn't. This winter, I'll be on 30 or even 32s.

  • @ChinaCycling
    @ChinaCycling2 жыл бұрын

    11:37 - that tire doesn't look seated properly in that b-roll. I hope you weren't riding it like that. ;)

  • @joelzylstra2971

    @joelzylstra2971

    2 жыл бұрын

    It was definitely not up on the bead.

  • @buzzman4860

    @buzzman4860

    2 жыл бұрын

    Riding an unseated tire with that narrow ass bar. He is so cool.

  • @hugobrown2516
    @hugobrown2516 Жыл бұрын

    Got it! But what width are your handlebars.

  • @wakeawaken430
    @wakeawaken4302 жыл бұрын

    Some testers test only different width tyres at the same pressure, but the optimal pressure of the wide tyre, which is totally out of realistic conditions, totally worthless

  • @frogwater09
    @frogwater092 жыл бұрын

    The real question tho, how significant is when saving 5watt over the course of let say 100km?

  • @paulysci925
    @paulysci9252 жыл бұрын

    I have these tires in the SL 28mm and I love them 😍 🥰👍👌

  • @micw8422
    @micw8422 Жыл бұрын

    Trend is wider tires. Factors are climbing ride, or many starts and stops? For the folks looking to increase their tire width, their existing fork/frames may be the limiting factor. I have a few frames the max is either 23mm or 28mm. I just bought a new frame to allow me to go to 28mm, and also a 2nd for that allows me to go to 40mm. 90+ percent of the time I'm riding on a paved road, the rest, will alternate onto an unpaved rail path road.

  • @buster.keaton
    @buster.keaton2 жыл бұрын

    I used to associate harsh ride feel with speed and rode 23mm tires at over 100 PSI. Twenty+ years later, I now associate long term comfort, grip, and stability with speed using 32mm tires at ~65 PSI while riding awful roads in the Midwestern USA. Wide tires offer the added bonus of being able to ride gravel rails-to-trails trails with no problem.

  • @fkrr5

    @fkrr5

    2 жыл бұрын

    Not lying about the midwest roads. In Michigan they are garbage

  • @ChopperCindy
    @ChopperCindy2 жыл бұрын

    If you’re riding with a group you normally slipstream the bike in front negating any aerodynamic disadvantage. If you’re in the front then those behind will go at your pace albeit that you have to put out 5 watts more with your fat tyres over the thin ones. Give me the comfort of my 28s any day!

  • @ravennexusmh
    @ravennexusmh2 жыл бұрын

    the answer is, if anyone has hit a rough section of bad tarmac on 25's at 90psi and felt there speed drop whilst the bike skitters all over the bloody place then 32mm tyres are the palce to be

  • @Mike0

    @Mike0

    2 жыл бұрын

    How short of a section? 2 weeks ago I had a 30second rough section Although it may have been too rough for any tyre to make a difference

  • @einundsiebenziger5488

    @einundsiebenziger5488

    2 жыл бұрын

    ... their* speed drops ...

  • @31.8mm
    @31.8mm2 жыл бұрын

    u got cool looking game controller, what's the console?

  • @streetstangcobra
    @streetstangcobra2 жыл бұрын

    Many variables even for the same bike. The same tube is thinner on the bigger tire so less rolling resistance. Slightly wider tire than rim is more aero as other KZreadrs claim so you should have 2 rim widths for the test. And for the tire pressure you should have more pressure tests to find the optimal pressure for each tire width and heart rate should be involved in the test as the comfy one might give more speed while maintaining the same heart rate. I hope to see another video to show once and for all which is the better choice

  • @petesjk

    @petesjk

    2 жыл бұрын

    Over 90% of bike riders don’t have a spare wheel set, much less for considering different width tires. The video is aimed at regular road bike riding people, who ride for recreation and/or fitness- not racers with greater equipment requirements and resources. I agree that more could’ve been done with finding optimal tire pressure, but the video did briefly mention that, and that extrapolated out, the differences for the non-racer are almost none. Basically, the video shows that if you want a wider tire for comfort, you don’t sacrifice speed.

  • @adaycj
    @adaycj2 жыл бұрын

    The test results make sense. The entire set of conclusions about the "smooth" surface was based not on test results but the same old tried nonsense that everyone assumes is correct. You removed more air and pressure as a percentage and skewed the results. Plus, how wide were these tires really? My measurements show skinny tires are often close to spec, and wide ones offen fall short. How hard would to be to do a dozen or more tests on each tire at various pressures and find the sweet.spot for lowest resistance. Then use that for the outside tests.

  • @roydarnell3683
    @roydarnell36832 жыл бұрын

    Same old hoopla and all we got for 15 mins is an "it depends".....

  • @TheCMGman
    @TheCMGman2 жыл бұрын

    Urm, are we going to talk about those handles bars?

  • @joelzylstra2971

    @joelzylstra2971

    2 жыл бұрын

    It was honestly my only take away from the whole thing.

  • @christianrodriguez3531

    @christianrodriguez3531

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@joelzylstra2971 What are those!!

  • @rafaelcastro1653

    @rafaelcastro1653

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@christianrodriguez3531 UNSAFE!!

  • @einundsiebenziger5488

    @einundsiebenziger5488

    2 жыл бұрын

    ... handle* bars ...

  • @mornenaude2885
    @mornenaude28852 жыл бұрын

    Did you get your bars from a junior bike?

  • @shaunbyrne9553
    @shaunbyrne9553 Жыл бұрын

    I weigh 185lb and regularly do hundred mile fast-ish rides. I’ve zeroed in on 30mm tires at about 70psi tubeless. 28mm were harsh pumped up and I’d pinch flat on hard bumps. 32mm felt like balloon tires disconnected from the road.

  • @ianthurston7386
    @ianthurston73862 жыл бұрын

    Hi, I would say that comparison between tyre sizes depends on the internal width of the rim. My old but best wheels are only 15mm wide (internal) and I use 25mm tyres, which just fit on my 15 year old rim brake best bike. My new winter bike , which will be delivered in November, will have 32mm fitted for the English winter 😀

  • @uuryzc
    @uuryzc10 ай бұрын

    I was using 25c tubeless vittoria corsa next tires on my Bontrager Aeolus comp rim. Recently i have upgraded my rims, purchased Zipp 353 NSW hookless rim set and put 28c vittoria corsa next tires on them. I feel much faster and comfortable with new wheelset and wider tires. But i feel the Zipp 353 NSW is minimum 28c and i should go wider. Now ordered Vittoria corsa next 30c. I will tell the difference when tires arrives and i put them on. My frame says 32c maximum tire clearence (Trek Madone)

  • @tenpirpa4503
    @tenpirpa45032 жыл бұрын

    Oh my god, another one of these… I guess it’s tradition that every year each bike news/review website should do at least one “ArE wIdEr TyReS fAsTeR?” “test”. Just do a regular product highlight without pretending it’s some kind of “test”

  • @harison29

    @harison29

    2 жыл бұрын

    Just product placement, nothing else - Pirreli P-Zero, Sportful, Giant...

  • @BearLeonhart
    @BearLeonhart2 жыл бұрын

    That handlebar got me hit "dont recommend channel" button. What good advise can we get from someone riding such setup.

  • @Gixer750pilot
    @Gixer750pilot4 ай бұрын

    The super narrow bars with excess cabling sticking out into the wind did make me laugh

  • @ericdeng7315
    @ericdeng73156 ай бұрын

    Will 30mm tires fit 8th gen TCR?

  • @Ninja_Revenge
    @Ninja_Revenge2 жыл бұрын

    I use 25mm GP5000. It blows up to 26mm on my 27mm wide Reynolds wheels to give an aero advantage!

  • @timothygettelfinger6836
    @timothygettelfinger68362 жыл бұрын

    Contact area is a function of pressure only. For a given pressure the smaller tire and larger tire will have the same contact area. However you are correct in that the casing tension will be larger for the larger diameter tire, roughly 15 percent.

  • @branes2000

    @branes2000

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, I came here to type this too. Shape (not area) of contact patch will change though.

  • @branes2000

    @branes2000

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Pablo Morales Well, yes, and I see what you're trying to say, but without inflation the tyre casing is not very stiff at all, so its stiffness is created by (and probably proportional to) the inflation pressure. I'd need to think about this (or can you provide a complete reference to support this statement?), but I feel that everything would come out in the mathematical wash and you'd find that contact patch is indeed proportional to tyre pressure.

  • @branes2000

    @branes2000

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Pablo Morales Well yes, and clearly car tyres in particular have much higher inherent stiffness as they don't change shape much when deflated. Road bike tyres do not retain their shape very well when deflated - and in particular do blow up somewhat like the balloon example you give, although they're obviously nowhere near so elastic. Anyway, it can't be that complicated to model as it's mostly Newtonian physics, so there must be references somewhere? (btw, there's a converse example for your steel roller example - how does it deform when subjected to very high load?)

  • @branes2000

    @branes2000

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Pablo Morales Well, that's because the wall shape changes, which (presumably, based on experiment) results in less loss of energy in the sidewall due to the sidewall flex when loaded. Anyway, I really would be interested in a solid (engineering/maths) reference to this. It's clear that inflation affects sidewall tension (the magnitude and angle of which is responsible for transmitting the load ultimately), which will affect the deflection of the sidewall as it's loaded, and hence the contact patch shape at the very least. Mind experiments aren't enough though - it still isn't clear to me that the area of the contact patch would not fall out of a proper analysis as dependent on pressure alone. I'm not dismissing what you say as true, but I'd like to see the solid proof! (Experimental even).

  • @branes2000

    @branes2000

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Pablo Morales Sorry - missed that. I'll have a look at it if I can find a library copy. In the meantime though, I had a quick look. e.g, these: the-contact-patch.com/book/road/c2019-the-contact-patch www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/resources/research/reports/384/docs/384.pdf has an extensive literature review etc. The first explicitly states that the sidewall carries ca. 5% of the load, which leaves the "contact patch" to carry the rest...which is supported by the tyre pressure. And that's for a car tyre. Obviously the distribution of stress in a tyre is complex, but it does seem that to first approximation my the initial statement is correct.

  • @macvos
    @macvos21 күн бұрын

    @11:37: is it me, or is that tire not installed correctly (according to the check line on the tire that should be at equal distance to the rim, but disappears into the rim on the right side of the sceen)? Otherwise, great comprehensive and clear video. Good work!

  • @jirihutecka9020
    @jirihutecka90202 жыл бұрын

    I think that your handlebars are to wide..

  • @einundsiebenziger5488

    @einundsiebenziger5488

    2 жыл бұрын

    ... too* wide.

  • @patgallagher6642
    @patgallagher66422 жыл бұрын

    I was unable to find 30mm tires after an exhaustive search, prior to a 340 mile ride I did last spring.

  • @henrywebber
    @henrywebber3 ай бұрын

    Im really curious about why the cycling scientist working in aerodynamic field didnt find out the ‘aeroest’ width decades ago? They were using 22/23mm most of the time.

  • @DARDKOPF
    @DARDKOPF2 жыл бұрын

    I have 57mm in the front and 56mm in the back (2,25 and 2,2) greetings from hardtailer ;-)I like chasing roadbikers on narrow tires

  • @richcrompton6891
    @richcrompton68912 жыл бұрын

    I tried to pay attention, but those handlebars! Eeek! I run 25mm as that is apparently the max size that fits my frame! Taking a punt on some 28mm tyres fitting could be an expensive mistake. How can you measure to check? My bike was made and specced pre- wider tyres.

  • @stevengagnon4777
    @stevengagnon477715 күн бұрын

    Try the front tire at a lower pressure ! Yeah put a little more in the rear than those calculators " " "suggest " . Anyway that will lower your rolling resistance and avoid the pinch. The front tire at a lower pressure will give you a good contact patch and and be comfortable. I often have a different tire up front too. Sticky with lower flat protection. ...rather loose the rear wheel first. So the rear I opt for more flat protection and longevity. You naturally have more grip in the back because of the weight distribution. Experiment and go with what is right for you. Spoke tension is also a factor and should be adjusted ( there is some room to play here ) to the riders weight and riding habits. Everone has a different fit and riding style...above all enjoy and ride like the wind.

  • @x3631
    @x36312 жыл бұрын

    what up with that tiny handle bar?

  • @Mike0
    @Mike02 жыл бұрын

    TLDR; different tyre widths, the same comfort & rolling resistance 23mm@92 psi = 25mm@87 psi = 28mm@81 psi = 32mm@75 psi 23mm@100psi with be more aero 32mm@65psi will be smoother, and offer more compression before bottoming out for similar rolling resistance as 85psi 25mm

  • @einundsiebenziger5488

    @einundsiebenziger5488

    2 жыл бұрын

    ... will* be more aero ...

  • @M3GRSD
    @M3GRSD2 ай бұрын

    My preference is 25mm tires. I tried 28's but really didn't like it. Could be the rolling weight of the Cinturato Velo's that I was running. I just felt sluggish, and slow to get up to speed. I switched to 25mm GP5000 AS TR, set them up between 65-70 PSI - which thankfully I can do thanks to tubeless tech. I'll take the lower weight too.

  • @markyadegar8830
    @markyadegar88304 ай бұрын

    Excellent video, 28-30mm for me, predominantly about comfort 👍

  • @Fixingeverthingwithaengine567
    @Fixingeverthingwithaengine5672 жыл бұрын

    29x2.3 on 30mm rim and sealed bearing front and rear

  • @polysporin8332
    @polysporin8332 Жыл бұрын

    based on the idea of friction wider should be slower. I haven't watched the entire show yet. I could be surprised.

  • @bodieh1261
    @bodieh12612 жыл бұрын

    10+yrs ago i rode 23's cos everyone was on 23's, then i moved on to 25's on the same bike, it was more comfortable and I didnt notice a performance difference. This year I went to 28's, on the same bike, got even more comfort and again, didnt notice a performance difference. My bike cant take tires wider than 28 so im stuck with those for the foreseeable future but assuming I could go wider I'd be willing to go as wide as I can til i actually notice a performance drop cos it couldnt hurt to be more comfortable.

  • @jaggedsphere

    @jaggedsphere

    2 жыл бұрын

    shimano 105 brakes?

  • @123moof
    @123moof2 жыл бұрын

    I ride for transportation, not racing. 29x76mm roll over pot holes, rocks, small animals, and so forth. Obviously others have different needs and goals than I do. Any tire that makes my bike more fun is a win for me.

  • @hawkmantm465
    @hawkmantm4652 жыл бұрын

    Those bars 😱😵

  • @joelzylstra2971
    @joelzylstra29712 жыл бұрын

    Rolling resistance be damned. I’ll take grip first every time. Rene Herse Bon Jon 36c slicks for all rides.

  • @roberttaranu9357

    @roberttaranu9357

    2 жыл бұрын

    Profile photo checks out

  • @Jeppelelle
    @Jeppelelle2 жыл бұрын

    To anser your question: I use 30 & 32mm tires @ 3-3.5bars on both, i do not care about rolling resistance at all & comfort (due to bad back) is my #1 priority, 3bar is somewhat low for a 100kg bloke but it sure is smooth on my bad roads 😃👍

  • @harison29

    @harison29

    2 жыл бұрын

    Just product placement - Pirelli P-Zerro, nothing else.

  • @bikeman123

    @bikeman123

    2 жыл бұрын

    @Wooly Chewbakker specilized roubiax is comfier. Mate has both.

  • @pandoorloki1232
    @pandoorloki1232 Жыл бұрын

    Nice shoes!

  • @bikedawg
    @bikedawg2 жыл бұрын

    i miss my 11m gum wall tires inflated to 150psi

  • @bikeman123
    @bikeman1232 жыл бұрын

    Are your sure it's not local councils encouraging wider tyres so they don't have to maintain roads? I find little comfort improvement between 25 and 28, but I do notice the extra weight.

  • @donadams5094

    @donadams5094

    2 жыл бұрын

    There is zero chance you notice the extra weight. Depending on the tire, the difference between 25 and 28 mm tires is 15-20 grams. When and what you last ate, when you last went to the bathroom, what you are wearing, and other factors would have more impact on weight than that. And none of that is frankly very important unless you are a high-level, competitive crit racer or climber, and even then 20 grams is not meaningful.

  • @bikeman123

    @bikeman123

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@donadams5094 it was actually a little bit more than that plus the larger tubes. Regardless the extra rotating weight definitely makes acceleration sluggish. Your comparison to body weight is as we all know not the same as riding a lighter bike which definitely makes a substantial difference.

  • @vaudou_

    @vaudou_

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@bikeman123 Continental GP 5000 25c = 225 grams Continental GP 5000 28c = 240 grams Those 15 grams must feel like bricks. Smh

  • @MstrRo
    @MstrRo2 жыл бұрын

    It is wise to look at the entire system, not just tire width and tire presure.

  • @attybong
    @attybong2 жыл бұрын

    comparing roadbikes to mtb, gravel and cx bikes in terms of speed is like comparing apples to oranges .. obviously, it's not mainly about the tyres .. it's the frame design and the groupset used that influences the bike's speed the most ..

  • @antonroux6737
    @antonroux67372 жыл бұрын

    The curvature of rollers is not comparable to a flat road. This will significantly affect relative rolling resistance. Best to revise the experimental design. Otherwise an interesting study

  • @broccoli5408
    @broccoli54082 жыл бұрын

    Narrow tyres pumped up to 120 psi are faster. Wide tyres is just some mad industry rip off

  • @richardcarr6493
    @richardcarr64932 жыл бұрын

    soooo l have two bikes one with 25s one with 32s both are fast enough ,25 @ 100psi ,32@ 90psi , this allows me to ride more often w/o having to inflate them as much . Narrow responds faster to inputs BUT wider is much more smoother and handles more road/gravel irregularities Definitely more comfortable !! IF YOU CAN GO WIDER AND DEPENDING ON WHAT YOU WEIGH ADJUST TIRE PRESSURES ACCORDINGLY

  • @sirem20
    @sirem202 жыл бұрын

    Tbh, I think why manufacturers are pushing for wider tires is because the carbon rims are weaker when narrow as opposed to aluminum rims

  • @2ball434

    @2ball434

    2 жыл бұрын

    True but if you were to crash. You probably still shouldn't ride your carbon rims eitherway.

  • @markrskinner
    @markrskinner2 жыл бұрын

    Why is my 700x33 gravel bike so slow?

  • @GotDamBoi
    @GotDamBoi Жыл бұрын

    I started on 23mm tires and i'm currently riding 32mm...lowest I would go nowadays is 28mm

  • @negzak
    @negzak2 жыл бұрын

    je roule essentiellement en montagne en 23mm, dans les montées je suis plus rapides que les 25mm ou 28mm mais c'est vrai que les 23mm sont moins sûrs en descente mais j'y suis habitué...

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