General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tire width vs. rider weight Rss Feed  
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2009-08-04 1:18 PM

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Round Lake, Illinois
Subject: Tire width vs. rider weight
I have been having a number of issues with tires/tubes this summer. It has been recommended that I go to a 25 mm tire in the rear and I could use a 23 or 25 in the front. I have been using 23's because they seem to be the "norm". The main reason for the 25's in the rear is because of my weight (190-195).

What do you "heavier" riders, or even lighter riders, think?


2009-08-04 1:29 PM
in reply to: #2327383

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Slower Than You
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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
I'm 200-205 normally, and I ride 23mm tires front & rear with no problems.

*hopes I didn't just jinx tonight's group ride*
2009-08-04 1:46 PM
in reply to: #2327409

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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
bcart1991 - 2009-08-04 1:29 PM I'm 200-205 normally, and I ride 23mm tires front & rear with no problems. *hopes I didn't just jinx tonight's group ride*


X2, probably have 25K miles on 23mm tires.

What "issues" might you be having? What tires are you running?
2009-08-04 2:01 PM
in reply to: #2327383

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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
I like a 25 on the back so I have a little more margin for error, but at your weight you should have no issues with 700x23. What are you pumping them to and what is the max rated pressure? What kind of tires are they? I ran some Kenda Kaliente's that wore like iron and were super light, but they were really prone to pinch flats if I wasn't running at 115 PSI+ all the time. Eventually I switched to different tires and was much happier.
2009-08-04 2:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
I've ridden a 23 rear at 115 psi even when I was pushing 220 lb. Methinks the tire was a Specialized Comp (can't remember exactly, but it came standard on the Roubaix). Only trouble I had was some excess wear from my trainer (before I wised up and got a trainer tire). From my experience, I'm not sure why you are having issues. IMO you need not go to a 25.
2009-08-04 2:19 PM
in reply to: #2327383

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Round Lake, Illinois
Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
I typically go just below the max pressure (115 psi for 120 psi rated tire). I had some Serfa's on there and then decided to try something better (GP 4000s). The 4000s lasted 82 miles before the side wall blew out. My flats are always in the rear. Some times it appears to be pinched, sometimes punctured, and sometimes I have no idea why (tube looks like a puncture, but can't find anything in the tire).

Maybe it is just a string of bad luck. When you are riding, and look down to where the tire contacts the road, does the tire look flat/low pressure? Maybe that is just a perception based on the angle I am looking at them.

One other thing that I plan to do is verify that the gauge on my pump is accurate.


2009-08-04 3:15 PM
in reply to: #2327575

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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
gibboweiser - 2009-08-04 2:19 PM I typically go just below the max pressure (115 psi for 120 psi rated tire). I had some Serfa's on there and then decided to try something better (GP 4000s). The 4000s lasted 82 miles before the side wall blew out. My flats are always in the rear. Some times it appears to be pinched, sometimes punctured, and sometimes I have no idea why (tube looks like a puncture, but can't find anything in the tire). Maybe it is just a string of bad luck. When you are riding, and look down to where the tire contacts the road, does the tire look flat/low pressure? Maybe that is just a perception based on the angle I am looking at them. One other thing that I plan to do is verify that the gauge on my pump is accurate.


Tire look flat when riding" No really, but riding upgrade it looks "flatter" than when riding on a flat road. I've had a sidewall blow out, but it was caused when the tire bead got unseated when I hit a big pothole. Any chance of this happening to you in the past, perhaps to the point of damaging the rim?

Are you trying to stuff too large a tube into the tire? I know that most tubes have a range of applicable tire sizes, e.g. 18-23, some range higher but the low end may indicate it's OK for a 23 tire. I've found this to be an issue before, just too much tube for the tire - couldn't get the tube to sit nice in the tire....

After this, I got nothin'....hope you find the root cause.
2009-08-04 4:48 PM
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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
You might want to try running a liner strip (like the Mr. Tuffy or Stop Flats 2 tire liners) between your tire and tube. Both my husband and a riding buddy of mine, run the orange (road tire specific) Stop Flats 2 liner and haven't had a flat in....gosh, I don't know how long. Granted, it will add a few grams...but if you're not concerned about bike weight, then it's certainly a viable option.
2009-08-04 5:50 PM
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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
I'm 162lbs atm and looking to drop to anywhere around 150 (5"7). Just bought a tri bike (never had a road or tri bike before) and it has a 24 tyres on it. Should I drop to a 23 or lower, and would I have to change wheels if I do (i.e. do all tyre widths for 700s fit on the same wheel)? Thanks.
2009-08-04 6:07 PM
in reply to: #2328151

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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
700x23 at 120 psi for me.  I'm under 230 now, but started at almost at 250.  Never a problem.
2009-08-04 9:35 PM
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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
gibboweiser - 2009-08-04 3:19 PM


One other thing that I plan to do is verify that the gauge on my pump is accurate.


You just gave yourself the best advice so far. The continentals should be a better tire than the Serfas, I'm surprised to hear you totaly blew one out.



2009-08-04 9:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
ex-buzz - 2009-08-04 6:50 PM

I'm 162lbs atm and looking to drop to anywhere around 150 (5"7). Just bought a tri bike (never had a road or tri bike before) and it has a 24 tyres on it. Should I drop to a 23 or lower, and would I have to change wheels if I do (i.e. do all tyre widths for 700s fit on the same wheel)? Thanks.


If they work I wouldn't worry about it. Wear them out first, then got to 700x23.
2009-08-04 11:58 PM
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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
I'm 185lbs. Run 21, 23 and 25mm wide tires. I actually really like the ride on the 25mm. As my 23mm wear, they will get replaced with 25. The 21mm set are Tubulars, but I did just get a 24mm pair and will put one of them on my rear.

I'm running a host of Conti clinchers (Gatorskins, GP 4 Seasons and 4000s) I bunny hop stuff, jump curbs, ride on gravel trails, pull a trailer, ride on some crap roads... never blew a side wall. A flat here and there sure, but never any tire damage.

What I find on the 25mm wide one is you can run a bit lower pressure and get a plush ride when you want. I now find the 21mm a bit to solid feeling and the 23mm nice, but a bit firm. Some folks run 23 front and 25 rear, I might try that too. I will run 21 and 24 on my Tubular wheels come next week. Just need to get around to glueing on the new rear.
2009-08-09 3:12 PM
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Round Lake, Illinois
Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
My saga continues -

First, thanks for all the input. I decided a 25 mm wide tire may not fix all my flat issues, but it didn't seem like there were negatives to trying it. So I bought a Gatorskin and put it on my wheel. The darn thing wont fit on my bike. The diameter is bigger, and it hits the frame (seat tube on a Felt S22).

Should a 700 X 25 have a bigger outer diameter than a 700 X 23? I have adjusted the pressures up a down and it is still hitting the frame.

Thanks,
Eric
2009-08-09 5:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
gibboweiser - 2009-08-09 3:12 PM My saga continues - First, thanks for all the input. I decided a 25 mm wide tire may not fix all my flat issues, but it didn't seem like there were negatives to trying it. So I bought a Gatorskin and put it on my wheel. The darn thing wont fit on my bike. The diameter is bigger, and it hits the frame (seat tube on a Felt S22). Should a 700 X 25 have a bigger outer diameter than a 700 X 23? I have adjusted the pressures up a down and it is still hitting the frame. Thanks, Eric


Does your bike have horizontal dropouts? If it does, there should be adjustment screws in the dropouts which you can back out to relieve the rubbing of the tire on the wheel cutout.
2009-08-09 5:43 PM
in reply to: #2337137

Regular
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252525
Round Lake, Illinois
Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight
No Adjustment.

I measured the diameters - 700 X 25 (new) = 84.625" and the 700 X 25 (roughly 150 miles on it) = 84.125". I can't believe there is a half an inch difference in the 2 tires (both continentals). I also can't believe my bike wont run 700 X 25's.

Of course I bought the tire while visiting my parent in Michigan. There goes the simple exchange. Anybody interested in a tire?



2009-08-11 3:59 PM
in reply to: #2327383

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Kenosha, WI
Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight

If your having flat problems try something different.   It sucks to walk home half way through a ride.  I was having problems at 210 ish as well...  I went to the bike store and we talked about my options.  I got a nice pair of kevlar lined 25's for training, which for me consists of city roads, trails and bike paths sidewalks ect.  I haven't had a problem since.

When I race I switch back to faster wheels and 23's... check double and triple check the pressure before a race.

2009-08-12 9:25 AM
in reply to: #2327383

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Subject: RE: Tire width vs. rider weight

25's are bigger than 23  width and height.  I originally was gonna try 28's to stop my pinch flat problem.  I was in the store getting the tires installed and they wouldn't fit, so the guys at the store tried the 25 which fir but were tight. 

If you have to stay with 23's get a kevlar lined tire  with extra strength sidewall.  Spend some money so you don't get stuck walking.  You can also add an extra liner.  If you go to a bike specific store the techs there should be able to present some options.

Stores are not as cheap as online but help a bunch with technical and sizing issues.

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