General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tire size (23 or 25?) Rss Feed  
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2006-07-30 11:17 AM

Veteran
182
100252525
Ocean, New Jersey
Subject: Tire size (23 or 25?)
Hey guys and gals - I have a question.
I'm looking to replace my Bontrager Race Xlites (standard on Trek 5200) because they seem to cut easily. I'm 6'1 and weigh (at the moment) 210 lbs. I usually inflate to a little better than 100 lbs. Is it the tire or my weight? Should I consider a size 25? If so, will it impare rolling resistance too much? I'm thinking of Continental 4000's; any other options?
Thanks for the input!


2006-07-30 7:59 PM
in reply to: #497371

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Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Tire size (23 or 25?)
You might consider jacking the pressure up a little -- 110-115. But you'll really not feel much of any difference between 23's and 25's. You will lose some chainstay and brake bridge clearance though.

The cutting is more a function of the tire material than your weight or tire size.
2006-07-30 8:06 PM
in reply to: #497371

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Champion
8766
5000200010005001001002525
Evergreen, Colorado
Subject: RE: Tire size (23 or 25?)

I agree with the above poster...the tire size is not the problem.  I had some crappy tires that came on my bike (that particular brand sounds familar!).  I think the bike shops deliberately put light/flimsy tires on to make you think your bike is lighter than it is!  Anyway, after a zillion flats I replaced them with Michelin Pro Race tires...23's I think.  L-O-V-E them!  Perfect combo of light yet sturdy.

23 v. 25...Yes, the 25's should have a bit more rolling resistance.  Over the winter to save my Michelins I put heavy-duty armadillo-whatever you want to call them sturdy tires on the bike.  LBS put a 25 up front (again, these were training tires...train heavy, race light!) but the 25 wouldn't fit on the back because there wasn't enough clearance between the tire and the "vertical thing that extends to the seatpost" (heck if I actually know the name).  Anyway, just a thought...if you're thinking of using them for training, get 25's if they fit...it will make you stronger.  If you're racing on these tires, go with 23's.

As for tire pressure...never inflate more than what the tire says!  The poster above said 110-115...which works for MOST tires...but there are some out there that that would be too much for!

2006-07-30 8:26 PM
in reply to: #497371

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Subject: RE: Tire size (23 or 25?)

I agree - up your pressure and see what happens. 

If you're still having issues and want to buy a new set of itres, the Continental 4000's are a fabulous tire.  I've been riding on them for the last few months and haven't had a flat or a nick in either one.  The only thing I will caution you about is the fact that they're not designed for wet weather... so if you like to ride in the rain, you might want to look at something else. 

2006-07-30 10:15 PM
in reply to: #497371

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Veteran
159
1002525
Seattle
Subject: RE: Tire size (23 or 25?)
23's in theory roll faster, but you won't see a big difference in durability. i've been commuting on some pretty crappy roads with conti 4k's and LOVE them. they have been very durable, no flats, and take potholes well.
2006-07-31 9:56 PM
in reply to: #497371

Veteran
182
100252525
Ocean, New Jersey
Subject: RE: Tire size (23 or 25?)
Thanks everyone! You've cleared up all my questions and shown, once again, why this is such a great site!


2006-08-02 11:27 AM
in reply to: #497371

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Pro
4578
20002000500252525
Vancouver, BC
Subject: RE: Tire size (23 or 25?)
This might not help you much, but the Race Xlites that came with my 2100 have tons of miles on them and I have only had one flat on them. The tires are still in great shape. I got new wheels and put the Race XXXlites on them and in the first month I cut the rear one on the piece of glass an had to replace it.

I usually put 100 psi in the Race Xlites and 110 psi in the Race XXXlites, but I'm pretty small and light. I think the max is 110psi and 120 psi.

Jen
2006-08-02 11:28 AM
in reply to: #497371

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Pro
4578
20002000500252525
Vancouver, BC
Subject: RE: Tire size (23 or 25?)
Oh yeah, the Pro Race 2s are good too.
2006-08-03 4:39 AM
in reply to: #497371

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2006-08-03 11:36 AM
in reply to: #497371

Pro
4578
20002000500252525
Vancouver, BC
Subject: RE: Tire size (23 or 25?)
Chris you reminded me. The Vittorias are good on my winter bike.

As I was washing my bike last night, I noticed that I have Race Lites on my old wheels and Race Xlites on my new wheels, so scratch what I said before and replace Race Xlite with Race Lite and Race XXXlite with Race Xlite.

Jen
2006-08-04 12:24 PM
in reply to: #497371

Expert
842
50010010010025
Subject: RE: Tire size (23 or 25?)
I had Vittoria Open Corsa's on my race wheels and Vittoria Rubino's on my training wheels. They are both very nice riding tires but not very durable (in my opinion). The roads chewed up up my front Corso so I replaced that with a Michelin Pro Race 2. After a car accident during a race, I had to replace the rear as well (no fault of the tire) but I went with the Michelin again because it just seems more durable and still plenty fast.

The rubino's are terrible. I have only had my bike since October and they are getting chewed to bits. I just bought a Michelin Carbon something which they claim is there most durable tire...lets hope so as I am little tired of buying tires this year

Mark


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