The more hardcore topic appears dead in the "33".
I figured out my Velocity USA wheels that came on my cross bike are the 23mm wide tubeless. They're setup already also with the right tape, it appears. Looks like I just need the valve stem and sealant and tires. I have a shop compressor I can inflate it with first time to seat it.
Thing is, I race 4/5. I'm not old enough for masters 40+ for another 4 years. So, I'm pretty much limited to racing 4/5 as around here there isn't a 3/4 like for crits. In 4/5 it always seems I have the smallest tires. I didn't know any better and bought 33mm way back. I read up on it, and it seems even if I ever went to a USAC regional for my level that 35mm would still be the larger max. Not 33. Now, in 4/5 around here everyone looks like they're on easily 38mm or larger off road tires. Once in a while some young kid on a mountain bike laps the field in 4/5.
If that's all true.........any harm in going with a 38 (most I can fit) instead of a 33? Even a 35 seems like it would gain me some grip (which is where I currently suck).
I really don't want to train/race on different tires since I train a lot on gravel riding in cross season and would prefer the 38 for that.
If I'm out to have fun and not make Cat 3 or win regionals..........no harm in the 38's? I was thinking something like a Terreno 38. Then put my clincher mud tires on the spare wheelset just in case weather throws a wrench in plans. I can't convert that set tubeless as it is road tubeless, too high a pressure for seating/running a cross/gravel tire I think.
Just trying to feel out the practical implications of rules versus the norms of tires I'm seeing out there. Thanks.
I figured out my Velocity USA wheels that came on my cross bike are the 23mm wide tubeless. They're setup already also with the right tape, it appears. Looks like I just need the valve stem and sealant and tires. I have a shop compressor I can inflate it with first time to seat it.
Thing is, I race 4/5. I'm not old enough for masters 40+ for another 4 years. So, I'm pretty much limited to racing 4/5 as around here there isn't a 3/4 like for crits. In 4/5 it always seems I have the smallest tires. I didn't know any better and bought 33mm way back. I read up on it, and it seems even if I ever went to a USAC regional for my level that 35mm would still be the larger max. Not 33. Now, in 4/5 around here everyone looks like they're on easily 38mm or larger off road tires. Once in a while some young kid on a mountain bike laps the field in 4/5.
If that's all true.........any harm in going with a 38 (most I can fit) instead of a 33? Even a 35 seems like it would gain me some grip (which is where I currently suck).
I really don't want to train/race on different tires since I train a lot on gravel riding in cross season and would prefer the 38 for that.
If I'm out to have fun and not make Cat 3 or win regionals..........no harm in the 38's? I was thinking something like a Terreno 38. Then put my clincher mud tires on the spare wheelset just in case weather throws a wrench in plans. I can't convert that set tubeless as it is road tubeless, too high a pressure for seating/running a cross/gravel tire I think.
Just trying to feel out the practical implications of rules versus the norms of tires I'm seeing out there. Thanks.