Any Disadvantages to a Wider Tire on a Road Bike (25)

Triathlon Forum
1

We got my Dad (56yo) a Specialized Roubaix for his birthday this year, a big upgrade from his old Giant OCR 3. He loves the bike and how comfortable he is on it. However, the stock tires were pretty cheap and got chewed up so he needs some new tires.

I have always liked Continental tires and am currently riding the Grand Prix 4000S. I was going to recommend those to him as well, however, the standard Grand Prix 4000 comes in a 25mm width as opposed to the 23mm of the 4000S, and I was thinking the wider tire could give him a little more comfort.

For a recreational rider, are there any drawbacks to a wider tire? I know the 4000S is supposed to have lower rolling resistance because of the “Black Chili” compound, but I think for him, the increased comfort would make more difference than slightly less rolling resistance. Any opinions?

2

I use my road bike for everything: commute, train, race. On a daily basis, I now ride on 25 Contis. I was surprised by the ride difference with my usual 23 Michelin PR2’s.

I will stick to 23’s for races, but I must admit that the little extra confort of the 25’s is nice for the normal use, and I don’t see that much of a speed difference in an “every day” use. And considering some of the road surface I have to deal with, the difference is also worth it.

3

At ‘recreational’ speeds, the aerodynamic difference between a 23 and 25 are negligible. The 25 can be run at a lower pressure, can yield a slightly lower rolling resistance, better cornering traction, and are more comfortable.

There are only two advantages to thinner tires - aerodynamics when racing, and if you have tight stays, they’re less likely to rub if you’re pushing enough power to flex the wheel (unlikely).

4

On some of the chipseal and coarser pavements a 25, besides being more comfortable, might be a bit faster.

5

One distinct disadvantage to 25’s is that roadies might make fun of you.

6

Put him on the 25s. The only drawback would be the aerodynamics…which don’t matter much unless he’s looking for time savings in a race.

Smart riders use 25s whenever they can in training and general riding.

7

I would agree, I think the 25s in this case is a pretty straightforward decision and they should provide some additional comfort for him.

8

Great, thanks for the replies everyone.

The Conti GP 4000 is a pretty good tire, plus the extra width should provide him some comfort and Nashbar has a good sale going on right now.

Thanks again.

9

One distinct disadvantage to 25’s is that roadies might make fun of you.
I completely disagree - in the shitty Wisconsin winter, all of the roadies are out on their 32 spoke box-section wheels with 25mm tires. It is the triathletes who still try to ride trick-looking wheels and tires in the winter

10

agree on 25s

I think if he is just a recreational rider you should put him on gatorskins though, since he probably isnt great at changing flats
.

11

Nah, he is pretty fit and plenty handy. Changing flats isn’t a problem for him.

Thanks for the caution though.

12

Hell, as long as you have the clearance… I run a 25F/28R on my winter bike, for all the same reasons you’d want to move up from 23 to 25, only more of it…