Tire Size for Larger Biker

700x25 or 28 Conti Ultra Gator Skins

krazie662 said:

Hi,

I just was given a used road bike to use and found the ride quite different from my hybrid. My hybrid had 700x35C tires and the road bike came with 700x20C tires. Needless to say, at 200+ lbs, I felt a little unstable on the 20C tires. Does someone of my size need a larger tire, is so, what size do you reccomend?

Thanks

700C x 20mm tyres are the result of an extinct fad (outside velodromes). They demonstrate higher rolling resistance than 23mm on all but polished surfaces. You'll be fine on properly inflated 23mm or 25mm tyres.

Will I be able to just simply swap the tires out? Will new 23 or 25 c tires fit on my wheel (and over the tube) correctly?

Thanks

krazie662 said:

Will I be able to just simply swap the tires out? Will new 23 or 25 c tires fit on my wheel (and over the tube) correctly?

Thanks

Yes, you can just swap the tyres. Check that the inner tubes aren't too old.

krazie662 said:

Hi,

I just was given a used road bike to use and found the ride quite different from my hybrid. My hybrid had 700x35C tires and the road bike came with 700x20C tires. Needless to say, at 200+ lbs, I felt a little unstable on the 20C tires. Does someone of my size need a larger tire, is so, what size do you reccomend?

Thanks

I strongly recommend you consider going all the way to 28s. I've been riding 28s for two seasons now and have been very happy with the ride. I don't believe you'll perceive any difference in "rolling resistence" and will only enjoy more comfort as well as better suitability to your size. The larger tire will require less pressure to support your weight properly. There is some information nowadays that indicates that lower pressure/wider tires actually roll more efficiently over rough surfaces like rough pavement and chip seal, since they roll more smoothly through the irregularities instead of bouncing over them. More horizontal motion, less vertical, is how I understand it. Regardless, if you're more comfortable (less vibration, jarring), you will tend to tolerate faster speeds rather than slowing down for comfort. Believe me this is a factor when the road surface is rough.

You need to make sure that there's enough clearance for 28s, but my bike has a pretty racy design (Cannondale CAAD7 optimo) and they fit. Couldn't go any bigger, but these fit. I have to work the tire through the brake, but it works fine. I remove and replace my tire twice almost every day and it's not irritating at all.

That's my experience.