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25mm vs. 23mm, how do you eat yours?

What do you folks use?
Anyone feel the difference? The 25mm tyre wall looks taller and feels softer to ride.

(I've just assembled a new bike/carbon frame running on 23mm.
This feels quite harsh to the 2010 version on 25mm.
Could it just be the tyres?)

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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13 comments

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ianrobo | 9 years ago
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when I had to replace my 23mm I went on advice from LBS to 25mm for more stability on descents. If you look at my speed now, whether in the mind or not it has worked !

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BrokenBootneck | 9 years ago
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I have hit more K.O.M.s on my 32's than my 25's all around Southampton I think mainly due to their ability to just ride over everything. Running 28's now on my commuter, and my road bike will only take 25's. being a heavier rider @ 83Kilos I will never go back to 23's its so much nicer!

"you can't blame him. You gotta figure that boinking Evelyn is like riding a bicycle over train tracks. You'll get where you're going, but you're gonna feel every bump."

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P3t3 | 9 years ago
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28 rear and 25 front on my caad. Tried a 30 but it rubbed the frame. Shame as it was the most lovely feeling tyre ever. Anybody want a 44 km old Challenge Strada Bianca for £20? In brand new condition.

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2 Wheeled Idiot | 9 years ago
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23mm coz there isn't clearance for much wider.
Would move to 25's if they would fit

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SamShaw | 9 years ago
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What were you riding previously? Carbon/alu/steel/ti/bamboo(!) all feel quite different, even carbon bikes feel different in terms of how they handle road surfaces eg. I had an older model Cervélo S2 and needed a replacement frame so I got the new model (black/blue one) and it's much comfier due to the thinner seat stays.

Having said that, I'm a big fan of 25mm tyres, I'd probably go bigger in winter if my winter bike frame allowed it, but my summer wheels are now on 25mm and I wouldn't go back. One thing to check is the pressure - try lowering them to the lower end of the recommended scale on the sidewall, see if that changes anything, though you also need to consider rider weight as low pressures can lead to pinch flats if you're a bit larger.

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CXR94Di2 | 9 years ago
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I went from 32mm to 25mm. 32mm are by far smoother but 25mm are 1mph quicker

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jollygoodvelo | 9 years ago
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Rubino Pro Tech 25mm. Like riding on air even at 120psi.

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Jeroen0110 replied to jollygoodvelo | 9 years ago
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Gizmo_ wrote:

Rubino Pro Tech 25mm. Like riding on air even at 120psi.

I see what you did there  41

Fwiw I'm a fat bastard at 105kgs and run 23s @120psi. Will investigate 25s When these need replacing, I'm curious to see what all the fuss is about. All I hear is lower pressure more comfort equal or more Speed. We shall see.

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Al__S | 9 years ago
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on the commuter: 28 on the front, 35 on the back. luxury! On the "weekend" bike- currently 23s. Because I'm a tart and wanted coloured sidewalls. Huge ranges of colour available in 23mm, same sorts of tyres tend to just come in black at 25mm (don't think frame will take 28)

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BBB | 9 years ago
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28mm on wide rims.

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Fish_n_Chips | 9 years ago
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More comfort = happier/faster rider in my books.

Ok going to order a set of Conti Gp's.

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hsiaolc | 9 years ago
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I started at 23 and at 120 psi.

Now I am running Schwalbe one 28 both front and back at only 95psi.

I am looking to go 28 tubeless and run at even lower psi. Comfort is brilliant.

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bechdan | 9 years ago
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I changed my rear tyre from Michelin pro3 23c to pro4 25c and noticed an increase in ride comfort but no noticeable increase in drag, so thumbs up from me.
I've no data to back this up but I'm happier and my understanding is there's reduced chance of snake bites too.

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