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Is narrower tire most times worse?

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Is narrower tire most times worse?

Old 11-25-16, 11:39 AM
  #1  
JeffOYB
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Is narrower tire most times worse?

Maybe it depends a lot on rider weight.

I'm 6', 180lbs, say.

I enjoy tubies. When I modernized and stepped up from 28's to 32's I was awestruck by how much smoother they were. I've been relying on Grifo's.

I just tried some Dugast Typhoon 30's and -- darn! -- they felt harsh and bouncy compared to the 32 Grifos. When I let out enough air to soften the ride they would then fold on sidehills. Am I just too heavy for them?

Are 30's often used nowadays? Is that a lightweight person's width pretty much?

I often see racer-dudes with filetreads in their quiver. But do they also have wheels w narrower tires for special days, etc? Just wondering about the role of 30's nowadays...
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Old 11-25-16, 11:43 AM
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I know I'll get flamed for this, but tire selection isn't rocket science. If you're happier with 32s, why worry about 30s?

The best tire for anyone depends on their weight and riding style, and of course on the conditions on any particular course and day.
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Old 11-25-16, 11:50 AM
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Yeah, I'm sad but so far the 30 Dugasts I've been testing just don't make me smile like my 32 Grifos. I was wondering if it was me or if in general "biggish" riders just usually don't go for 30's nowadays when they can run 32's. I was wondering if 30's were more from the days of frames w less clearance. ? Or are made for skinnier riders. I also do XC skiing and WEIGHT is a big factor.

Then there are the wheels. I've been using really old 36-spoke Arc-en-Ciels w my Grifos. Maybe the 28 spoke Cane Creeks that the 30 Dugasts are on are a lot STIFFER than my oldies. ?

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Old 11-25-16, 12:08 PM
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Do yourself a favor and stop obsessing.

Yes, weight does make a difference but, as I said, this isn't a precision scientific thing.

You're approaching this as if you were programming a guided missile. Instead, think about how artillery is aimed. They estimate the range to target, aim accordingly and fire a few rounds. A spotter reports whether they're on target or how far off and they make an adjustment then fire for effect.

You've already confirmed that 32 works better for you than 30, so it's time to just ride the bike.
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Old 11-25-16, 01:24 PM
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There are lots of variables between your two wheelsets. If you want a more accurate comparison of your tires, try running the 30s on the same bike/wheels as your 32s.
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Old 05-07-17, 03:36 PM
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Riders who race and want to race more and more, its like an obsession. That's when every little thing counts.

Yet how many riders take that kind of thinking into other areas in their lives?
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Old 05-12-17, 12:34 PM
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Get your Lap times With various tires and compare?
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Old 06-20-17, 01:35 PM
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I am with everyone else. As long as you are not going to a 23 or 25 haha
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Old 07-08-17, 09:03 PM
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hah

stick to the road I say
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Old 09-05-17, 01:27 PM
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I'm thinking it's a bodyweight thing. 30's are folding on me. 32's don't. At a comparably comfy pressure. I weigh 175lbs.

I'm not obsessing -- I have these awesome top quality 30's and I'm surprised how bad they feel. It's a real bummer. Nothing overly detailed about it.

But who knows maybe wheel flex is involved. I haven't ever felt that yet but it could be. But I'm not keen on gluing/regluing tires that much. However, I *was* just bequeathed another set of Cane Creek tubie wheels so I have two matching sets of wheels that I *could* compare tires on if my can of glue was fuller. ...I'll order another.
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Old 09-06-17, 10:07 AM
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I just googled Dugast a bit and found two places that discuss the Dugast 30mm.

A french-canadian shop has a site: https://www.thecyclery.ca/dugast/ -- they say 110 lbs and under for the 30's! and 187 lbs and up for the 32's! (they also tell how to remove tread from a casing!) -- anyway, calling out IDEAL BODYWEIGHT for tires fits with my impression.

Here's a forum w a bunch of CX tire reviews. The guy says he loves the Dugast 30 for mud. But he doesn't say how much he weighs. Cross tire review | Ridemonkey Forums
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Old 09-07-17, 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by JeffOYB

A french-canadian shop they say 110 lbs and under for the 30's! and 187 lbs and up for the 32's![/url]
I guess I can't ride either one, then...
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Old 09-07-17, 01:36 PM
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Originally Posted by 12strings
I guess I can't ride either one, then...
they must have another tire in the works for riders between 111 & 186
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Old 09-08-17, 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by rumrunn6
they must have another tire in the works for riders between 111 & 186
You're only allowed on 31mm tires lol
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Old 09-15-17, 08:07 AM
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They don't care in the USA amateur scene. I think the official UCI max width is 33mm. By the caliper, not markings.
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