drjay9051

My Scott came with 23 mm tires. i am heavy at 259, down from 280 just a couple of months ago. looking for 200-210.

I have had no issue with my 23 mm tires but have been "advised" by far better riders that I MUST change out to 25 mm. Any thoughts on this?

I am not flatting and the ride seems fine to me. Can i stick with the 23 or for the few bucks better to go 25 ??

They claim my tires are on borrowed time with my weight.

bikerjp

If you are not getting flats I'd say you are probably fine. Wear them out and then maybe give the 25s a try. Some say a slightly better ride on 25mm tires but no reason to toss perfectly good tires.

Can't speak to the weight but I'm 200lbs and have not had issues on 23mm tires.

Nagrom_

They're full of it. You're fine.

Big Lebowski

I have no idea, but I'm subscribed to this thread.

I swapped out the stock Continental Ultra Sports 28's on my commuter for Continental Gatorskins 23's, but that was so I could get plenty of clearance for the fenders. Otherwise, I cannot tell any difference. I'm just happy to have tires that are resistant to all of the junk that I encounter on my pre-dawn commute.

popeye

No, but the wheels might be another story.

mprelaw

While I'm waiting for a resolution of my warranty issue on my good bike, I'm riding my winter/back-up bike, which is an 80s vintage touring bike with 27 x 1-1/4" tires. Is the ride a little better than it was on my 23 mm tires? Maybe a bit, but not enough that I'd consider running 32 mm tires when I get things settled. "Ride improvement" tends to be subjective with many people.

I rode 3 centuries last year on 23 mm tires, and a fairly aggressive frame. I didn't suffer. The roads around here aren't in great shape. The state and towns don't have the cash these days to keep on repairing winter damage from salting and freezing/re-freezing. Granted, I only weigh around 160, but I'm also 59 years old.

datlas 

Since you already have 23's I would stick with them.

However you may like the feel of 25's, and you would be able to get away running lower pressure on them too...so when the stock tires wear out you may want to try the 25's.

But if someone says you "MUST" change them out, they are full of you-know-what.

berner

If not having any problems with 23mm tires, I see no reason to change. If you want to experiment, you could try a 25mm tire just on the back.

TrojanHorse

I changed from 23mm to 25mm this year, er, last year. The difference was enormous! Nah, I'm kidding. It's only slightly noticeable because I run 10 psi lower with the larger tires. It's 1 freaking millimeter on both sides at the most, it's not magic.

I would stick with what you have, no need to waste money. Feel free to get 25mm when you need a new tire. Theoretically it should help with any potential pinch flats.

coasting 

I'm a bit heavy and I've ridden 20mm on an older bike. Seemed ok to me. I bet it's not that big a deal.

qqy

At 260, what are you running your 23s at? To maintain the correct tire deflection, most MFGs would suggest a very high pressure at your weight. I think 25s would be more comfortable as they would allow to run a lower pressure for the same performance. Having been riding 25s on wide rims, I don't think I'll ever go back as the ride is much nicer.

That said, if you're happy now no real reason to change. But I too would strongly suggest, when you wear out your current tires, a 25 or even a 28 at that weight. Congrats on your loss so far!

lolguy

I'm 230, down from 268 and am now riding 25's as they were stock on my new bike. I had no qualms or issues with the 23's and am holding on to them for when the 25's wear down. A little silly to toss away perfectly good tires.

bianchi10

Here is a thread that I started a while ago that may have more info to help. I would say a 25mm would be more comfortable for you. I ended up going with the 25's and so far they have been noticeably more comfortable than the 23's. Not a WOW factor noticeable, but noticeable.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=25mm+tires

Bacciagalupe

Tire widths are also aren't well standardized. One manufacturer's "23c" can be the same width as another's "25c."

You might as well keep using what you've got until the tires wear out. At that time, you might want to replace them with a 25c at a slightly lower pressure.

Myosmith

Don't worry about it. If you are happy with the performance of your 23s, just keep them properly inflated and ride them until the start having flats or start looking pretty worn out. I would suggest that at your weight, or even for guys quite a bit lighter, that you might be happier with 25s or even 28s depending on your style of riding. Contrary to roadie fokelore, it won't turn you into a slug and may actually improve overall performance.

99Klein 

25's feel a bit better to me, mostly do to lower pressure. You have much less selection with them though.

canyoneagle

As long as you don't feel like the 23's at high pressure are beating you up, you're fine. 25's may offer a touch more comfort, but it does not sound like that is an issue.

Chesha Neko

I started at 32's, went to 25's, and then down to 23's -- all while weighing 250. I know I am supposed to prefer wider tires but it hard to beat the ride quality of a Veloflex Corsa or some of the other premium tires. There is more to ride quality that size.

Chandne

Been using 23s, and am considering 25mm for the comfort and (hopefully) cornering edge. I'm 185. I think Conti makes the GP4000s in 25mm, but have they resolved the sidewall issue?

type36

I will be finding out soon, just bought a pair of them.

TANC

All I've ever ridden (25s), and I've never had an issue of any kind. Wouldn't ride anything else.

Swo0p

Quick question.. I'm a cycling newbie.

I have a cylocross bike that I put some road tires on (28 mm). However I saw some 23 mm road tires on sale and ordered them since their color would look awesome on my bike..

Is it stupid if I wanted to put different sized tires on the bike? Like the 23s only on the front wheel? Or should it then be the back wheel (is there a general rule to follow)?

Swo0p

Any help

MinnMan

I don't think you're violating any rule. Maybe it will look a little funny.

bbeasley

I started at 252 2.5 years ago on 23s. Now, 5500 miles later I'm 208 and still have 23s on my Roadie and Fixed Gear. No wheel issues and no more or less flats than anybody else I ride with.