Originally Posted by
adam.schwartz4
Informal poll here. in 2012 I bought a Bianchi Volpe and at the time it was the most expensive thing I'd ever purchased. Used my FSA which was due to expire and incredibly wrote off the Italian steed as an expense....hope the wrong people don't see this.
Anyway, back then 32mm was a solid sized tire, and my chainstay spacing is proof of that lol. But my things have certainly changed. I've been loyal to Schwalbe Marathons for over a decade, but 5K miles later through all sorts of NYC streets and upstate gravel, it's finally time for a change. I really want to go up in size, but I am SUPER reluctant to remove my fenders just for a test (they get in the way when I try to see the fit with my commuter wheel with Pasela 38s). Adjusting fenders is my nightmare wrench activity...
Either way I highly doubt I can jam anything bigger than 38 in there!
So here's my question: am I really missing out by riding 32s? Is it worth even the nominal gain in tire size to go 35?
I feel like even 38 is considered thin these days and I wanna know if I'm missing out! I do lots of touring over summer, mostly road with some light gravel. I'm deeply inspired by the Jan Heine Bicycle Quarterly way of thinking and if anything want to get some supple shoes with solid flat protection on my Volpe. Thinking the Soma Shikoros....or just saying screw it and buying another pair of Marathons. Discuss!
not sure what you really want, but here is my experience.
Yes, if 38s are tight, and or not possible with fenders (and if you want to keep fenders, very handy I find) then I can say that from commuting on 35s, they do add a bit more cushion and give compared to 32's, and for rough pavement, I like how they feel.
I should add that I ride diff bikes using tires from 28 slicks to 35s, to 45/50's to 45 winter studded, in a city on often crappy roads and also on all kinds of surfaces, dirt, sand, you name it.
I personally use regular 35mm Marathons, Greenguard versions, so not the Plus, which I would find too heavy and stiff. With my 35s, when using not overly high pressures, they do a nice job of absorbing rough stuff, so I'm very happy with them as an inbetween (ie, my riding with 28s and larger 45/50s)
good luck with your choice.
Regular marathons are also a great balance of longevity and flat protection vs cost vs weight , in my opinion.