What's better for rough roads: Ti frame w/25 tires or Steel frame w/28 tires

[SlackMan]

I'm hoping to get some helpful advice on this question. Suppose there are two frames with identical geometry except that the titanium one only fits 700x25 tires and the steel one fits 700x28 tires. The roads I ride are pretty rough chip and seal. Which frame would give the more forgiving ride? I would ride the 28 tires at lower pressure than the 25s.

Would anything change about the answer if instead of a Ti frame, it were a Ti/carbon mix frame?

I am comparing Serotta Fiertes in Ti or Ti-carbon to a steel frame with similar geo. My understanding is that they Fiertes will likely only fit 25 wide tires, but the steel frame I am considering will fit 28s.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[joosttx]

I would argue that tire pressure is more important than the parameters that you present. iOW, the parameters you present make no diff. You'll be fine with either one. You cannot go wrong with your decision.

[vav]

Originally Posted by SlackMan

I am comparing Serotta Fiertes in Ti or Ti-carbon to a steel frame with similar geo. My understanding is that they Fiertes will likely only fit 25 wide tires, but the steel frame I am considering will fit 28s.

Thanks for any thoughts.

FWIW I had a Fierte all steel and a Fierte IT (Ti-carbon) and 28s worked fine. On the IT the fork was a Serotta O2. Can't remember the steel one.
Plus lots of variation amongst 28 tires concerning true size

[Ken Robb]

ATMO bigger tires at lower pressures will trump any variation in frame materials. Adding suspension will of course contribute a cushier ride too. My Strada Bianca with YBB rear end and 700x30 tires is close to a magic carpet.

[tumbler]

Easy... Ti frame and 28c. Just built mine up and it's

[ceolwulf]

Some steel frames will be more comfortable than the Ti Fierte and some less.

Some 25mm tires will be more comfortable than some 28mm.

[bicycletricycle]

Bigger tires equal lower pressure equal more comfort

[MattTuck]

I agree with above. 28 tires, regardless of frame material.

now, there are other reasons to get a Ti frame... but for rough roads, I think I'd always opt for the bigger tire clearance.

[saab2000]

Tires likely win. What's the steel frame? Fork?

My Serotta with 22/23mm tubulars is awful hard to beat.

[dekindy]

The only way to know is to ride the bikes and compare them.

Between those two choices I can think of many other variables that I would consider and ride would not be one of them; assumption that both will be fantastic riding bikes.

I have a Serotta Legend SE ST with carbon stays and a Serotta F3 fork and a Waterford RS-22 made of S3 tubing and a Reynolds carbon fork. Neither were made custom for me. The guys at the LBS say my Legend with Shimano road tubeless wheels and Hutchinson road tubeless tires is the smoothest riding bike there is. I have Velocity Deep V's with Vittoria Open Pave CG on the Waterford and it is a fine riding bike also. I am afraid to put the Shimano wheel/Hutchinson tire combination on the Waterford for fear that it will ride better than my Legend!

[enr1co]

Ti with 27's at 90-95 psi definitely helps with comfort over bumpy stuff.
I imagine a good steel frame with 27's or 28's would make for a comfortable ride also.

[cnighbor1]

I suggest you read latest's issue bicycle Quarterly and race / ride acroos Oregon. Mostly gravel roads of all types
Jan Heine goes with lower pressure 85psi and supple tires 32c up
but 28c can work

[marciero]

Originally Posted by cnighbor1

I suggest you read latest's issue bicycle Quarterly and race / ride acroos Oregon. Mostly gravel roads of all types
Jan Heine goes with lower pressure 85psi and supple tires 32c up
but 28c can work

35psi and 42 plus???

[guido]

Higher volume of air lets you run with lower pressure. Lower pressure means a more resilient ride because the tire can flex to absorb the bumps and surface irregularities.

[SlackMan]

Looks like the building consensus is for wider tires over different frame material. That is what my intuition was, but it's nice to get confirmation. Thanks all.