Quote:
Originally Posted by mtechnica
It's ridiculous based on physics and reality. I don't care what Jan Heine or Freds are saying TBH. What I can say for certain is that aerodynamics and rolling resistance directly affect speed.
The difference between an aero road wheel with a matched tire (rim and tire width) versus a shallow wheel with say a 2" wide MTB tire is a significant and measurable amount of aerodynamic drag. Say at 20mph, at least 10 watts if not much more.
Same goes for rolling resistance. Between a great road tire and an average gravel tire there is at least a 10w difference at 20mph, if not much more.
This theory plays out plainly IRL. Ride with the same group of roadies then take the gravel bike one day, it is A LOT MORE WORK to keep up.
Now, this applies mostly to paved surface, but on smooth gravel you will find the fastest riders are using the narrowest tire they can get away with.
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Nobody was talking about MTB wheels. Hopefully you haven't "left the main forum yet" I said "Fat or Skinny" "Big or Small" ie. 32 vs 23, 700 vs 650B... same tire, same bike, set up at same wheel weight. It's Miniscule.
If you want to talk about significant differences in speed on a bike vs miniscule differences the order would start with:
1. Body position
2. Clothing (tight fitting vs loose)
3. Body weight (w/kg)
4. Large differences in bicycle weight >2kg
etc. etc.
Agreed?
the difference between a 23mm tire and a 30mm tire is miniscule by comparison, especially when you measure for factors such as hysteresis, advantages of grip while descending etc.
But maybe you're one of the people who believe that 700x20's at 140psi are saving you massive amounts of time vs 700 x 30's while riding totally upright with a 180mm headtube in a flappy jersey. If so, be my guest.