25’s or 28’s?

[uber]

I get it; less rolling resistance at the same tire pressure in the 28 compared to the 25. At the same deflection, comparable rolling resistance between the two. 28’s weigh a bit more. Aero advantage is a question based on the rim width? So what are most of you knowledgeable riders using these days?

[unterhausen]

I generally use the biggest tires I can. Rolling resistance is very much a function of the specific tire, moreso than size.

When I was riding a bike that only took 28s, I switched from 25mm to 28mm in the same Bontrager tire model. It turned out they were exactly the same tire.

[Mark McM]

The answer is: Yes.

A lot of people are using tires labeled "25" on wide rims which inflate out to an actual width of 28mm.

[charliedid]

I like 25-28 on my current road bike. 32 "feels" too big and lumbering to me.

[mhespenheide]

Our local roads are beat to heck and back, so I like to run 30-32mm tires. If I could consistently find smoother pavement, I'd probably run a 27-28mm (actual measured width) tire.

[MagicHour]

I don't race, rarely do group rides, nor am I knowledgeable... but depends on the roads? For me, 28 can handle most anything, debris even some unpaved surfaces, whereas 25 prefer smooth roads and bluebird days. I could even see going bigger eventually to <35, that's where discs start to become more appealing to me in a future bike.

[unterhausen]

Originally Posted by mhespenheide

Our local roads are beat to heck and back, so I like to run 30-32mm tires. If I could consistently find smoother pavement, I'd probably run a 27-28mm (actual measured width) tire.

That's my consideration, I dumped 25mm after pinch flatting on a pothole. Haven't done that yet on 32mm tires, but they aren't big enough to just hit things like 40mm is. I just got tired of always worrying about the road surface.

I think I might get 28mm for my next trip to France, road surface is much better

[BRad704]

I like 25's... I really like SWorks Turbo 26's... But if my road frame could take it, I'd be on 28's.

[romalor]

both depending on what I ride and where
they have both advantages and disadvtanges

for fast groupes rides except on bad roads
it's 25mm on wide rims so 26 to 28mm measured

under 35km/k avg speed and alone and flat or downhill i really like 28mm on 23mm internal 30mm external deep carbon rims , they measure up to 30 mm
really nice

but on average or goods roads especially if a lot of climbing is required I am faster with 25mm nominative width tires

[saab2000]

I replaced some Vittoria Open Corsa 25s with the exact same tires in a 28 this autumn. I only got a couple rides on it but it didn't actually blow me away. I will try more and varied surfaces but I still don't know if I'm a fan of tires bigger than 25s for 99% of paved riding.

In fact, 23s on wide rims (20mm internal) at about 80 PSI produced the closest sensations to quality Veloflex tubulars I've yet experienced. Close enough to make me sort of quit tubulars. 25s don't seem 'better', but do have more air volume and it's not a negative. Eventually, weight and aerodynamics will produce a negative effect. For example, I ride a bike with 38s and while they're comfy and roll over everything, that bike also slower than a pure road bike with regular ride tires.

The point of diminishing returns or negative returns will be different for everyone and will be based on many factors. For me that point is probably about a 25mm tire but when I get back out on the road I will give the 28s a fair shot to see if I end up liking them. It's probably close to double the actual volume of a 23.

[skiezo]

For me it really depends on what the bike will fit. I have 25 tubies on my Ti road and 28 clinchers on my Sarto Classica. So between these two I see little difference between these two as far as the ride. I really do not see a whole world of difference between the ride of a few mm width.

[Pinned]

I started road riding on 25s that I later found out measured closer to 28. I've got mainly 28s measuring between 28 and 31 on my bikes now and they're great. They corner well, ride smoothly, and I'm not super worried about road surface when I go out for a ride. Speed, as related to watts, is such a wild discussion for most of us - it doesn't matter. I've PR'd things on my heaviest bike with the heaviest wheels and tires, so while I like a tire that rolls quickly it's not at the top of my list of priorities.

Anyways, go for the 28s. The current generation of 28c tires are awesome.

[rnhood]

Originally Posted by BRad704

I like 25's... I really like SWorks Turbo 26's... But if my road frame could take it, I'd be on 28's.

Same Turbo 26’s are excellent. I like Conti 25’s too. But if my bike would take 28, I’d be on Turbo 28’s.

[Hilltopperny]

For everyday riding here in the Northeast USA I like 27 or 28mm that typically hit the 30mm mark on wider internal rims. Enough to hit unpaved stuff without worrying and smooth out chip seal and rough paved roads that I encounter. I don’t feel as fast as when riding 25 or 23mm tires, but the 27mm+ tires feel more comfortable and are likely a negligible amount faster because of it.


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[BigLips]

I recently put 28s on narrow rims on a steel bike and at 80/85 psi the ride was amazing. I felt just as fast, but it was so much more comfortable. I'd be curious to see what 28s or 30s feel like on a modern, wide rim, but I think I'd need different brakes for that.