Tire size for 180 lb rider - Page 2 - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

05-14-2004, 01:06 PM

In article <qv9pc.493$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].verio.net>, cnhyf-
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] says...
> In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net>,
> David Kerber <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
> >I'm 180 lbs (82kg). On good blacktop (tarmac) roads, is there any lower
> >limit on tire size below which I should generally avoid going? My gut
> >feeling is that I probably shouldn't go below about 21mm, but is there
> >any truth to that feeling? Or does it depend on the rim or another
> >factor I'm not considering? I know I need an appropriately sized rim
> >for whatever tire I use.
> >
> >Disregard any ride comfort issues; for the purposes of this question,
> >I'm only concerned with tire and rim safety.
>
> I suggest a 700x23 as the lower limit, and 25 probably a better choice,
> but this does depend both on the amount of care you exercise while
> riding and the conditions where you ride. Larger tires could make sense
> for some conditions.
>
> When it comes to rim safety, more air is pretty much always better so
> you still have to make a personal decision about how much weight you
> are willing to carry in exchange for longer rim life.

Thanks for the comments. I'm looking at some new wheels and tires for
fast training rides and racing, while keeping a separate set of
"everyday" wheels for club rides, commuting, etc. So tire and rim life
just from normal wear and tear aren't a major issue, but possible
catastrophic failure at speed is. This set would be for *good roads
only*.

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Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in the
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05-14-2004, 01:23 PM

"David Kerber" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net...
> In article <qv9pc.493$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].verio.net>, cnhyf-
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] says...
> > In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net>,
> > David Kerber <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
> > >I'm 180 lbs (82kg). On good blacktop (tarmac) roads, is there any
lower
> > >limit on tire size below which I should generally avoid going? My gut
> > >feeling is that I probably shouldn't go below about 21mm, but is there
> > >any truth to that feeling? Or does it depend on the rim or another
> > >factor I'm not considering? I know I need an appropriately sized rim
> > >for whatever tire I use.
> > >
> > >Disregard any ride comfort issues; for the purposes of this question,
> > >I'm only concerned with tire and rim safety.
> >
> > I suggest a 700x23 as the lower limit, and 25 probably a better choice,
> > but this does depend both on the amount of care you exercise while
> > riding and the conditions where you ride. Larger tires could make sense
> > for some conditions.
> >
> > When it comes to rim safety, more air is pretty much always better so
> > you still have to make a personal decision about how much weight you
> > are willing to carry in exchange for longer rim life.
>
> Thanks for the comments. I'm looking at some new wheels and tires for
> fast training rides and racing, while keeping a separate set of
> "everyday" wheels for club rides, commuting, etc. So tire and rim life
> just from normal wear and tear aren't a major issue, but possible
> catastrophic failure at speed is. This set would be for *good roads
> only*.

Well, if you are only going to ride these on good roads and have another
set, then 21 is a good choice IMHO. I have had a 20 and a 19 on a bicycle
and was ok with them and I weighed 200 at the time. I did get flats now and
again, but the roads around here are terrible and I had 20 pounds on you.

I think 21's would be fine for the use you are talking about.
Curt

05-14-2004, 01:23 PM

"David Kerber" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net...
> In article <qv9pc.493$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].verio.net>, cnhyf-
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] says...
> > In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net>,
> > David Kerber <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
> > >I'm 180 lbs (82kg). On good blacktop (tarmac) roads, is there any
lower
> > >limit on tire size below which I should generally avoid going? My gut
> > >feeling is that I probably shouldn't go below about 21mm, but is there
> > >any truth to that feeling? Or does it depend on the rim or another
> > >factor I'm not considering? I know I need an appropriately sized rim
> > >for whatever tire I use.
> > >
> > >Disregard any ride comfort issues; for the purposes of this question,
> > >I'm only concerned with tire and rim safety.
> >
> > I suggest a 700x23 as the lower limit, and 25 probably a better choice,
> > but this does depend both on the amount of care you exercise while
> > riding and the conditions where you ride. Larger tires could make sense
> > for some conditions.
> >
> > When it comes to rim safety, more air is pretty much always better so
> > you still have to make a personal decision about how much weight you
> > are willing to carry in exchange for longer rim life.
>
> Thanks for the comments. I'm looking at some new wheels and tires for
> fast training rides and racing, while keeping a separate set of
> "everyday" wheels for club rides, commuting, etc. So tire and rim life
> just from normal wear and tear aren't a major issue, but possible
> catastrophic failure at speed is. This set would be for *good roads
> only*.

Well, if you are only going to ride these on good roads and have another
set, then 21 is a good choice IMHO. I have had a 20 and a 19 on a bicycle
and was ok with them and I weighed 200 at the time. I did get flats now and
again, but the roads around here are terrible and I had 20 pounds on you.

I think 21's would be fine for the use you are talking about.
Curt

05-14-2004, 01:23 PM

"David Kerber" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net...
> In article <qv9pc.493$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].verio.net>, cnhyf-
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] says...
> > In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net>,
> > David Kerber <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
> > >I'm 180 lbs (82kg). On good blacktop (tarmac) roads, is there any
lower
> > >limit on tire size below which I should generally avoid going? My gut
> > >feeling is that I probably shouldn't go below about 21mm, but is there
> > >any truth to that feeling? Or does it depend on the rim or another
> > >factor I'm not considering? I know I need an appropriately sized rim
> > >for whatever tire I use.
> > >
> > >Disregard any ride comfort issues; for the purposes of this question,
> > >I'm only concerned with tire and rim safety.
> >
> > I suggest a 700x23 as the lower limit, and 25 probably a better choice,
> > but this does depend both on the amount of care you exercise while
> > riding and the conditions where you ride. Larger tires could make sense
> > for some conditions.
> >
> > When it comes to rim safety, more air is pretty much always better so
> > you still have to make a personal decision about how much weight you
> > are willing to carry in exchange for longer rim life.
>
> Thanks for the comments. I'm looking at some new wheels and tires for
> fast training rides and racing, while keeping a separate set of
> "everyday" wheels for club rides, commuting, etc. So tire and rim life
> just from normal wear and tear aren't a major issue, but possible
> catastrophic failure at speed is. This set would be for *good roads
> only*.

Well, if you are only going to ride these on good roads and have another
set, then 21 is a good choice IMHO. I have had a 20 and a 19 on a bicycle
and was ok with them and I weighed 200 at the time. I did get flats now and
again, but the roads around here are terrible and I had 20 pounds on you.

I think 21's would be fine for the use you are talking about.
Curt

05-14-2004, 01:23 PM

"David Kerber" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net...
> In article <qv9pc.493$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].verio.net>, cnhyf-
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] says...
> > In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net>,
> > David Kerber <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
> > >I'm 180 lbs (82kg). On good blacktop (tarmac) roads, is there any
lower
> > >limit on tire size below which I should generally avoid going? My gut
> > >feeling is that I probably shouldn't go below about 21mm, but is there
> > >any truth to that feeling? Or does it depend on the rim or another
> > >factor I'm not considering? I know I need an appropriately sized rim
> > >for whatever tire I use.
> > >
> > >Disregard any ride comfort issues; for the purposes of this question,
> > >I'm only concerned with tire and rim safety.
> >
> > I suggest a 700x23 as the lower limit, and 25 probably a better choice,
> > but this does depend both on the amount of care you exercise while
> > riding and the conditions where you ride. Larger tires could make sense
> > for some conditions.
> >
> > When it comes to rim safety, more air is pretty much always better so
> > you still have to make a personal decision about how much weight you
> > are willing to carry in exchange for longer rim life.
>
> Thanks for the comments. I'm looking at some new wheels and tires for
> fast training rides and racing, while keeping a separate set of
> "everyday" wheels for club rides, commuting, etc. So tire and rim life
> just from normal wear and tear aren't a major issue, but possible
> catastrophic failure at speed is. This set would be for *good roads
> only*.

Well, if you are only going to ride these on good roads and have another
set, then 21 is a good choice IMHO. I have had a 20 and a 19 on a bicycle
and was ok with them and I weighed 200 at the time. I did get flats now and
again, but the roads around here are terrible and I had 20 pounds on you.

I think 21's would be fine for the use you are talking about.
Curt

05-14-2004, 01:23 PM

"David Kerber" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net...
> In article <qv9pc.493$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].verio.net>, cnhyf-
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] says...
> > In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net>,
> > David Kerber <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
> > >I'm 180 lbs (82kg). On good blacktop (tarmac) roads, is there any
lower
> > >limit on tire size below which I should generally avoid going? My gut
> > >feeling is that I probably shouldn't go below about 21mm, but is there
> > >any truth to that feeling? Or does it depend on the rim or another
> > >factor I'm not considering? I know I need an appropriately sized rim
> > >for whatever tire I use.
> > >
> > >Disregard any ride comfort issues; for the purposes of this question,
> > >I'm only concerned with tire and rim safety.
> >
> > I suggest a 700x23 as the lower limit, and 25 probably a better choice,
> > but this does depend both on the amount of care you exercise while
> > riding and the conditions where you ride. Larger tires could make sense
> > for some conditions.
> >
> > When it comes to rim safety, more air is pretty much always better so
> > you still have to make a personal decision about how much weight you
> > are willing to carry in exchange for longer rim life.
>
> Thanks for the comments. I'm looking at some new wheels and tires for
> fast training rides and racing, while keeping a separate set of
> "everyday" wheels for club rides, commuting, etc. So tire and rim life
> just from normal wear and tear aren't a major issue, but possible
> catastrophic failure at speed is. This set would be for *good roads
> only*.

Well, if you are only going to ride these on good roads and have another
set, then 21 is a good choice IMHO. I have had a 20 and a 19 on a bicycle
and was ok with them and I weighed 200 at the time. I did get flats now and
again, but the roads around here are terrible and I had 20 pounds on you.

I think 21's would be fine for the use you are talking about.
Curt

05-14-2004, 01:31 PM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net>,
David Kerber <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
>
>Thanks for the comments. I'm looking at some new wheels and tires for
>fast training rides and racing, while keeping a separate set of
>"everyday" wheels for club rides, commuting, etc. So tire and rim life
>just from normal wear and tear aren't a major issue, but possible
>catastrophic failure at speed is. This set would be for *good roads
>only*.

Well if you care about going fast then the 700x23 is still good, apparently
the very small tire sizes actually have more rolling resistance.

I have been pretty happy with Michelin and it's easy to find them
at deep discounts. I use the Axial Carbon as a training tire and
have the Pro Race on a set of light wheels I use occasionally. Michelin
casings seem tough and stiff to me compared to most other high end
tires which is both good and bad.

I rode many of the Continental tires and find the tread lasts
well for me, harder tread to cut than the Michelins.

I went through Vredestein Fortezza Tri-Comps very quickly as they
cut easily and developed longitudinal cracks between the different
sections of tread... duh! The casing is also wimpy compared to
Michelin, rides nice for 500 miles.

I like Avocets but they are virtually impossible to find at
bike shops.

I recently tried the Trek Bontrager Race Lite tires and found
they also cut easily and did not get many miles from them.

I took a Kenda Koncept on a century ride because I had a piece of
wire embedded in my regular tire that I was having trouble extracting.
The Kenda was a one-ride tire, blew a 2" gash right down the middle of
the tread. Never saw what was stuck in it. They are surprisingly light
and cheap.

05-14-2004, 01:31 PM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net>,
David Kerber <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
>
>Thanks for the comments. I'm looking at some new wheels and tires for
>fast training rides and racing, while keeping a separate set of
>"everyday" wheels for club rides, commuting, etc. So tire and rim life
>just from normal wear and tear aren't a major issue, but possible
>catastrophic failure at speed is. This set would be for *good roads
>only*.

Well if you care about going fast then the 700x23 is still good, apparently
the very small tire sizes actually have more rolling resistance.

I have been pretty happy with Michelin and it's easy to find them
at deep discounts. I use the Axial Carbon as a training tire and
have the Pro Race on a set of light wheels I use occasionally. Michelin
casings seem tough and stiff to me compared to most other high end
tires which is both good and bad.

I rode many of the Continental tires and find the tread lasts
well for me, harder tread to cut than the Michelins.

I went through Vredestein Fortezza Tri-Comps very quickly as they
cut easily and developed longitudinal cracks between the different
sections of tread... duh! The casing is also wimpy compared to
Michelin, rides nice for 500 miles.

I like Avocets but they are virtually impossible to find at
bike shops.

I recently tried the Trek Bontrager Race Lite tires and found
they also cut easily and did not get many miles from them.

I took a Kenda Koncept on a century ride because I had a piece of
wire embedded in my regular tire that I was having trouble extracting.
The Kenda was a one-ride tire, blew a 2" gash right down the middle of
the tread. Never saw what was stuck in it. They are surprisingly light
and cheap.

05-14-2004, 01:31 PM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net>,
David Kerber <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
>
>Thanks for the comments. I'm looking at some new wheels and tires for
>fast training rides and racing, while keeping a separate set of
>"everyday" wheels for club rides, commuting, etc. So tire and rim life
>just from normal wear and tear aren't a major issue, but possible
>catastrophic failure at speed is. This set would be for *good roads
>only*.

Well if you care about going fast then the 700x23 is still good, apparently
the very small tire sizes actually have more rolling resistance.

I have been pretty happy with Michelin and it's easy to find them
at deep discounts. I use the Axial Carbon as a training tire and
have the Pro Race on a set of light wheels I use occasionally. Michelin
casings seem tough and stiff to me compared to most other high end
tires which is both good and bad.

I rode many of the Continental tires and find the tread lasts
well for me, harder tread to cut than the Michelins.

I went through Vredestein Fortezza Tri-Comps very quickly as they
cut easily and developed longitudinal cracks between the different
sections of tread... duh! The casing is also wimpy compared to
Michelin, rides nice for 500 miles.

I like Avocets but they are virtually impossible to find at
bike shops.

I recently tried the Trek Bontrager Race Lite tires and found
they also cut easily and did not get many miles from them.

I took a Kenda Koncept on a century ride because I had a piece of
wire embedded in my regular tire that I was having trouble extracting.
The Kenda was a one-ride tire, blew a 2" gash right down the middle of
the tread. Never saw what was stuck in it. They are surprisingly light
and cheap.

05-14-2004, 01:31 PM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].net>,
David Kerber <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
>
>Thanks for the comments. I'm looking at some new wheels and tires for
>fast training rides and racing, while keeping a separate set of
>"everyday" wheels for club rides, commuting, etc. So tire and rim life
>just from normal wear and tear aren't a major issue, but possible
>catastrophic failure at speed is. This set would be for *good roads
>only*.

Well if you care about going fast then the 700x23 is still good, apparently
the very small tire sizes actually have more rolling resistance.

I have been pretty happy with Michelin and it's easy to find them
at deep discounts. I use the Axial Carbon as a training tire and
have the Pro Race on a set of light wheels I use occasionally. Michelin
casings seem tough and stiff to me compared to most other high end
tires which is both good and bad.

I rode many of the Continental tires and find the tread lasts
well for me, harder tread to cut than the Michelins.

I went through Vredestein Fortezza Tri-Comps very quickly as they
cut easily and developed longitudinal cracks between the different
sections of tread... duh! The casing is also wimpy compared to
Michelin, rides nice for 500 miles.

I like Avocets but they are virtually impossible to find at
bike shops.

I recently tried the Trek Bontrager Race Lite tires and found
they also cut easily and did not get many miles from them.

I took a Kenda Koncept on a century ride because I had a piece of
wire embedded in my regular tire that I was having trouble extracting.
The Kenda was a one-ride tire, blew a 2" gash right down the middle of
the tread. Never saw what was stuck in it. They are surprisingly light
and cheap.