Tires, 23's vs. 25's, brands?

[HappyAnika]

For all of you who have struggled to change a tire, try this nifty little tool from Crank Brothers:

http://www.crankbrothers.com/speedlever.php

Thanks, this might be the gadget someone at work today was trying to explain to me.

Do you really think you are going 0.5mph slower? That's a lot!

Its hard to say, the two rides I did this weekend were routes I'd never done before, and for once there was little wind (Yippee! ). I averaged about 0.5 mph faster than most of my rides this month. The best gauge will be my 20 mi. ride into work during which the riding conditions are typically very repeatable, but I won't be doing that until next week.

[spokewench]

I used to run 19's to race, but I also rode on good roads (not a lot of potholes and bumps), mostly in California. I run 23's to ride regularly around here in Flag. They are much more comfortable and take the punishment of potholes and the likes a little better and my body takes that punishment a little better with the more forgiving tire.

Last year for the Bicycle Tour, I rode 23s - and they were great. The roads were in good shape and so I got added comfort and more rollability; but then my hubby rode 25s cause he wanted even more forgiveness. He is heavier than I am so I think that has something to do with it too.

If you are not racing, it is all for comfort. You aren't going to add that much time to any ride by getting a wider or narrow tire, especially if you are just talking 23s vs. 25s.

spoke