Switched to Wider Rims and 25mm Tires - LIKE

[Scott in MD]

I switched the 32mm deep Reynolds carbon hoops on my Spesh Tarmac over to an aluminum box-shaped cross-section HED Ardennes SL with a 23mm wide brake track (versus 21mm) and changed tires from Conti GP4000s to Specialized Roubaix 23/25 ... basically a narrow 25mm tire ... and really like the smoother ride.

I'm 6-1 and 175... I was surprised enough at the difference in ride that I put the Reynolds back on to compare side-by-side again ... and yes. Smoother. And heavier. And I have some very anecdotal evidence that they may be a little slower (one pass down the big hill on my regular ride is the first time in a while I did not crack 50 MPH but it is hard to say at this point. I am sticking with the bigger tires over the summer and will follow up on this.

Anybody else got an opinion or experience on 25's or wider rim tracks?

[jmchapple]

I switched the 32mm deep Reynolds carbon hoops on my Spesh Tarmac over to an aluminum box-shaped cross-section HED Ardennes SL with a 23mm wide brake track (versus 21mm) and changed tires from Conti GP4000s to Specialized Roubaix 23/25 ... basically a narrow 25mm tire ... and really like the smoother ride.

I'm 6-1 and 175... I was surprised enough at the difference in ride that I put the Reynolds back on to compare side-by-side again ... and yes. Smoother. And heavier. And I have some very anecdotal evidence that they may be a little slower (one pass down the big hill on my regular ride is the first time in a while I did not crack 50 MPH but it is hard to say at this point. I am sticking with the bigger tires over the summer and will follow up on this.

Anybody else got an opinion or experience on 25's or wider rim tracks?

I switched to all 25mm tires two years ago but i haven't done the rims yet. I race crits and they handle much better. i am the same size as you, btw

[Pitts Pilot]

I recently switched from Ksyrium Elites(19mm)/Conti4000s(23mm) to HED C2(23mm/Conti4000s(25mm) and am VERY HAPPY. Those 25s measure 28mm on that rim. I'm 150lb and mostly climb and descend steep and curvy. Much smoother - more comfy - and very confidence inspiring on the descents. I'm currently running this set up 85r/80f. - Best thing I've done to my bike in years. The nice thing about wide rims in addition to the 25mm tires is that it's still easy to remove/install the wheel, as it passes easily through the pads.

[ewitz]

Not all bikes will accomdate a 25mm tire.

[SByota]

6-04 220lbs here. Switched to 25's on my last tire change, about 1500 miles ago, loving them. Wider rims are on the horizon now.