Thoughts on road tubeless sizing

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DenverScorcher
Posts: 14
Joined: Wed Jun 09, 2010 2:52 am

by DenverScorcher

Trying to decide between 23c or 25c tubeless tires on a new (bontrager rxl) tubeless wheelset. I currently run 25c tubed and love the lower pressure and cornering but with tubeless it seems that much of these positives can be achieved with 23c while also delivering a smoother tire to rim aerodynamic transition (rxl has a 23 outer rim diameter).

Any thoughts? Also if you run tubeless what tires and pressure do you prefer (along with your weight).
2014 Madone 7 DA9000
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2009 Storck Absolutist 0.9
2006 Orbea Opal
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tinozee
Posts: 764
Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2011 7:53 am

by tinozee

Hi I use both atoms and fusions in 23mm size and have no issues in rain, cornering, rough terrain, etc. I also use the Intensives in 25mm and don't feel a huge difference unless maybe the ground is cluttered with debris like after a storm.

I run them between maybe 88psi - 100psi and I weigh 170 lbs. 6'4" At low pressure they are nice and plush!

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btompkins0112
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Location: Mississippi

by btompkins0112

In my experience the Intensives are closer to 23.5 than 25mm.....so little difference should be noticed!


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fa63
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Location: Atlanta, GA, US

by fa63

Go big if your bike can accommodate it. I run 25 mm Bontrager R3 tubeless front / 28 mm Hutchinson Secteur tubeless rear on my main bike and couldn't be happier. I run 85-90 psi front / 90-95 psi rear (I weigh 225 lbs, so I run them a bit higher than usual).

FYI, it is also my experience that Hutchinson Intensive measure narrower than claimed. The Bontrager R3 25 mm tubeless measure just over 25 mm on my Campy Zonda 2-Way Fit wheels. The Hutchinson Secteur measures just under 28 mm.

DCnoJ
Posts: 104
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2011 6:50 am

by DCnoJ

Yea it'll depend on what year the tires you had and plan to get. The old Atoms were 21mm. It all comes down to rider and riding preferences? How much do you weigh and what kind of riding do you do.

I weigh 135 lbs/61 kg and ran the old Atoms at 80/85 front and rear I believe. I'm personally looking forward to trying the new 245 gram, 23mm Galactik.

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FIJIGabe
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Location: The Lone Star State

by FIJIGabe

i just installed a set of Galactik's on my TT bike. I'll give you a full report when I take it out for a spin. They do appear to maintain the 21mm size, though.

DCnoJ
Posts: 104
Joined: Wed Mar 23, 2011 6:50 am

by DCnoJ

Aww. Just scoured the web and that looks to be true. The IRC Formula Pro looks like a good competitor at a true 23mm width and a claimed 240 grams.

Please follow with a full report. That would be awesome.

pushstart
Posts: 461
Joined: Sat Jun 16, 2012 3:12 am

by pushstart

I have been running the "25mm" (yeah, more like 23) Intensives with 80/90 psi (f/r) on my H+ Son Archetype wheels. I weigh around 175lbs. I used to follow the psi recommendations, but this feels much better. I don't love these tires (would like better road grip/feel), but they wear well and so far haven't flatted on me.

The Secteur sounds interesting if it weren't so frickin expensive!

mikipov
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2013 8:58 am

by mikipov

The Ultremo ZX have a very good grip, I only need to see how many miles they last.

Pressure: 7 bar front - 7,5 rear.

AaronKellogg
Posts: 15
Joined: Tue Dec 11, 2012 5:09 am

by AaronKellogg

I would definitely suggest running the 25mm tire for everyday riding. Especially when mated to a wider profile rim it provides a plush comfortable ride. I've been riding some 25mm Vittoria Rubino Pro Slicks mounted to some A23's for the last fee months and could not be happier with the ride feel and a total lack of flats (knock on wood). I've ridden them in all weather over gravel, chip and seal and pothole infested roads with no issues whatsoever.

Geoff
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Location: Canada

by Geoff

One of the tire sets I have been running in my tubeless experiment is the Specialized Roubaix. That tire is unique in that it incorporates a 23mm tread on a 25mm casing, which is kind of 'best of both worlds'. So far, they seem quite good. I run 80ish/90ish front/rear.

Luften
Posts: 126
Joined: Thu Sep 13, 2012 11:31 pm

by Luften

FIJIGabe wrote:i just installed a set of Galactik's on my TT bike. I'll give you a full report when I take it out for a spin. They do appear to maintain the 21mm size, though.


FIJIGabe - how are you getting on with the Galactiks?

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FIJIGabe
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Location: The Lone Star State

by FIJIGabe

Honestly, I took them for one ride, and put the bike up for a bit, since I was incredibly uncomfortable on it (not because of the tires). If the gov't shuts down tomorrow, I'll have plenty of time to take the wheels for a spin, and I'll update you.

BobbyRoubaix
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Joined: Sun Aug 23, 2009 1:13 am

by BobbyRoubaix

My suggestion is that if you weigh 160lbs or less, go with 23mm, 160+ go 25mm.

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FIJIGabe
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Location: The Lone Star State

by FIJIGabe

BobbyRoubaix wrote:My suggestion is that if you weigh 160lbs or less, go with 23mm, 160+ go 25mm.

What science do you base this suggestion on? I weigh well north of 160lbs, and ride a 23mm (Hutchinson Fusion 3) with no ill effects on the tire or rim.

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