25MM VS 23MM Road Bicycle Tires Explained

[@stormb777]

A word of sanity in an field that is driven totally by market hype. Thank You.

[@Veloharmony]

Thanks Mo. Welcome to the Veloharmony Channel.

[@casuallycycling9339]

So true. Eldred is The Man!

[@doctorj7112]

He's full of wisdom as it relates to cycling. #respect

[@mohammedkhan4088]

Wow your have so much knowledge I have learnt so much from this video.

[@hard-road9724]

Amen! You can’t cut corners on training. Buying “ stuff “ might help in marginal gains, but time in the saddle stokes the engine.

[@mrfranchize02]

Right on time. I've been shopping for wheels for a couple of weeks now

[@JM-vy5tl]

great video; keep it up!

[@Veloharmony]

Thanks Jose.

[@ervinkroeker4760]

as always great video. I run 28 tubeless and with 70psi in front and 80psi in back. Give a softer ride and bigger footprint on the ground and not a flat. I remenber running 19 in the old days and 120psi try to go fast, how time has change.Sometimes it's hard to change from the old ideal we grow up with, but with you video and the information you give I have learn so much about change. The best advice you have given me is HOW DOES IT FEEL; was so caught up in the number and try to make me fit the bike, now I'm working on making the bike fit me and not how it look. You the MAN

[@danyclaro47]

Great video! Wheres the video of the 28?

[@treyhorn5645]

Thank you sir. Just came across your channel. Love your honesty ❤️. I commute 100 mi a week and have for over 2 yrs plus I ride on weekends. I looked up 23c tires and came across this. My Cannondale has 25. My gravel bike has 28's. I honestly love them both. Depends where I'm heading. I just switch bikes. Cannondale for the win.

[@Veloharmony]

Welcome aboard!

[@jameslamorgese3417]

I am glad I decided to take the time and watch your video 👍

[@Veloharmony]

Glad you found the channel James. Glad the video helped.

[@jwanbass]

This is great advice!!! I've been following for a while, and I always learn something from your videos. Thank you!

[@Veloharmony]

You're welcome Jwanbass.

[@9480001502]

Awesome video 👍

[@nepo90]

Great video! There is just one thing to say, this is the REALLY truth! Keep the good work that you have been doing so far. To complement this video I suggest that you make a video talking about "how to choose tires", talk about what are good tires to train, good tires to race and how to choose them, what are the secrets :), it may look simple but when you have 1 brand with 10 models and on top of that for each model you have 2 or 3 versions for most of the people it might not be easy for everyone. Cheers

[@Veloharmony]

Tiago, I believe your suggestion is covered in this Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIDPmp6DnL95mNE

[@jeshely]

Love your philosophical points in this video. Peace and happiness come first.

[@Veloharmony]

Thanks. Glad you found the Channel Chili

[@chrismad1344]

Doesn't matter what you ride,only matters what you body can do. Agreed with him 100%

[@djaaronmorris1624]

Thank you for this information I really needed this.

[@Veloharmony]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aasastephenson1538]

Thanks for this coaching... im in this same situation write now and i needed to hear this..

[@Veloharmony]

You are so welcome

[@mr02gixxer1000]

Well said sir, I ride a cannondale Caad12 Black inc I have always ride caads, I have never owned a bike that costs more than $2000 and the only reason why I have a black inc it was a warranty replacement from cannondale for my Caad12 105 that developed a crack in the seat tube by the seat clamp. I don’t have expensive wheels but most of my money went to bike fit which I paid $260 for. And structure training and bike kits. There was a guy a 2017 project one trek Madone $13000 that couldn’t keep up when I went to the front and start pulling. So I totally agree with you that it’s not the bike it’s the engine and a lot of these people buy these expensive bike and wheel thinking it’s go to make the faster. And not thinking the got to put in the work to make the Engine better. Love your videos bro keep it going.

[@Veloharmony]

Thanks Romeo. The bikes are just getting way too expensive and it can prevent others from taking up the sport. You've got it right....you have to focus on giving yourself the time to just ride your bike, not spending your dollars on stuff that will cause you to have to not have time to ride because you're working to pay for 'that bike' and 'this bike'. Just get your k's in.

[@mr02gixxer1000]

Veloharmony I know right, what’s the sense of buying a expensive bike when and if you have to work your butt off to pay for it and no time to ride. I am not saying that one shouldn’t buy if they have that kind of extra cash laying around. I know a guy who is trying sell is $12,000 venge because is wife found out about the cost some how the man is sleeping on the couch bro. The bike industry is getting ridiculous bro with cost of everything bike related. The sport supposed to be fun and to promote a healthy lifestyle at the same time it’s not very encouraging at the moment to get into for those who want to give it a try, not with these expensive cost at the moment. What I find myself doing now is to wait until things go on sale to buy my kits, Shoes bib shorts etc. bro are you from one of the Caribbean islands? Because sometimes I can hear a little bit of accent.

[@Veloharmony]

I am from Liberia in West Africa, moved to Houston to attend College. I buy 'everything' when they're on sale. I am always looking for deals.

[@ervinkroeker4760]

JUST MAKE SENSE= Just got back for a ride and was thinking how much better the bike feel sense I been watching you videos, been watching about 6 month. To let you know that I don't use strings tape measure or how it LOOK since I been watching. My new measurement is HOW DOES IT FEEL Thanks =your the man

[@Veloharmony]

You're welcome Ervin.

[@rotcehzaid7588]

Took my bike to the shop for service Tuesday and I had to replace the rear tire and bought 25 because you ride 25. Funny you post this video. I’ll let you know how I like them later.

[@Veloharmony]

I think you will love the comfort. Keep the PSI at 100 or less, you don't need more. I ride mine at 95psi and it's very supple and I weight 190lbs.

[@rotcehzaid7588]

Veloharmony I keep the PSI at 105 on the rear but I’ll do 95 next ride and how it feels. I weight 215.

[@joangregg4378]

Good points ! You can have the best of the best of the best of components but if the engine ain't right it's your fault.

[@justinhernn]

what if you have one of each do i put the 23mm on the form and the 25mm on the back or other way around?

[@Veloharmony]

Put the larger tire on the rear for more traction and the narrower one on the front for quicker steering in turns.

[@wesleystephen9169]

Excellent! Very insightful. Really appreciate not only your depth of knowledge but the genuine and practical way you in which you share your knowledge. I also like the way you put things in perspective. The priority should be on fit and kit. Makes plenty sense to me. Thank you very much.

[@Veloharmony]

You are most welcome Wesley. Thanks for your feedback and your support of the Veloharmony channel.

[@neilhankin]

Thanks mate, love your vids x

[@Veloharmony]

Glad you like them!

[@johnandrews3568]

I used to race on 19mm at 150psi (I'm 6'6" and was 165-170 back in my racing days). Fast forward to my 50s and I'm rolling on 23s front and back (at 182lbs) and 125 rear, 120 front. Fast AF. Will not go bigger will not go lower psi. It works for me.

[@Veloharmony]

Thanks for sharing John. 6'6' 165, that's excellent weight for climbing. What was your specialty in racing? Glad you found the channel.

[@feltonfernandes]

Just the advice I was looking for 👍🏼

[@Veloharmony]

Glad I could help

[@g.fortin3228]

Good advice ..Thank you !

[@Veloharmony]

You are welcome!

[@sawyerramos3113]

I got what you meant many videos back. I have a 1969 Swinn Continental, it has 28's, it is a couch on wheels. I love it. But I dont go fast on it. I just show it off to the store, and short rides.

[@romanengelbrecht6717]

ive stuck with 23's even though im tempted to get 25's cuz its easier to find and i typically have to preorder 23's at my local bike shop. The 23's sit flush on my rim and theres good clearance which i think is more ideal and i just double wrapped my handlebars and got a more comfortable seat to soften the bumps and it works for me

[@fabry55]

The common sense channel indeed! Thank you

[@Veloharmony]

You're welcome Fabricio. Glad you found the channel.

[@MstrRo1]

I like it....Thank you.

[@Veloharmony]

You're Welcome MRo. Glad you found the channel.

[@pauloconway3711]

I run Gatorskins 28/ ml and can say to that they are really nice and fast and comfortable. .!!!

[@tonyhutagaol5051]

What an inspiiration video 👍👍 Thank you...

[@Veloharmony]

My pleasure 😊

[@celeog]

Subscribed, like what you have to say about cycling.

[@Veloharmony]

Welcome aboard.

[@neilhankin]

Great vid mate, am waiting for two shoulder replacments and am looking to ride 30 mm tyres on my Zonds wheels, i originally had 23 mm on my bikes, have moved to 25mm but now want as much comfort as possible, some of my wheels have inside width of around 17 mm, is this OK to do in your opinion, I do leasure cycling with a clum, I am 70 xx

[@Veloharmony]

Go for it, should work fine.

[@JDRVP]

Great honest advice from lots of experience. Just liked and subscribed. I would follow the advice but I got a screaming good deal on pristine'16 BMC Teammachine SLR01 Ultegra di2 equipped with ENVE SES 6.7 wheels on Chris King hubs. Good thing is I already have extra sets of Campagnolo Zonda & Shamal Milles. Went riding with the ENVEs a few times already and was kicked around a bit by crosswinds against my 60mm front wheel. Although they look sweet my ride safety, enjoyment is more important. Also I want to be more focused on conditioning the engine than steering and looking cool. I think I am now gonna sell the set for the ENVE 3.4 or similar Zipps, Hunt or FFWD wheels. Thank you.

[@Veloharmony]

Welcome to the channel Jesse. I had Enve wheels when I bought my Orange bike from Kish Fabrication in 2015. I ended up selling them. They were good but, I was not too thrilled with the outlay, so I used the money for other stuff. I am currently using Zondas and Eurus and Velocity alloys and have Shamals on the list. I also found a great deal on Zip tubular wheels which are currently on the orange bike. I primarily save the zips for big rides and ride mostly the Zondas and Eurus most of the time.

[@JDRVP]

@@Veloharmony Thanks for the reply. FYI, the Shamals are not as crosswind friendly as the Zondas due to the thicker/wider spokes which catch the wind more.

[@Veloharmony]

They use the same spokes as the Eurus. I have not noticed much of a difference in cross winds. The rims are pretty shallow on both of Shamals and Eurus. I am getting the Shamal for the responsiveness. The Eurus are more comfortable but the Shamals are snappy.

[@JDRVP]

Yeah my Shamal Mille are nowhere near the vulnerability to crosswinds as my ENVE 6.7 but I have noticed the difference between my "21 Zonda Black Label Ltd Edition and the Shamals.

[@BaoNguyen-sm6vp]

I like “ rider makes the equipment shine “

[@rainbowtrout75]

i ride a 25 in the rear and 28 in the front of my bianchi infinito cv 45cm- frame clearance wont dictate anything bigger in the back

[@edgarstudillo5649]

I've managed to fit 32mm tires on my steel frame, this little upgrade has taken me to ride gravel, mtb trails and cyclocross, in my case i will never use 23mm any more but at the end upgrades are personal choice

[@Veloharmony]

Great. I can't get 32 on my road frames but I've ridden off road with larger tires and it's great. The 28's allows a little more adventurous riding, so I used to dabble on gravel on my road bike.

[@iang2868]

Here’s to keeping it real Absolutely true 💪🏿

[@5pence55]

Just fantastic advice, money saving and honest. As Eddie said 'Ride upgrades don't buy them'. Thank you.

[@Veloharmony]

You're welcome Spence.

[@andrealecrim2427]

Hi veloharmony, thank you for you great channel! :) I just have a question, I 've always ride with 23, but now I decided to try a 25 in the back. Yesterday I went to my frist ride, 50 km, and it feels to me that I have to put on more power with the 25...the ride was definitely more confortable. And even today I feel my body less tired. It was better on descents and cornering. But it felt more difficult when rolling. Is this because of the pressure or the fact they are brand new? With the 23 I always put max pressure. With this new 25 I used 6 bars. I am more or less 63 kgs.. Does the 25 mm tyre require more power? What I'm trying to say is that it felt like the gears were more heavy with the 25 than the with the 23 tyre, maybe because the diameter of the wheel is bigger.. Thank you once again!

[@Veloharmony]

Andre with the 25 in the back the tire should actually roll faster. You never need to ride any tire at max pressure, that is too uncomfortable and actually does not necessarily give you more speed because it bounces more on road imperfections. Follow the recommended pressure, not the maximum pressure. For 25mm tires I run 95psi or 6.5bars and it rolls great. Larger tires have less rolling resistance when properly inflated.

[@andrealecrim2427]

I will try the 25 a few more rides, try different pressures to see how it feels and how I adapt to it. Wathever the final conclusion it will be fine. Thanks a lot for you're quick reply! Keep posting this great videos 💪✊👊

[@matmerah3995]

Same here, 25mm are harder to accelerate and maintaining speed. 23mm are better for me and so too for a friend of mine who owns a Bike Shop.

[@Biblicalgiants]

Forgive me. I ride a mid 1990s Trek 1220 with 23-622 tires for occasional recreational riding. I want to try some bigger 25 tires because I need new tires anyway. Will the 25s fit my bike without having to do any brake adjustments? Good upload!

[@Veloharmony]

Thanks Plejaren. I can't say for sure, since you're running 23-622, try and see if you have at least 1cm of clearance between your current tire and your brake calipers and the seat tube. Those are the two contact areas if the new tire doesn't fit. If you're going up to 25-700C then you really should try and see if a local shop or your mate can test fit a 25 in there. It doesn't have to be mounted on your rim, just any 25.

[@Biblicalgiants]

@@Veloharmony OK thanks a lot!

[@arncj18]

can you recommend budget aluminium high rims? 40mm? i just like the look.

[@Veloharmony]

I have never used a deep dish aluminum rim, so I really cannot recommend one. You can just start with the major brands that may have them and purchase based on your budget and their warranty.

[@rimtism123]

Comfort = speed. I riding 33-38c gravel tires paired with cyclocross latex tubes these days. I seem to be a bit faster because they really smooth out the imperfections in the road.

[@Veloharmony]

Agree. You also arrive fresher and less beat up.

[@tony2163]

I was trying to find the video where you tell us your opinion of 28mm tires on the rear wheel. How do you like them versus the 25mm?

[@Veloharmony]

I will release the video this week Tony. I never made the follow-up video.

[@tony2163]

@@Veloharmony Great, I'm looking forward to it. Thanks for getting back to me on that.

[@Sir-Prizse]

I started 8 years ago with 23 mm tyres (my first road bike was a '83 Colnago Super) a few years later 25 mm, then 28 mm and at the moment I ride 32 mm and 32 mm feels so sluggish and uninspired. I'm watching the video because I'm the proud owner of a '01 Trek 5500 OCLV 120 USPS and unfortunately 25 mm tyres with the 42 mm wheelset I have (Veltec Speed AL) only fit in just, too tight for my taste with 1,5 mm clearance at the chain stay. That's why I'm thinking of changing to 23 mm tyres, just to have a bit more clearance at the back and because I realize that I am more of a purist and want to ride a road bike the way it should be ridden, with rim brakes and narrow tires.

[@jjguerreronz]

Hi Veloharmony... I'm new in cyclist world and watching all your videos, I've learned a lot, I'm very excited and I' will buy my bike soon and the one I'm thinking to buy has tubeless tires and don't know what are the best option now days. I've read many articules and I'd like your answer or anybody answer for a newbie like me

[@Veloharmony]

Welcome Jaime. Tubeless are difficult to mount on the rims. Since you are a new rider, I suggest you get a bike that has regular wheels using tires and tubes. Less headache, more choices of tires and easier to deal with and being more common, if you have problems it is easier to get help from other cyclists.

[@jjguerreronz]

Thank you for your advice, I'll follow it. I was doubtful because these companies and some people want to put these new technologies in your head just talking about the good things and ignoring the bad ones

[@Veloharmony]

You're welcome. Just get a bike that fits your budget, it doesn't need to cost a lot for you to enjoy riding. Get one you like to look at and will want to ride.

[@jjguerreronz]

OK, Thank you sir!!

[@thomaseser8359]

It is the same idea with Continental Force and attack. 23 in the front 25 on the rear. I just bought them and can say best folding tyre I have ever used.

[@Veloharmony]

Thanks for Sharing Thomas. I sometimes go up to 25 on the front and 28 on the rear on the frames that I can take those. My blue racing bike only takes 25mm.

[@thomaseser8359]

Veloharmony to be honest .. I don t really like the steamroller look with 28 mm on racebikes. When I atartet racing nearly 30 years ago we used Conti Super Sport Ultra 19 mm or 22 mm tubular tyres. But in some well known Crit Races with Difficult corners I am using 25 or 28 mm on the front to improve road contact for the steering and it works well. As some other racerdls do altough.

[@HaveYouHeardTV]

Can you fit 25mm tire on 20mm rim tubular? Im using the old campagnolo bora ultra 50mm

[@Veloharmony]

Tubular rims are designed to only accept tubular tires.

[@HaveYouHeardTV]

@@Veloharmony yes, im asking about the tire size 25mm tubular that will fit the 20mm rim tubular. Is that possible?

[@Veloharmony]

if the tape fits on the rim, it should be fine.

[@hobby_cycling729]

You just hit the point ... you need your time to train ... best message for all hobby riders ... and maybe one more thing ... pro riders propably get their wheels for free to promote them and then we pay for everithing with our time ... buy just stuff what s pushing you forward how he said ... great video

[@Veloharmony]

Yes. Time is the most important asset we have. We must protect it and manage it. Thanks for your feedback. Glad you found the channel.

[@davevaughn6293]

Love ypur channel

[@Veloharmony]

Great to know Dave. Glad you found the channel.

[@pauloconway3711]

all great great advice .....Common sense ...you have is refreshing . .I have Fast forward F2as DtSwiss 240 hubs. .Aluminium rims are the best.. ...Dura ace c35/40// are they Eldrid ?!

[@adammillsindustries.]

I Use Dura ace C40 which are more like 35mm depth. They climb well but also roll on flat well. I use Conti TL 5000 on those. Superb light strong do it all wheels.

[@CHRISMAD01]

True video.. Is not the bike you riding, is who is riding the bike.

[@Veloharmony]

👍🏾

[@juliusbulle]

Yes man

[@imatt6566]

@11:40 Yes Yes Yes!!!!

[@TboneTenEighties]

How do you store your tires that stay sidelined untill needed??

[@Veloharmony]

I hang mine up sometimes on hooks installed on the ceiling of my garage, or just put them in my workshop and keep them off the floor. The heat/cold process of concrete is not the best thing for stored tires. As long as you store them in reasonable temperatures (non-extreme) they're good.

[@TboneTenEighties]

Veloharmony Thanks 👍

[@James-zu1ij]

I run a 28 (95psi) on the back of my CAAD12 and a 25 on the front (100psi). compared to a 25 it feels like I have a 50 watt motor in the back. I run 25 on the front only because of the aerodynamic advantage of having a smooth transition between tire and rim. The air is too messy at the back to care.

[@Veloharmony]

Thanks for sharing James, glad you found the Veloharmony channel.

[@tomnix8194]

James thanks for sharing your opinion and your Setup of your CAAD12....very helpful for me as a CAAD12 rider! I raced often on 24mm Specialized Turbo Cotton Front and rear ( 24 mm official ist measures by me with 25 mm on the wheel) for one Special endurance Race I converted the rear to 26 mm ( Turbo Cotton). For me there was no noticable difference. Speed and comfort I would describe as the Same....of course compared to other riders I had a good Advantage in High Speed sections, but Iwould say that was the same with the 24/24 Setup and mainly because of the fast rolling tires combined with my very aggressive Position in the Bike. Might be that the 2 mm step is not enough for me to feal a difference even it is really faster. Might be that i will also give the 28 mm a try on the rear wheel! ( I already thought about before your Posting 😁) By the way I didnt lower the pressure in the bigger size, because the Producer recommend surprisingly the same for both sizes. How is your experience on that? What do you weight and how much pressure do you use?

[@James-zu1ij]

Tom Nix I need to glue in a small piece of non compressible cardboard at the bottom of the dropouts to gain clearance at the breaks. It works well though

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

I got 3,500+ miles out of my 28mm Gatorskins, really the only reason I replaced them is because the rear tire had a flat spot all the way around the tire (just from wear). I like the bigger tires better myself.

[@Veloharmony]

Wow. great mileage. Just got my wire bead Gatorskin 28mm and was very impressed that I was able to mount it without tire levers. I love the size and will put it through it's first ride later this week.

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

Nice. Oh I forgot, no flats either. But I watch the road pretty carefully, although I have ran over some small pieces glass and it didn't really hurt the tire at all. I like to have them at 90-95 PSI. I know, I'm a weirdo but I like it.

[@Veloharmony]

Reading the road is standard when riding.

[@VegasCyclingFreak]

You would think so, but a lot of people don't seem to do that. I have a neighbor up the street who is a triathlete type and he got a double flat once on the same ride I do all the time. I still wonder how the heck he managed that lol

[@shredfreak83]

Since were on the subject of wheels & tyres. What's your take on the whole tubeless craze? Better then the clinchers or is it more suitable for the off roaders (cx, mtb, gravel). I always dislike the idea of simply aquiring an expensive set of carbon wheels. It feels to me like you need to deserve those instead, otherwise they're indeed pretty pointless. In your situation i'd be more interested in your gear selection then your wheels though.

[@Veloharmony]

Having investigated tubeless tires, I don't care for the difficulty mounting them, the poor ride nor the mess they leave behind when you use the flat prevention compounds they have. Not every idea needs to be adopted. I pass on that one for bikes I own.

[@blizzbee]

get the KIT get the FIT and go HIT the training for better engine... ..before spending on fancy wheelset (and can only sustain 15 mph) YEAH, that's damn right 👍

[@gerhardbaumeister8857]

so true

[@leonardolarocca1999]

As delivery man, 28 are better, more confortable and some people say faster than 23 and 25 idk but that difference is not Notorious but id the road is not good haveing a low pressure will be faster than 23 for sure, more grip and if you wanna be faster just put more pressure if you are not Racing using 23s are basically useless. Im talking about the rear wheel a bigger tyre protect your wheels from hits, in the front wheel is faster 23 did the test in a hill with a 28 behind and a 23 up front and i did 70 km i put a 28 up front for more confort and i did 66kmph. In a race this is big difference for me delivering i rather 28 for the comfort

[@mtleealex]

Dear Sir, Thank you for your video that make me to rethink to purchase a new set of wheel thanks again ; I had a question to ask and i hope you can guide me. The question is what type of tyre pressure suitable for 95kg ( 209lbs ) when I am using 23C / 25C / 28C, as I feel if the tyre pressure is in the right pressure I dont need to spend a lot energy paddling in Gran Fondo, Thanks Again Sir

[@Veloharmony]

Alex, the tire pressures are going to vary with each tire but generally you really don't need to go over 100psi or 7bars. The larger tires can take lower pressures so for your weight I think you will be fine with say 95psi on the front and 100 on the rear. I weigh 190lbs and use 90front and 95rear. Try these pressures and see which ones you prefer.

[@mtleealex]

thanks for your speed reply and great knowledge sharing

[@yishaithegift9953]

I love the emphasis on the biggest factor being the engine. I've dropped carbon superbikes with my Vintage Cannondale. Basically stock. Riders always looked surprised. But it's not the bike. It's my engine. I have a different motor internally. So my power output is different. It's funny, the story about the rider doing 15mph in the aero bars. A TT bike doesn't even move until its over 25mph. Lower than that and you're twitching all over the road. You can have a Ferrari in your driveway, but if you have a Honda engine it won't perform. So tune your engines people. You can't buy speed.

[@Kanonka28]

19 to 21 mm are 2 Best solutions.

[@deanwilkendorf5304]

To all of it ... Amen

[@adammillsindustries.]

I love you Eldred. (Not in a gay way) Fantastic content.

[@Veloharmony]

Thanks so much my brother.

[@dennisspors7530]

25 is is 8.7% wider than 23. Is that really that much of a difference ? 23 is being phased out by manufacturers.

[@ALTONMOSSIAHII]

👊

[@Veloharmony]

👊🏾

[@treatb09]

Bigger rider lol. 175? Im 230

[@Veloharmony]

Well in cycling 175 is big..most cyclists are smaller, except in Track cycling.

[@stevenlim3008]

Some rider just play the bike not ride the bike..😄

[@HUYNGUYEN-jp8xo]

I like to drop people on a Walmart bike, cause the look on their face is worth a million buck.