28mm vs 32mm Bike Tires: Navigating Your Best Path to Cycling Efficiency

The bike tire is the only part touching the ground, so it’s important to have good grip and comfort. The width of a bike tire is measured in millimeters (mm), with 28mm being a popular option for road bikes. Some riders prefer wider tires for more comfort, grip, and stability on rough roads. And some bikes are designed to accommodate wider tires. These tires are typically 32mm or wider.

There are trade-offs with each option. Wider tires are usually heavier and can slow down acceleration. They also create more rolling resistance, which can make pedaling harder. Narrower tires are lighter and can help you go faster, but they don’t provide as much cushioning and can be less stable on rough roads.

28mm vs 32mm Tire

28mm vs 32mm Tire

The main difference between a 28mm and 32mm tire is the width. A 28mm tire is typically 2 centimeters narrower than a 32mm tire. This may not seem like much, but it can make a big difference in how your bike handles. Narrower tires are typically lighter and faster, while wider tires are slower but offer more traction.

The width of your tires can also affect the amount of rolling resistance you experience. Narrower tires tend to have less rolling resistance, meaning they require less effort to keep them moving forward. This can be a big advantage on long rides or when racing. However, wider tires offer more grip, which can be helpful in wet or icy conditions.

The narrower 28mm tire will have less rolling resistance than the wider 32mm tire. This means that it will take less effort to keep the 28mm tire moving forward, making it a good choice for racing or riding on smooth roads.

Weight Difference

The biggest difference you’re going to see between these two sizes is weight. A 32mm tire is going to weigh almost 50% more than a 28mm tire. That’s a significant difference and it will affect the way your bike handles.

Rolling Resistance

Another key difference is rolling resistance. A 32mm tire has significantly more rolling resistance than a 28mm tire. This is due to the increased contact patch and the fact that a 32mm tire has a higher air pressure.

Ride Quality

Ride quality is another area where you’ll see a difference between these two sizes. A 32mm tire is going to provide a smoother ride because of the increased contact patch. The increased air pressure will also make for a smoother ride.

Puncture Resistance

Puncture resistance is another area where you’ll see a difference between these two sizes. A 32mm tire is going to be more puncture-resistant than a 28mm tire. This is due to the increased contact patch and the fact that a 32mm tire has a higher air pressure.

Acceleration Speed

Acceleration Speed

Another difference between these two sizes is acceleration speed. A 32mm tire is going to have a faster acceleration speed than a 28mm tire. This is due to the increased contact patch and the fact that a 32mm tire has a higher air pressure.

Comfort Difference

A 32mm tire is going to provide a more comfortable ride than a 28mm tire. This is due to the increased contact patch and the fact that a 32mm tire has a higher air pressure.

Are 28mm Tires Faster Than 32mm

The quick answer is that all else being equal, a 28mm tire will be faster than a 32mm tire. That’s because a smaller tire has less contact patch with the ground, meaning it has less rolling resistance.

And importantly, it’s easier to make a lighter 28mm tire than it is to make an equivalently performing 32mm tire.

Do Pros Ride 28mm Tires?

Do Pros Ride 28mm Tires?

Many pros do ride 28mm tires, particularly in flatter stage races and time trials. The smaller tire size offers less rolling resistance and can be faster on the right course.

32mm tires are becoming increasingly popular in the pro peloton as they offer more comfort and grip, which can be important in hilly or mountainous stage races. They are also more resistant to punctures.

What Size Tires Are Used in The Tour De France?

The Tour de France is run on both road and mountain stages, so the size of the tires used varies depending on the stage.

On-road stages, riders typically use 23mm or 25mm tires, while on mountain stages, they may use 28mm or even 32mm tires for increased stability and comfort. Some riders may even use a mix of tire sizes depending on the stage profile.

Does A Wider Tire Ride Better?

The Wider tires are said to have increased grip while the skinnier tires are said to be lighter and faster. They are better for dry surfaces. A wider tire will provide more traction on loose or slippery surfaces. However, a narrower tire will be lighter and faster on hardpacked trails.

Do Bikes With Bigger Wheels Go Faster?

Do Bikes With Bigger Wheels Go Faster?

Yes, a bike with larger wheels can go faster than a bike with smaller wheels. The reason is that the radius of the wheel is larger and they are also more stable at higher speeds.

The downside to having larger wheels is that they are more expensive and the bike may be more difficult to maneuver. This means that each revolution of the pedals covers more ground, and thus the bike can go faster. Additionally, larger wheels are also more stable at higher speeds, making them safer to ride.

What Width Tyres Do Pro Cyclists Use?

The vast majority of professional cyclists use tyres that are 23mm wide. There are a few who experiment with wider tyres, but the benefits are marginal at best. Wider tyres (28mm and above) offer more comfort and traction, but they also add weight and rolling resistance. For most riders, the trade-off is not worth it.

There is one exception to this rule: cyclocross riders. Because they have to deal with mud, sand, and other obstacles, they often use tyres that are 32mm or even wider. This gives them the traction and stability they need to handle the challenging conditions.

Which Is Faster 25c Or 28c?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on the type of terrain and conditions you are riding in.

That said, generally speaking, wider tires (28c and up) tend to be faster than narrower tires (25c and below) on hard surfaces like pavement and packed dirt. The 25c bike at 80 psi would be faster than 28c at 60psi. Wider tires also offer more comfort and stability, which can be beneficial on longer rides.

Do Bike Tires Make A Difference In Speed?

Do Bike Tires Make A Difference In Speed?

The main difference between 28mm and 32mm tires is the width. 28mm tires are typically used for road biking, while 32mm tires are better suited for mountain biking or rough terrain.

The wider 32mm tires offer more stability and traction, but they also add weight and rolling resistance. The narrower 28mm tires are lighter and faster, but they provide less grip and can be more difficult to control on rough terrain.

What PSI Should 28mm Tires Be?

The 28mm PSI should be between 79 and 84 at the rear, and 75-79 at the front. This is based on our experience with this width of tire. Your mileage may vary. The main reason for this is that a 32mm tyre offers very little extra in terms of grip or comfort, but does add a considerable amount of rolling resistance.

A 28mm tyre will have less rolling resistance and therefore be faster, while still offering good grip and comfort. The main downside of a 28mm tire is that they can be more susceptible to punctures, but this is easily alleviated by running a higher pressure.

Why Do Road Bikes Save Thin Tires?

The main reason road bikes have thin tires is because they are designed for speed. The thinner the tire, the less rolling resistance there is, which makes it easier to pedal faster. Another advantage of thin tires is that they are lighter than thicker ones, so they don’t weigh as much and don’t slow you down as much when you’re climbing hills.

One downside of thin tires is that they don’t offer as much protection from punctures as thicker ones. However, this can be mitigated by using tires with Kevlar or other puncture-resistant materials in the casing. Another downside is that they can be more prone to flats, but again, this can be minimized by using thicker tires or tires with reinforced sidewalls.

Do Wider Tires Have Less Rolling Resistance?

Do Wider Tires Have Less Rolling Resistance?

Yes, wider tires have less rolling resistance. This is because they have a larger contact patch with the ground, which creates less friction. The downside to wider tires is that they are heavier and can make your bike harder to handle.

For the best balance of performance and weight, then go for a tire that is 28mm wide. The extra width will give you a bit more comfort and grip, without adding too much weight.

Does Rolling Resistance Increase With Speed?

The answer is yes, rolling resistance does increase with speed. The faster you go, the more energy you need to overcome this force. The good news is that there are ways to reduce rolling resistance, such as using wider tires or adding aero covers to your wheels.

There are two main types of rolling resistance: eddy current drag and mechanical friction. Eddy current drag is the resistive force created by magnetic fields. This type of drag increases with speed, so it’s more of a factor at high speeds.

Mechanical friction is the resistive force created by the contact between the tire and the road. This type of drag is constant, regardless of speed.

Does Bike Tire Width Matter?

Does Bike Tire Width Matter?

For the most part, bike tire width is a matter of personal preference. Some riders prefer wider tires for more comfort and stability, while others prefer narrower tires for better speed and handling. There are also some technical considerations that can influence your decision. The width of your rims, for example, will dictate how wide of a tire you can use.

And if you’re using tubeless tires, you’ll want to make sure the width of your tires is compatible with the width of your rims.

When it comes to performance, wider tires tend to be slower and heavier than narrower tires. They also provide more contact with the ground, which can lead to more comfort and stability on rough roads. Narrower tires, on the other hand, are lighter and faster but can be less comfortable on rough roads.

Does Tire Width Matter For Rims?

The width of your tires is important for the performance of your bike. Wider tires offer better grip and stability, while narrower tires are lighter and faster. However, tire width also affects the width of your rims.

Narrower tires can be used on wider rims, but wider tires may not fit on narrower rims. This is because the width of the tire affects the width of the contact patch or the area of the tire that actually touches the ground.

Conclusion

Wider tires have less rolling resistance. They also offer more comfort and grip but can be heavier and slower. Narrower tires are lighter and faster but may not provide as much comfort or stability. The best tire width for you depends on your personal preferences and the type of riding you do.