2 ms·
Sports and folk knowledge have long been companions. I just saw an article about some teams running 25mm tires on the new gravel stage at the Tour de France bec
by Zigurd 2y ago
Sports and folk knowledge have long been companions. I just saw an article about some teams running 25mm tires on the new gravel stage at the Tour de France because "25mm is fast." It doesn't help that elite athletes can be very opinionated about what is best for their performance, and they are so talented, fit, and well-trained they can perform well on deficient equipment.
- AtlasBarfed 2y ago25 mm became Vogue and cycling because wind tunnel testing showed it was superior in aerodynamics combined with a new carbon clincher rims If I recall correctly
- Zigurd 2y agoMy daily ride is an old race bike so 25mm is the widest that will fit between the chainstays. Also the widest that would not bulge out on old Mavic Ksyrium rims. If not for these questionable life choices I'd be on 30s. According to Continental, 28mm is the prevalent width for TDF teams.
- AtlasBarfed 2y agoOh right, I got confused, it might actually have been even bigger 28+mm on the TT bikes that was doing well in the wind tunnel testing. 25mm was the older "skinnier" size that was prevalent in the peloton, or even 23s or smaller. I think it also became apparent that rolling resistance was reduced on wider tires, so if an aerodynamic (and weight) formula could be made to make 28mm viable, it was better.