Another quick question from Lee Joo Mong in Singapore. He is having problems with his tire sizes and wants our advice. Here we go again!

Question:
It seems selecting the tyre/tire size is top secret around. I enquired with many shops, and a couple of tire manufacturers. They all said 700X23C is the right tyre (one size fits all)

However, I happened to have read some literature that says otherwise (especially if speed/distance competition is/are involved)

My weight: 68kg, my road bike: 9.0kg, accessories: 3.0kg, most routes are paved roads

Any advice?

Hi again Lee.

I would agree that 700c x 23 is a fit all tire, but it is a great tire size (the 23 width) for comfort on most road surfaces, smooth and rough and for riders of different weights. The 23 width tire rolls well and has enough “give” to take away any road rumble or bums.

As you are quite light and you ride on paved roads you could try 18 or 19 mm tires, but will find that they will not give you as much of a smooth ride. Also you may find that you have more punctures, the kind we refer to as a “snake bite” puncture, this is caused by the two edges of the rim nipping the inner tube when you hit a stone or sharp edge on the road.

Always have your tires blown up to advised pressure as this will cut down the chances of punctures, your tires will last longer and the road friction will be less and you might just go faster, but the draw back is the loss of comfort, your choice, Lee.

Conti tire