Hello xbikers, I come to you with a question because I generally prefer the perspectives here over the more 'focused' bicycling subs. I am doing a SF Bay Area road century with some friends in October, party pace, nobody is trying to break any records. I imagine everyone else will be on tires in the 28-32c range since its 100% pavement.
I have two sets of wheels, 700×32 panaracer gravelking ss, and a set of 700×50 soma cazaderos. Both are set up tubeless. Im leaning towards the 32s but I’ve done a century on 50s before and it was cool. Either option comes with its tradeoffs: the 50s are comfy as hell but heavier and slower, the 32s are lighter and faster, but transfer more road vibrations to my hands.
Given speed isn’t really a concern, and I’m ultimately looking to have a good time with my buddies, which tires would you run?
by NameyMcNameface
13 Comments
I’d run the 32’s just so I’d have less rotational mass for the long distance.
I couldn’t commit to one set for 100 years.
I’ve done centuries and other long-ass rides. I appreciate the comfort of the meatier tires and don’t miss the slightly-less-rotational-mass of skinnier, harder, more painful tires.
F it, 50 up front 32 in the rear idk anymore
(Jokes aside I’d run the 50 for comfort. You could nerd out and check the rolling resistance on both and use that to help decide if whatever extra resistance the 50s have over the 32 is a good trade off for the comfort gained)
My tires barely last a year much less a century.
This is obviously going the way of n+2. Congrats on your new set of Schwalbe g one speed.
Whatever gives the least rolling resistance
That’s my favorite LA ride.
I would run the fastest tire you can run. That’s not because I don’t like big comfy tires, it’s because as you get closer to the end of that century you’re going to be stoked about saving whichever watts you can.
I dont know a single tire that could survive half a century well, good luck with finding what you are looking for though!
New Tire Day (NTD)
…Buy some 38s or 40s
I would’ve ran the 32c’s ten years ago. However, supple tires are where its at for me. If you’re not trying to break any records or have crazy climbs to worry about, I’d go with the 50c’s
As an old roadie, for a cento I would def run the GKs. Party pace or not that’s a long day, if it’s all paved I’m riding the slicks 100%
But sir, tell me about your shifters.