The dimensions of road bike tyres

Tyre sizes for bikes

The most common diameter for tubular tyres is 28 inches (700 C), althoughcan also be found in 26 inches (650 C) on the market. The latter excel on very demanding courses involving more attacks and sprints, such as mountain passes. However, 26-inch tubular tyres, like road bike tyres, can be at a disadvantage compared to their 28-inch counterparts on very fast surfaces, such as flat roads. The width of the tubular section is more variable, however, and should be chosen according to the intended use and expected performance of the bike. 23 mm tubular tyres remain the most common on the market, while 25 mm tubular tyres are gaining popularity, as they offer better performance and comfort.they offer better performance and comfort. Thinner tubular tyres, with a section width of 18 to 22 mm, offer better air penetration. Tubeless tyres offer the advantage of being able to be inflated to higher pressures in order to reduce the tyre footprint. Their resistance has also been improved, asthe products in Vittoria's Graphène range.

700x25C: the latest trend

Recent studies have refuted the theory that tyres and inner tubes with a smaller cross-section perform better. In fact, bike tubular tyres with a wider cross-section suffer less longitudinal deformation under the pressure of the cyclist's weight. As the contact surface with the road is smaller, these wider tubular tyres are more efficient. The width of 25 mm has therefore been established by researchers as the ideal section for road bikes, especially for the rear wheel, which bears the weight of the cyclist. This standard has been widely adopted by professional competitors.|>

Although 700x25C (ETRTO 25-622) tubular tyres are heavier than those with a smaller section, their performance and better energy conversion more than compensate for the few extra grams. They are also more comfortable and better at absorbing vibrations and shocks on rough tracks. These properties make these tubular tyres an excellent choice for cyclosport, competition and even touring. To get the most out of these wider tyres, it is essential to choose a carbon bike wheel or aluminium wheel specifically designed for their 25 mm section in order to minimise air shear between the rim and the tyre.|>

700x23C: balance and versatility

More agile, more dynamic, lighter and with significant performance, the 700X23C (ETRTO 23-622) is all about versatility. This tyre is equally suited to competition, cyclosport and training. Its balance in terms of weight and performance makes it the preferred choice for long distances and varied terrain.. While many professional cyclists have decided to switch to the 25 mm section, others continue to equip their road bikes with 700x23C or 650x23C tubular tyres. The fact is that the latter cut through the air better and allow the cyclist to progress more easily at high speeds.

700X22C, for better air penetration

The 22 mm section tubes, for their part, are preferred for their lightness and aerodynamics. They shine particularly in disciplines where comfort is sacrificed for performance, such as triathlons and velodrome racing. This is because these thinner bicycle tyres cut through the air more easily. As a result, it makes more sense to fit them to the front of the bike, where they will also bear less of the rider's weight. There will be less tyre deformation, which will help improve the bike's handling.|>

However, the wheel on which the 700x22C (ETRTO 22-622) or 650X22C (ETRTO 23-571) tubular tyre is fitted should be chosen with care. A rim that is too wide will compromise the tyre's grip and centring, while a rim that is too narrow will alter the aerodynamics by causing air to shear at the junction with the sidewall of the tyre.

19, 21 or 24 mm section for more precise configurations

Apart from the above standards, less common bicycle tyres with a section of 19, 21 or 24 mm are available on the market. These tyres are generally intended for competitors who want to configure their bike as precisely as possible, taking into account other factors such as the tyre pressure, the tyre tread, the tyre pressure, the tyre tread, the tyre pressure, the tyre tread, the tyre pressure, the tyre tread, the tyre pressure, the tyre tread, the tyre pressure, the tyre tread, the tyre pressure, the tyre tread, the tyre pressure, the tyre tread, the tyre pressure, the tyre tread, the tyre pressure, the tyre tread,taking into account other factors such as the geometry of the frame and the complete bike group. These dimensions are not very common, nor are the versatile or carbon bike wheels compatible with these tyres.|>

In the same way that you can choose a SRAM, Shimano or Campagnolo bike group for a road bike, you can choose achoose a bike tyre from Mavic, Vittoria or Michelin. However, several other criteria must be taken into account, namely weight, structure, price and, above all, size, which remains a determining factor in the behaviour and performance of the bike.