20 years ago the trend in cycling was toward narrow, high pressure tires. Inspired by racing cyclists, many riders tried to emulate the equipment they saw being used by professional teams and elite athletes. At the time, the thinking was that narrow, lightweight, high-pressure tires were faster - their slender profile could be more aerodynamic.
As it turns out, some of the “conventional wisdom” may be dead wrong. Recent research even suggests that wider tires may actually befaster, since they allow the tire to conform to bumps and imperfections in the pavement instead of bouncing off them.
Speed isn’t the only benefit - wider tires offer more grip and control, and are also significantly more comfortable to ride, putting less stress on your elbows and lower back. These days, the “secret” is out, and the bike industry is going in the opposite direction, with bikes increasingly offering wider rims and tires than ever before.
So how does it all work? Just like a suspension fork on a motorcycle, a bicycle tire is also a form of suspension. The more air volume inside the inner tube, the more suspension action! Wider, larger diameter tires have more physical room for air molecules inside, and that means more suspension. More suspension = comfort, grip, and control.
Key benefits of fatter, wider tires:
- Comfort - ride longer without pain or fatigue
- Control - your bike handles better on rough surfaces
- Fewer flat tires - more air volume lowers the chance of a pinch flat
Ready to give wider tires a try?