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Just wondering what people’s thoughts are on tyre/wheel size for a short commute of 2 miles by road/path. I have narrowed my choices down to 2, a trek FX3 equipped and trek dual sport 3 gen 5 equipped. These are very similar bikes but the fx has 700c 35mm wheels tyres and the dual sport has 27.5 x 2.0. I am leaning towards the dual sport as my other 2 bikes are 27.5 and the bigger tyres might be more comfy on the crappy roads. But would they feel slower/heavier than the 700c? Would I really notice the difference on a 2 mile road ride every day? Any thoughts or experiences?
Gonna depend more on the type of tyre than anything else (assuming reasonable pressures). I'd go on availability of spare tyres (tricky to predict but 700C isn't going away) and if there are any other benefits to either size (eg mudguard availability). Plus any other factors about each bike.
2 miles I wouldn't worry.
My Soul with 2.3 tyres is only about 5 mins slower than my 700c over 9 miles, so for just 2 it won't make much difference
I’ve put a set of 650b x 47 tyres in a Cotic BFe frame as a commuter for a trip of just under 7 miles and it’s great. Having wide but fast rolling tyres is the key and unless you absolutely have to get the as quick as possible then they’re fine. I’m never in a massive rush on my commute either, time to try and prepare for the day ahead or unwind.
I preferred fatter tyres, especially in the dark, for negotiating unavoidable potholes
Just leave home a couple of minutes earlier
Pick the bike you like most. Over that distance, the tyres will make no difference.
Depends on the width, I prefer 650b x 47 on the commuter, clearance is a bit more limited with 700c though I have been using Schwalbe Overland All-season 700c x40 and the grip in the cold has been impressive. The smaller Wheel accelerates quicker and extra width/lower pressure absorbs the bumps in the road better.
I would simply walk two miles, honestly. It's barely worth the hassle of putting on cycling kit then getting rained on, then changing into normal clothes and reverse. Beyond that, honestly, for perspective, if you average 10mph, your journey time will be 12 minutes. But really, I think you're splitting hairs unnecessarily unless you have proper princess and pea tendencies 😉
2 miles doesn't require getting changed in to specific clothing, especially with full length guards. Though my 3.75km commute is also 200m of descent in the morning so a lot more fun on a bike.
I used to do a 4 mile commute without getting changed. Stuff in pannier bag, go a bit slower, it's just like walking.
I'd get the fatter tyred 27.5 bike. You could probably just change to 700c if you didn't like it, probably a very similar diameter with the tyres.
Thanks for the replies. Think I will go 27.5 just to keep things the same as the other bikes. The bike comes with mudguards and Pannier rack so I can take shoes etc to change into (I don't think I need a full change of clothes for such a short bimble). There seems to be wider choice of tyres for 700c and the 27.5 seems more limited to gravel/cyclocross types but still seems to have decent options available for down the line. At 4 miles a day I don't think I will be getting through many tyres though.