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Realistically, what would be the narrowest tyre you'd use? It's for my Croix de Fer, pretty decent surface, and using it as a 5 mile diversion to get me off the A6 around Chorley. Thinking a GatorHardshell 28mm but wondering if 32mm would be better.
Opinions?
Well, I've occasionally commuted on surfaced tow paths on my 25mm tyred road bike and not had too many problems.
Before that I've used 28mm Marathons, and 32mm Conti Sport Contacts. Currently on 35mm Sammy Slicks. Probably 32mm was the best compromise.
biggest one that fits the frame with guards in place
23mm... works fine, 30 is much more comfortable though.
I did most of a 100 mile ride last year on the trans Pennine trail and the Leeds Liverpool canal on a road bike with 23mm tyres. It's nicer on my cross bike with 32mm cross tyres though.
I run Vittoria Randonneur Pro 32mm as my daily tyres on the Tripster. They're really about a 30mm width, even on wide rims. I find the Vitts have a much nicer ride than Conti's puncture resistant tyres. Even at 30mm I don't find them heavy going.
For a 5 mile diversion but rest of riding on road I wouldn't be that bothered. Before moving back to an MTB I was using 24c Halo twin rails off road and they were fine. Where I ride puncture protection is my top priority so bigger tyres with good protection start to get very heavy and my compromise was a bit of comfort.
If you have low chance of punctures or don't mind fixing them then get between around 28 and 32 as they are definitely more comfortable.
23mm is the thinnest I've used, it worked fine. I'd prefer a 32mm or more if I had s choice but yeah, thin is fine.
Bearing in mind that most commuters have the aerodynamics of a brick, the aerodynamics of the tyre at road speeds is largely irrelevant. Therefore feeling the urge to have a thin tyre for efficiency for the road section is erroneous. A reasonably light and easy rolling 32mm would seem ideal if it fits.