The Future of Road Bike Tyres: Wider is Faster, But What’s the Catch?
As cyclists, we’re always on the lookout for ways to shave precious seconds off our times and gain an edge over the competition. And when it comes to road bike tyres, the latest research suggests that going wider could be the key to unlocking significant speed gains. But before we all rush out to swap our trusty 23c tyres for 40mm behemoths, let’s take a closer look at the data and see what it really means for us.
The Testing
Cyclingnews recently conducted an extensive lab test to investigate the effects of tyre width on rolling resistance and aerodynamics. The team tested six different Pirelli P Zero TLR tyres ranging from 26mm to 40mm, as well as the Hunt CGR40 gravel wheels and the Zipp 303 XPLR SW. The testing was done at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub, using a pedalling efficiency rig and a wind tunnel to gather data.
The Results
The results were impressive, to say the least. The testing showed that wider tyres could yield a saving of over 80 watts in rolling resistance drag alone. But what’s even more striking is that this saving is not limited to professional riders or those competing in high-speed events. In fact, the data suggests that wider tyres could be faster for “most people”, especially those who ride at lower speeds and encounter poorly surfaced roads.
The Catch
So, why haven’t we all been using 40mm tyres already? The answer lies in the complex interplay between tyre size, wheel width, and frame clearance. As Cyclingnews notes, a 35c tyre isn’t very aerodynamic on a wheel designed for 28c tyres, and you won’t get very far running a 40c tyre in a frame designed for 30mm. This means that, for now, wider tyres are not a straightforward solution for everyone.
The Future
So, what does this mean for the future of road bike tyres? The data suggests that tyre size will continue to grow, with 40mm potentially being just a stepping stone towards the eventual limit. This raises an interesting question: will we see a shift towards more gravel-inspired designs, with wider tyres and wheels becoming the norm?
Actionable Insights
So, what can we take away from this research? For those who ride at lower speeds and encounter poorly surfaced roads, wider tyres could be a game-changer. However, for those who ride at higher speeds or compete in high-level events, the benefits may be less clear-cut. Ultimately, the decision to switch to wider tyres will depend on your individual riding style, terrain, and equipment.
Conclusion
The future of road bike tyres is looking wider, and faster. While the benefits of wider tyres are clear, it’s important to remember that this is not a one-size-fits-all solution. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative designs and solutions emerge. For now, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities that wider tyres could bring, and we can’t wait to see how this trend develops in the years to come.