TEST Eleven wide racing tyres
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TEST Eleven wide racing tyres
TEXT
Robert Kühnen
PHOTOS
Makus Greber &
THE WIDTH Robert Kühnen
EFFECT
Wide tyres are „in“. Increasingly, race bikes SHORT AND SWEET
are rolling out of the shops with 25mm-wide
S TAT S LEADER BOARD
tyres. Is this fashion or technical progress?
Our test checks the facts. We tested eleven
tyres ranging from 23 to 28 millimetres. 9,5 Lowest rolling
resistance
watts between the
fastest and slowest
tyres
Previously, the matter was simple. Fast PRESSURE TEST
2O
percent more volume
CONTINENTAL
GP 4000 S II 28 MM
racing bikes had narrow tyres. Very narrow, First: the riding test. On a course for a 25mm-wide
in fact. 18mm, up to 20mm at the very most comprising various surfaces and Lightest wide tyres
tyre compared to
was considered ideal. You pumped as much sharp curves, we directly
as your arms and the floor pump could compared all the tyres by
a 23mm one (28mm:
manage. Hard was good, because narrow running them on the same rims. 50 percent more)
tyres were only sure of keeping firm if We also experimented with the
pumped chock-a-block with air. Otherwise,
potholes and manhole covers would risk the
tube being crushed and bursting between the
air pressure: the starting
pressure for almost 80kg of
system weight was 7.5 bar, which
29
millimetres wide: the
MICHELIN
rim flange and the tyre itself. were then adjusted depending on P R O 4 C O M P L I M I T E D 25
With today‘s customary 23mm-wide tyres, the rider‘s subjective impression. highest volume tyre
the risk of a puncture is low if they are Wide tyres simply felt too hard testes (Challenge
pumped to a pressure which is sensible and with this racing pressure. Wider Paris Roubaix) Most agile steering
adjusted to the rider‘s weight. The feeling of tyres, according the result of the performance
comfort is significantly better than with a comparative rides, need about
rock-hard 20mm tyre. Nevertheless, there 0.5 bar less pressure than the All test results start
seems to be a trend towards racing tyres with next-widest tyre class to achieve O N PA G E 30
an even higher volume. Not as exotic a ride which feels subjectively
solution for torturous tracks in Belgium, but similar.
as normal tyres. Comfort racers have even The most comfortable ride was
been spotted with 28mm-wide tyres. But achieved with the 28mm tyres at SPECIALIZED
does it make any sense? a pressure of 5.5 bar: the tyre still S - W O R K S 26
In order to examine the effect of tyre width, having plenty of reserve
we have taken the 23, 25 and 28mm same- suspension travel due to its
model versions from the market-leading copious volume, while at the
manufacturers Continental and Schwalbe, same time being barely at risk of
and compared them with six wide tyres from puncture. Nonetheless, the
other manufacturers. steering performance was
We were especially excited to see how noticeably more inert at lower
Schwalbe‘s new One tyre would fare. The pressures – this was true
completely newly developed top-of-the-range regardless of tyre width. The
model ranks above Schwalbe‘s Ultremo, and additional weight of the wide
is available in three widths. Can the One tyres reinforced this effect. How
stand up to the tried and tested classic, the a tyre travels, however, depends
Grand Prix 4000 S from Continental? not only on its width and
CROSS SECTION
Its yellow Kevlar cores
S I Z E C O M PA R I S O N
make the Continental
The Continental GP tyre foldable
4000 S in 23mm (left)
FORTIFIED
and 28mm widths.
Difference: 50 percent pressures are between 5.5 bar (Michelin The Continental tyres‘
in volume 25mm) and 8.2 bar (Specialized S-Works edges consist of a cut-
26mm), the maximum pressures between resistant Vectran pro-
7.5 bar (Michelin 25mm) and 11 bar tection layer
pressure, but also on the construction of the (Vredestein 25mm). The recommendations
carcass, on the contour and on the rubber of Michelin were those which most
mixture. The table on Page 30 summarises accurately matched our own impressions. WIDER = FASTER?
how the ride feel for each model. Following the test runs, it was time to collect We first measured rolling
The pressure recommendations of the some data at our TOUR laboratory, where resistance at 7.5 bar on our belt
manufacturers vary widely, and correspond rolling resistance and puncture protection tester, which simulates a flat
only partially with what is best in our were tested, the tyres measured and the road. We also tested the 28mm
experience. The recommended minimum suspension stiffness precisely determined. tyres at 5.5 bar, to see whether it
is possible that comfort and easy
running could go hand in hand.
In the rolling test, the fat, 28mm-
ROLLING RESISTANCE wide Continental GP 4000 S II
distanced itself from the other
test specimens. This bulky wide
31
tyre even rivalled the extra-light
29 23mm time trial tyres. The
27 second and third places in terms
of rolling went to the
25
Continental 25mm and
23 Specialized‘s 26mm – likewise
21 wide tyres. Only then did
19
Continental‘s 23mm appear in
fourth place. So is „wider“
17
synonymous with „faster“? Not
15 always. Schwalbe‘s new One
L L ED L GE in lbe E VIC LBE EIN
N TA N TA LIZ N TA EN hel wa 3 ALB 5 M A k 25 H WA e 28 D E S T 25 range demonstrated the reverse
T I N E S I I 2 8 T I N E S I I 2 5 E C I A r k s 2 6 T I N E S I I 2 3 H A L L a i x 2 7 M i c te d 2 5 Sch One 2 S C H W One 2 i n S C n V R E omp
CO N 4000 CO N 4000 S P S -Wo C O N 000 C oub
p Li
mi e r L O
ri C trend: The 28mm was the slowest
Prix Prix Prix
4 is R Po w za T
d d d Pa r Co m nk/ tez
Gra
n
Gra
n
Gra
n
P ro
4 p Li Fo r tyre from that range, although
Gri
the gaps between them were very
Rolling resistance compared: The lower the bar (pressure), the easier the tyre rolled during the TOUR test. This involved small and partially within the
running the tyre on a belt, measuring the running resistance on a level surface (rather than – as with many other rigs – on measurement tolerance. Overall,
drums which are generally too small and which therefore overstate the rolling values). Continental‘s 28mm displayed the least the difference between the
rolling resistance. Even when the pressure was set to a comfort-oriented 5.5 bar, resistance increased by just one watt – a very fastest and slowest tyre in the
good result! Overall, the rolling resistances are fairly close together: the best and worst being just 9.5 watts apart. The error bars test field was just 10 watts, given
indicate the measurement tolerance of plus/minus one watt. a speed of 35km/h.
favourable wide rims are used: for example
the Zipp Firecrest range or HED wheels.
Time trial professionals who rode until
recently on 19mm narrow tyres, today race
with this wide tyre combo.
We tested for puncture resistance using two WE NOTICED
laboratory tests. We simulated running over
small stones with a prick tests, measuring the
force required to push a blade through the 28mm tyres do not fit all frames and forks.
tread of the tyres. Most tyres did well in If they do indeed fit, the installation and
these two tests, with the protective layers of removal of the rear wheel can be difficult –
dense special fabric effectively resisting some air may have to be let out.
intrusions. The Continental tyres displayed The rim width has an impact on tyre rigi
the highest resistance to cutting. Challenge dity and steering performance. Wide rims
and Specialized were the weakest in terms of give a more direct feel to the steering:
puncture protection. changing direction is easier. The pressure can
Wet grip on cornering was investigated by be reduced by about 0.5 bar on wide rims.
stunt rider Benedict Gerlicher, by entering a 100g tubes of size 18-25 work the 28mm
wet bend increasing speeds from one ride to tyres to the limit. During the tests, some
the next, until the tyres lost their grip. The tubes burst in the valve area due to
speed achieved on the bend is a measure of overstretching. Choose tubes of larger
INSTE AD OF CHECKING BY HAND
the grip of the tyre on wet asphalt. This test diameter if you go for 28mm tyres.
also allowed us to see how the tyres react at Two Schwalbe tyres jumped off the rim
The small pressure tester from
their limit. The Continental and Schwalbe during inflation with a compressor – each
Schwalbe measures very precisely tyres achieved the best outcomes in this test: when just below 8 bar. This happened with
they very confidently pursued their course 25mm and 28mm tyres on rims that had
and gave predictable feedback regarding been used so far without any problems.
their grip limits, regardless of the tyre width. When inflated by hand, the tyre suffered no
On roads that are bumpier than the well- such issue.
paved test bend, wide tyres will probably
At a suspension-friendly 5.5 bar, have the advantage, since they have better
Continental‘s 28mm was just approx. two ride dynamics with correspondingly low
watts worse than at 7.5 bar – on the flat pressure and thus maintain better contact SUSPENSION
reference surface. It was therefore the rolling with the road.
champion in this test. Over rough terrain, 11
one would expect that low-pressure thick WIDE MEANS FLEXIBLE 10
tyres‘ advantage over harder-pumped After evaluating all data and how the tyres
Suspension travel [mm]
9
narrow tyres would be larger still, as they felt, it is clear that wide tyres are more just
8
roll more readily over bumps and thus than a passing fashion. Continental‘s 28mm
7
require less energy. As regards cyclo-cross rolls with the least resistance, and the same
6
and mountain bikes, this link is obvious. manufacturer‘s 25mm GP 4000 S gets the
5
Over more difficult terrain, those tyres which overall award for this test. Both also allow
4
can be run at the lowest pressure have the for a more comfortable ride than standard
edge. Up to this point then, there is much in 23mm tyres. Broad means flexible: you can 3
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
support of the use of wide tyres on the road. adjust how the tyre feels with your pump. Pressure [Bar]
They roll very well, even at low pressure You can choose to pump your wide tyres so
(which improves ride comfort) – and they that they are rock hard or comfy – as The curves for 50kg (lower) and 100kg of
have a wider range of applications than required – and offer a very good load per tyre (measured for 23, 25 and
narrower tyres. compromise between comfort and rolling 28mm) show how much the tyre compresses
resistance. For recreational cyclists, wide under load. The results are extremely close.
MATCHING RIMS tyres are therefore a winner. But wide is not This means that the tyre‘s cushioning
However, the added aerodynamic drag needs always better. Racers must ensure that they depends on the pressure and weight load:
to be factored in – and often this is the use appropriate – i.e. wide enough – the width plays virtually no role. Narrow and
dominant resistance. The tyre also plays an aerodynamic rims, as too narrow a rim will, wide tyres of the same pressure cushion
important role in this respect. Tyre type and as a result of aerodynamic disadvantages, almost equally. Wide tyres offer more
width affect the air resistance and must negate the small advantage in terms of comfort due to the option of reducing
harmonise with the rim. What is more: the rolling resistance. the pressure more than is possible with
aerodynamic differences are larger than the narrow tyres.
small differences in rolling resistance. On
standard rims, which are mostly 20-21 mm
wide, a wide tyre is, from an aerodynamic
point of view, something of a disaster. When
it comes to top speed, wide tyres can only be
considered if new, aerodynamically
1/ 20 14
INNER
TEST W
MANUFACTURER CHALLENGE CONTINENTAL CONTINENTAL CONTINENTAL
Model Paris Roubaix 27 Grand Prix 4000 S II 23 Grand Prix 4000 S II 25 Grand Prix 4000 S II 28
Reference/info www.challengetech.it www.continental.de www.continental.de www.continental.de
M E A S U R E D VA L U E S
Price 57 Euro 54,19 Euro 54,19 Euro 54,19 Euro
Width x height, weight 29 x 26,3 mm, 291g 23,5 x 22,9 mm, 220g 25,5 x 24,8 mm, 226g 28,5 x 27,8 mm, 238g
Rolling resistance 1) 23,1 Watt 22,1 Watt 20,7 Watt 18,8 Watt
Puncture resistance 2) 6 Second, 419 Newton 180 Second, 628 Newton 180 Second, 553 Newton 180 Second, 579 Newton
Wet grip/limit range 3) 31,8 km/h/3,0 34,6 km/h/1,0 34,1 km/h/1,0 34,2 km/h/1,0
Weight (10 %) ●●●●●●●● 5,0 ●●●●●●●● 3,3 ●●●●●●●● 3,3 ●●●●●●●● 3 ,7
Rolling resistance (30 %) ●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●
TOUR GRADE
1,7 1, 3 1, 0 1, 0
Puncture resistance (30 %) ●●●●●●●● 4,0 ●●●●●●●● 1, 0 ●●●●●●●● 1, 0 ●●●●●●●● 1, 0
Wet grip (30 %) ●●●●●●●● 3,0 ●●●●●●●● 1, 0 ●●●●●●●● 1, 0 ●●●●●●●● 1, 0
OVERALL SCORE (100 %)
3,1 1,3 1,2 1,3
Ride feel Neutral handling. Tyre gives little Gives the impression of being a Solid road-holding, neutral hand- Feels very safe. Clear grip limit.
feedback as regards grip limit and solid tyre. Reliably signals having ling, good absorption. Limit area Impressed on poor roads with
suddenly slips when over the limit. reached the grip limit by stuttering. signalled through the front wheel. adjusted air pressure.
CONCLUSION Made for rough roads, but also runs A slightly revised classic: even An all-round, trouble-free tyre: The master roller. Faster than the
well on smooth roads. Puncture faster; as good as usual in the other robust, quick and safe. When rest. Top tyre for rough runs thanks
resistance not up to date. Difficult disciplines. Strongest combined with a sufficiently wide to docile handling. Perfect for
to fit, due to its design. competition: its wider versions. rim, is a perfect competition tyre cobblestones.
for sportive and time trial events.
MANUFACTURER SCHWALBE SCHWALBE SCHWALBE SPECIALIZED
Model One 23 One 25 One 28 S-Works 26
Reference/info www.schwalbe.de www.schwalbe.de www.schwalbe.de www.specialized.com
Price 49,90 Euro 49,90 Euro 49,90 Euro 49,90 Euro
Width x height, weight 23,0 x 22,5 mm, 200g 24,5 x 24,3 mm, 212g 27,5 x 27,3 mm, 231g 25 x 24,8 mm, 196g
M E A S U R E D VA L U E S
Rolling resistance 1) 23,8 Watt 25,0 Watt 26,0 Watt 21,3 Watt
Puncture resistance 2) 168 Second, 510 Newton 180 Second, 510 Newton 180 Second, 510 Newton 7 Second, 353 Newton
Wet grip/limit range 3) 34,2 km/h/1,0 34,2 km/h/1,0 34,1 km/h/1,0 32,7 km/h/2,0
Weight (10 %) ●●●●●●●● 2 ,7 ●●●●●●●● 3,0 ●●●●●●●● 3 ,7 ●●●●●●●● 2,3
Rolling resistance (30 %) ●●●●●●●● 1,7 ●●●●●●●● 2,3 ●●●●●●●● 2 ,7 ●●●●●●●● 1,0
Puncture resistance (30 %) ●●●●●●●● 1, 5 ●●●●●●●● 1, 3 ●●●●●●●● 1, 3 ●●●●●●●● 4,5
●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●● ●●●●●●●●
TOUR GRADE
Wet grip (30 %) 1, 0 1, 0 1, 0 2,0
OVERALL SCORE (100 %)
1,5 1,7 1,9 2,5
Ride feel Gives the impression of being a Gives the impression of being a so- Gives the impression of being a Dynamic steering performance.
solid tyre. Neutral steering, very lid tyre. Neutral steering, very safe solid tyre. Directs and drives just as Rubber inspires confidences, but
safe ride feel. Signals grip limit well. ride feel. Signals grip limit well. good as its narrower versions. the grip limit is not very clear.
CONCLUSION Good performance profile: grippy, Doesn‘t roll quite as well as the Voluminous all-rounder. Very Lighter, higher-volume
triple rubber compound, very narrower One 23, but is more comforter at lower air pressures. competition tyre; very agile.
flexible carcass, good puncture re- comfortable. Good all-rounder for The delicate side walls are Below-average puncture resistance
sistance, low rolling resistance. many purposes. puncture-prone on bad roads. tarnishes the final grade.Germany, Continental production plant, Korbach, bicycle building section. Continental employee, Sigrid Lüdde | www.conti-bicycletyres.com
MAVIC MICHELIN
Yksion Grip Link/Power Link Pro 4 Comp Limited
www.mavic.com www.michelin.de
45 Euro 49,95 Euro
24,2 x 23,8 mm, 222g 25,5 x 24,6 mm, 195g
25,3 Watt 23,8 Watt
180 Second, 500 Newton 180 Second, 455 Newton
33,0 km/h/1,0 33,0 km/h/2,0
●●●●●●●● 3,3 ●●●●●●●● 2,3
●●●●●●●● 2,3 ●●●●●●●● 1,7
●●●●●●●● 1, 5 ●●●●●●●● 1, 8
●●●●●●●● 1,7 ●●●●●●●● 2,0
2,O 1,9
Neutral handling, soft rubber. Grip Agile handling, hard rubber, firmer
limit noticeable through front wheel. ride feel. Grip limit noticeable, but
only slightly.
Paired tyres from wheel
manufacturer with grippy Lightweight version of the Pro 4:
compound at the front and a harder thin tread, very thin carcass. Direct,
compound at the rear. Good sporty ride feel; only slight
all-rounder with absorption. Agile tyre geometry.
balanced characteristics.
with Handmade in Germany
VREDESTEIN Key
1)
Rolling performance at
Fortezza Tri Comp Slick 35km/h for 85kg system
weight at 7.5 bar
www.vredestein.de The lower the score, the
46,95 Euro better (measured using
100g butyl tube).
24,8 x 24,3 mm, 245g
28,3 Watt 2)
Two-part puncture test:
1: seconds until tyre
180 Second, 517 Newton puncturing with a
31,5 km/h/3,0 vibrating blade (abort
●●●●●●●● 4,0 after 180 seconds).
2: puncture resistance in
●●●●●●●● 3,3 Newtons (N) – the
●●●●●●●● 1, 3 higher the score, the
better.
●●●●●●●● 3,0
3)
Wet grip: maximum
2,7 speed for a curve radius
of eight metres. The
grade provides
Medium hard rubber, neutral hand- information on whether
and how well the tyre In six new colours with the latest version of our BlackChili Compound: With
ling. Grip limit is poorly displayed, signalled the grip limit improved mileage and sensational grip. Available from your dealer in spring.
tyre suddenly slips away. (30 % weighting of wet
grip grade).
In the rolling resistance test, did
not achieve the levels of the
narrower Tri Comp Slick, but offers
better puncture protection.You can also read
