We all know that wider is better on the road, to a limit, of course. And wide has been taking over gravel too. But it’s ‘cross season and I’m racing my gravel bike over there. Currently have on some low rolling resistance 45s and I like them, but I wonder if I’m too wide or narrow. We don’t have to worry about legal widths in our races, so anything goes.
Is there any evidence about what’s fastest for cross? I haven’t found much out there and am curious about opinions.
You’ve said “legal” size isn’t a restriction, so that takes caare of #1.
#2, in cross, the answer always is: Whatever you’re fastest doing/riding. That’s true of tread, grip, pressure, riding vs running etc. avoiding crashes and mechanicals.
With that said. Wider = lower pressure = more grip. More grip, generally equals faster (except in sand). Tons of variables including pinch flats/burping.
Whatever tire you will be most comfortable on with the right pressure. I think tread is far more deterministic in speed than width in cross. But you will always be limited by your skill, imo. So just ride whatever you feel like riding for the given conditions.
I am pretty sure the widest you can go without clogging up your frame will be the fastest.
Mud is the thing, right??
We may have some muddy races but I probably won’t do them honestly. We’re taking grassy surfaces mostly.
I also get some tire roll with lower pressures so I have to watch out for that. With a 45 at about 23 psi rear, I felt great. At 18, I could feel it squidge around.