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700x21 or 23 on 2008 Zipp 808/900

atasicatasic
in General Training Discussions
What are our team's thoughts on going with 700x23 on tubular 08 Zipp 808/900. I am aware of the current trends but not sure if it would be the way with older wheels. I have always used 700x21 and even than my e112 would rub in the rear cutout so I would have to back the wheel out a bit. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Comments

  • harrastharrast

    If I had an earlier generation wheel that was narrower, like 18-20mm, I would certainly consider running a narrower tire like a 21mm.  From what I have gleaned, the aero benefit of a narrower tire trumps the rolling resistance gains of a wider tire.  I would have trouble finding data on this, but I have seen numbers quoted that seem to come from somewhere.  I'm a clincher guy, and there aren't many narrow clincher tires to choose from, but you probably have some very good tubulars still on the market.  I guess the tires and wheels have both followed the trend toward greater width.   

  • atasicatasic

    Thank you so much. Done and ordered 700x21.

  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    That stated, I would still ride a 23mm in back. There really isn't an aero penalty on the rear tire because it's shielded by the frame and it's a more comfy ride.
  • harrastharrast
    I agree with Bob on this, mostly.  A wider tire on the back seems to have less of an aero penalty.  I have a later generation disk wheel (2011 Hed Jet) and I run a 23mm (nominal width) on it.  When I get out my digital calipers, the tire is actually close to 26mm wide mounted and inflated.  I don't worry about it much because, as Bob mentioned, most of the tire is shielded by the frame and a wider tire has a better ride and less rolling resistance.  However, with a narrow wheel, eh, I don't know.  I guess we just don't have a lot of data. 
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