Matt on why You Should Be Riding 30mm+ Road Tyres—If Your Bike Can Handle It Or More To The Point If You Can Handle It.
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- By Matt King
- Posted in Bicycle, Bike Shops Darwin, Darwin, Darwin Bike Shop
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For years, roadies swore that narrow = fast, I was definitely in that boat running as narrow as 19mm tyres once upon a time . Turns out, we were all wrong. If your bike clears 30mm or more, you’re missing out on free speed, better handling, and a smoother ride.
Matt on why You Should Be Riding 30mm+ Road Tyres—If Your Bike Can Handle It Or More To The Point If You Can Handle It.
For years, roadies swore that narrow = fast, I was definitely in that boat running as narrow as 19mm tyres once upon a time . Turns out, we were all wrong. If your bike clears 30mm or more, you’re missing out on free speed, better handling, and a smoother ride.
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Wider Tires: Real-World Testing
Last year, I trained and raced on 35mm road tires for six months. Expected comfort, thought I’d lose speed—wrong. More grip meant I could power through corners while others braked, opening gaps without even trying.
This year? 40mm gravel tires on the road. Insanely comfortable, loads of grip, but is it the sweet spot? Still testing. Somewhere between 30mm and 40mm seems to be the magic number.
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1. More Speed, Less Effort
Wider tires roll smoother over rough roads, meaning less wasted energy and more watts in the pedals.
➡ In races, I stayed fresher while others fought the road.
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2. Comfort = Faster Recovery
Less road buzz = less fatigue. After 3+ hour rides, my legs still felt useful instead of destroyed.
➡ Long rides felt easier, and I could push harder the next day.
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3. More Grip = Free Speed in Corners
Bigger contact patch = more confidence, more power, and more control.
➡ While others eased off in corners, I kept the gas on. Instant gaps.
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4. No More Worrying About Potholes
Rough roads? Light gravel? Who cares? 30mm+ tires eat bad surfaces for breakfast.
➡ Stopped dodging cracks, just rode through them. Less stress, more fun.
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5. The Pros Are Doing It—So Should You
Most new road bikes fit 30mm+ tires, and even the pros are moving wider.
➡ 40mm is still a question, but 30-35mm? That’s the sweet spot.
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Final Thoughts: Stop Fearing Width
If your bike fits 30mm or bigger, go for it. You’ll ride faster, smoother, and with more control—and once you do, you won’t go back.
Tried wider tires? Let’s hear your thoughts!
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