Tire Width vs Protection

[Blademun]

After the last post I made, most people seemed to recommend Ultragatorskins or Armadillo's for the best puncture protection. Anyway, before I make a purchase decision (I am poor and cannot afford to make another mistake here...) I want to lay out a problem I have.

I've been told by a couple people that going with wider tires helps with flat protection. My LBS guy says no, its not a factor. Also, my lbs guy swears up and down that I should go with a pair of Hutchinson's Team tires, because Qoute "Lance Armstrong rode on them through 6 Tour De Frances without ever getting a flat.".

I am leaning to not belive the LBS and go with wider tires; 25 in the front, 28 in the rear. Will that be much of a performance deficit compared with my 23C foldables?

[gclark8]

Going back to wide tyres after 23mm, it will be like riding into a head wind all the time, or with one of the brakes on. :eek:

[Albert 50]

I think speed performance difference between 23 25s is fairly minimal unless you ride quickly, & on rougher road surfaces 25s may offer less rolling resistance with a less bumpy ride for comfort. Due to lower pressures req as you go up in width, the tyre will have more give over sharp objects creating more puncture resistance. Once you get to 28 & over the range & quality that are offered lessons, but performance will becomes noticeable, due to weight & wind resistance.

Your lbs possibly sell mainly Hutchinson's Team tires so that is why he wants you to buy them. Every lbs can't stock & sell all brands of tyres that are available.

BTW I ride mainly on 25s, which I think is a good compromise for the roads I generally ride & for the reasons above. + I'm getting older & I don't ride tdf :)