25 mm, 28 mm, 30 mm or wider: how do you choose the ideal tire width for your road bike?
There was a time when road cyclists swore by tires that were 21 or 23 millimeters wide. In recent years, however, that trend has been completely overturned. The standard first shifted toward 25 millimeters and then to 28 millimeters. Nowadays, you increasingly see 30 millimeters and even 32 millimeters in the peloton. We outline this evolution and explain how Ridley responded to this phenomenon early on.
In what we could – with a slight exaggeration – call the prehistoric era of cycling, riders chose tire widths of a maximum of 23 millimeters, usually combined with very high tire pressure. At the time, it was believed these tires offered aerodynamic advantages and were lighter. Most bikes did not even allow wider tires. Only in races such as Paris–Roubaix did special frames appear with tires up to 25 millimeters, which at the beginning of this century was considered a real revolution.
The trend at the beginning of this century is clearly illustrated when we look at the allowed tire clearance of some of our older models. The Fenix Disc (2013–2016), for example, had a maximum tire width of 28 millimeters. When we look at older versions of the Helium SL (2011–2017) or the Noah SL (2016), this was even limited to just 25 millimeters. Today that seems almost unimaginable, but at the time it was completely normal.
In what we could – with a slight exaggeration – call the prehistoric era of cycling, riders chose tire widths of a maximum of 23 millimeters, usually combined with very high tire pressure. At the time, it was believed these tires offered aerodynamic advantages and were lighter. Most bikes did not even allow wider tires. Only in races such as Paris–Roubaix did special frames appear with tires up to 25 millimeters, which at the beginning of this century was considered a real revolution.
The trend at the beginning of this century is clearly illustrated when we look at the allowed tire clearance of some of our older models. The Fenix Disc (2013–2016), for example, had a maximum tire width of 28 millimeters. When we look at older versions of the Helium SL (2011–2017) or the Noah SL (2016), this was even limited to just 25 millimeters. Today that seems almost unimaginable, but at the time it was completely normal.
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About ten years ago, the evolution toward wider tires began. Engineers discovered that narrower does not necessarily mean faster. What matters is also how a tire makes contact with the road surface. A wider tire has a shorter and wider contact patch, stays rounder and therefore has lower rolling resistance. The idea that narrower tires are automatically faster turned out to be incorrect.
In addition, wider tires can be ridden at lower pressure. This allows them to absorb imperfections in the road much better. On cobblestones or gravel roads, this makes a clearly noticeable difference, which is why riders in the Flemish classics have always preferred wider tires.
The cycling world did need some time to adapt to this evolution. Rims had to be adjusted to accommodate wider tires and bikes needed enough clearance to switch to 28 millimeters or wider. This development took several years and is still ongoing. While 28 millimeters was still the norm in 2024, in the past two seasons we have increasingly seen 30 millimeters and even 32 millimeters appear.
At Ridley, we already sensed this trend early on. At the end of 2023, we launched the Falcn RS with a maximum tire clearance of 34 millimeters, which was a significant increase compared to the 28 millimeters of its predecessors. With the Noah Fast, launched in early 2025, we maintained this generous tire clearance. Much to the delight of many of our riders. For example, Uno-X started Paris–Roubaix last year on 32-millimeter tires, a serious advantage that helped Markus Hoelgaard achieve an impressive eighth place.
In addition, wider tires can be ridden at lower pressure. This allows them to absorb imperfections in the road much better. On cobblestones or gravel roads, this makes a clearly noticeable difference, which is why riders in the Flemish classics have always preferred wider tires.
The cycling world did need some time to adapt to this evolution. Rims had to be adjusted to accommodate wider tires and bikes needed enough clearance to switch to 28 millimeters or wider. This development took several years and is still ongoing. While 28 millimeters was still the norm in 2024, in the past two seasons we have increasingly seen 30 millimeters and even 32 millimeters appear.
At Ridley, we already sensed this trend early on. At the end of 2023, we launched the Falcn RS with a maximum tire clearance of 34 millimeters, which was a significant increase compared to the 28 millimeters of its predecessors. With the Noah Fast, launched in early 2025, we maintained this generous tire clearance. Much to the delight of many of our riders. For example, Uno-X started Paris–Roubaix last year on 32-millimeter tires, a serious advantage that helped Markus Hoelgaard achieve an impressive eighth place.
Falcn RS
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Looking ahead
What does the future look like? Bert Kenens, Senior Product Manager at Belgian Cycling Factory, adds two important nuances. “On the one hand, you have to consider the course. In races without cobbles, the norm today is around 30 millimeters and that may well remain the case. On our bikes, we opted for a maximum tire clearance of 34 millimeters so that our aero bike (Noah Fast) and all-round bike (Falcn RS) can also be used in races such as Strade Bianche or Paris–Roubaix.” “On the other hand, we have to distinguish between professional riders and enthusiasts. I don’t expect the 34-millimeter limit in the WorldTour to increase much further, because aerodynamics and weight also play a role there. For enthusiasts, however, it’s different. In general, a wider tire provides more comfort, less muscle fatigue and therefore a more pleasant riding experience. It is therefore not unthinkable that endurance bikes could evolve toward 36 or even 38 millimeters.”
The choice is yours
Ridley is already a trendsetter in that respect. Within the Grifn family, you can already choose tires up to 38 millimeters (with a 2x drivetrain). These bikes (E-Grifn, Grifn and Grifn RS) are designed for both road and off-road riding. The geometry focuses slightly more on comfort and endurance, without sacrificing too much speed.
So how do you choose the ideal tire width for your rides? First of all, look at the possibilities of your bike. If it’s possible, there is actually no reason today to go below 28 millimeters. In fact, the norm now seems to have shifted toward 30 millimeters, thanks to lower rolling resistance, more comfort and extra grip.
Do you regularly ride on rougher roads? Is there a cobbled section on your commute or do you have a soft spot for the Flemish classics? Then choosing 32 millimeters is certainly no unnecessary luxury. Riders who like to be pioneers of a new trend might even consider 34 to 38 millimeters. All signs suggest it is only a matter of time before that too becomes standard.
So how do you choose the ideal tire width for your rides? First of all, look at the possibilities of your bike. If it’s possible, there is actually no reason today to go below 28 millimeters. In fact, the norm now seems to have shifted toward 30 millimeters, thanks to lower rolling resistance, more comfort and extra grip.
Do you regularly ride on rougher roads? Is there a cobbled section on your commute or do you have a soft spot for the Flemish classics? Then choosing 32 millimeters is certainly no unnecessary luxury. Riders who like to be pioneers of a new trend might even consider 34 to 38 millimeters. All signs suggest it is only a matter of time before that too becomes standard.
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