You are looking for the best tires to buy and want to know which ones are going to be most comfortable, durable, and safe. There is a lot of confusion around 27mm vs 29mm tire sizes for Road, Gravel, and Commuting.
It can be difficult to decide between both 28mm and 32mm tires – which tire is better suited for riding on roads, gravel, or commuting. We will explore these options in this article so that you can choose the right one.
The difference between 28mm and 32 mm tires has been hotly debated by cyclists for a long time. This article will explore all of the options in detail and help you find your perfect tire.
- 32mm Bike Tires Overview
- 28mm Bike Tires Overview
- 32mm vs 28mm Tires Comparing their Features
- What are The Advantages of 32mm Tires?
- What are The Disadvantages of 32mm Tires
- What are The Advantages of 28mm bicycle Tires
- What are The Disadvantages of 28mm Bike Tires
- Can 28mm and 32mm Tires Be Interchanged?
- 28mm vs 32mm Tires: What’s Best for Road Cycling and Commuting?
- Conclusion
- FAQ
32mm Bike Tires Overview
32 mm bike tires are wider than the traditional 28 mm bike tires. This extra width gives you more traction and shock absorption, which is why these tires are often found on mountain bikes or gravel bikes. While they offer some great benefits, they also have a few drawbacks that should be considered before making a purchase.
When it comes to choosing the best bike tires for road, gravel, and commuting, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, a wider tire (32mm) can provide more traction on uneven surfaces and can absorb more of the shock when you’re hitting bumps, ensuring a more comfortable ride.
Additionally, the extra comfort and support will reduce how much time and energy you have to spend avoiding bumps; this means you can ride longer distances with less strain.
On the other hand, 32 mm bike tires offer several advantages over their smaller counterparts. They provide more security and stability around sharp corners and are better able to handle extra weight. However, they are also heavier than the smaller sizes, which can add a bit of weight to your bike.
28mm Bike Tires Overview
There are a variety of different bike tires on the market, each designed for different purposes. 28mm bike tires are lightweight and narrow, making them great for road bikes that travel on smoother terrain.
They lack the width and traction of wider tires, so they aren’t great for rugged areas. However, commuting to work or riding paved trails in cities or towns, they are great options.
On the whole, 28 mm bike tires offer a few benefits over the larger 32 mm tires. They are faster and more aerodynamic, making for faster acceleration and higher speeds on smoother terrain.
They are also lightweight, which makes them easier to lift, and they hold more air pressure. However, there are a few reasons you may not want to use them. Narrower tires can be more easily punctured than wider ones and they don’t grip as well in wet or muddy conditions.
32mm vs 28mm Tires Comparing their Features
Weight
The 32mm tire is heavier than a 28mm tire. The weight of a bike tire is important because it can affect the speed and handling of the bike.
The lighter, narrower tires may not be that much noticeable when you lift the bike onto a bike rack or into the back of a truck. The thinner tires have less wind resistance and can move faster.
| Model | 28mm | 32mm | Difference |
| Donnelly LGG | 290g | 382g | 31.7% |
| Continental UltraSport 3 | 295g | 400g | 35.5% |
| Schwalbe Lugano II Active | 310g | 400g | 29% |
| Continental GatorSkin | 300g | 350g | 16.6% |
| Continental GatorHardshell | 410g | 450g | 9.75% |
| Panaracer Pasela ProTite | 280g | 350g | 25% |
| Cont. Grand Prix 4-Season | 280g | 320g | 14.2% |
| Vittoria Zaffiro | 440g | 480g | 9% |
| Continental Contact Urban | 400g | 445g | 11.25% |
| Average: | 20% |
Narrower, lighter tires weigh 20% less than their wider counterparts. While this may not seem like much, when you’re talking about a vehicle’s overall weight, even a small reduction can be significant.
For example, every 32 mm tire weighs more than a 28 mm tire – so if you switch all of your tires to the narrower size, you’ll save yourself some pounds.
Air pressure
Tire air pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The amount of air pressure in a tire affects the economy of cycling. For example, road bikes are usually rated at about 80 to 120 PSI while mountain bikes require a tire pressure between 25 and 50 PSI.
Wider 32 mm tires have more air volume, which means you can actually use lower air pressure to give them more traction and shock absorption capabilities.
| Model | 28mm | 32mm | Difference* |
| Donnelly Tire Strada LGG | 85-105 PSI | 40-80 PSI | 23.8% |
| Continental UltraSport 3 | 80-116 PSI | 65-102 PSI | 12% |
| Continental GatorSkin | 95-116 PSI | 85-102 PSI | 12% |
| Continental GatorHardshell | 95-116 PSI | 85-102 PSI | 12% |
| Panaracer Pasela ProTite | max. 115 PSI | max. 95 PSI | 17% |
| Cont. Grand Prix 4-Season | 95-115 PSI | 85-102 PSI | 11% |
| Continental Contact Urban | 80-110 PSI | 65-94 PSI | 14.5% |
| Average: | 14% |
Narrower 28 mm tires have less air volume, so need higher PSI levels to keep you from bottoming out on uneven surfaces.
Ride Comfort
Ride comfort is an important factor to consider when choosing between 32mm and 28mm tires. The thinner 700×28 bicycle tires have higher air pressure, which makes them much harder.
Though there are benefits, like stability during sharp turns, the hard tires don’t absorb shock, so you feel every single bump, crack, or stone you travel over. The thicker 32 mm tires can hold less air without damaging the tires, giving them a bit of bounce as you ride.
A wider tire gives you more traction on uneven surfaces, plus they can absorb more of the shock. When you hit a bump, the tyres on your bike absorb most of the shock without riding the rim.
Resistance
Resistance is the force you need to fight against to keep the bike moving forward. The main cause of resistance on the road or trail is the deformation of the tire which comes in contact with the surface of the terrain as the wheel turns.
The larger wheels, like the 32 mm options, remain rounder under pressure as you ride, so they have less rolling resistance. Narrower 28 mm tires have more resistance.
When comparing 28mm and 32mm models, the same principle stays true –28mm tires can operate at a higher air pressure keeping their rolling resistance low.
Speed
The 28mm tires offer higher speeds on the smooth surfaces of paved roads. A 32mm tire is going to have a faster acceleration speed than a 28mm tire.
Rolling resistance does increase with speed. The 28mm tires offer higher speeds because they have less contact with the ground, which results in less rolling resistance.
The 32mm tires have more contact with the ground, which results in more rolling resistance and slower speeds.
Rolling resistance increases with speed because the tires have to work harder to keep rolling at high speeds. This results in more wear and tear on the tires and can cause them to break down over time.
Acceleration
Acceleration is how quickly your velocity changes over time. The lighter weight and narrower width of the 28mm tires result in less material used to make the tires, which reduces the rotational mass. This also speeds up the tire’s ability to spin.
The 32mm tires are larger and heavier, so they spin slower than the 28mm tires. Though they still offer decent acceleration, it is lower than what you’d expect from the smaller tires.
A 32mm tire is going to have a faster acceleration speed than a 28mm tire. This is due to the increased contact patch and the fact that a 32mm tire has a higher air pressure. If the highest priority is speed on smooth asphalt, 28mm tires have an edge.
Meanwhile, 32mm tires are a better choice for commuters and people who want to reduce the stress on their joints caused by road vibrations.
Installation
The installation process is also different. 28mm bicycles tires are harder to install than 32mm tires. With the 28mm tires, you will need to use clincher tire beads that are inflated before installing them on your rims. For 32mm tires, you will need to use a tube which is inflated before installation.
Price
The best road bike tyres range in price from $30 to $200. You can find tyres at the lower end of the price range that is just as good as the ones at the higher end. It all depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in a tyre.
What are The Advantages of 32mm Tires?
1. They offer Better performance on dirt and gravel or off-road terrain than 28mm road bike tires
32mm tires offer better performance on dirt and light gravel or off-road terrain than 28mm road bike tires. This is because they have a larger contact patch with the ground, which provides more traction.
Additionally, they have a thicker sidewall that helps to protect the rim from impact damage.
2. They are more stable cornering
One of the main advantages of having 32mm tires is that they are more stable when cornering. This is because the slimmer tires have less contact patch with the ground, which results in less rolling resistance.
This is especially advantageous for racing, as the greater acceleration of the slimmer tires is appreciated the most during competition.
3. They are Better for Hauling Cargo
32mm tires are generally better for hauling cargo because they are more stable and the pressure is lower. This is due to the fact that they have a larger contact patch with the ground.
As a result, 32mm tires are less likely to slip or skid when carrying a heavy load. Additionally, the lower pressure means that the tires will absorb some of the impacts from bumps in the road.
This makes for a smoother ride for both the cyclist and any cargo being hauled.
4. Reduced Vibrations and Joint Stress
One of the advantages of wider tires is that they reduce vibrations and stress on the joints. This is because wider tires are more forgiving and spare the joints from some of the strain.
Another advantage of wider tires is that they increase stability and reduce the stress transmitted to the frame and cargo. This is because wider tires are less likely to skid or slip on wet or icy roads.
5. They are Better for Cities with Imperfect Roads
The wider the tire, the better it is for cities with imperfect roads. Wider tires make the ride safer and more pleasant. They also increase the stability of the bike and reduce the stress transmitted to the frame and the cargo.
6. Extra Endurance/Lower Fatigue
32mm tires are wider than standard road bike tires, and this width provides several advantages.
Wider tires make sharp cornering feel more stable thanks to the larger contact patch resulting from the extra width and the lower air pressure. This stability allows riders to feel more confident when cornering at high speeds.
Wider tires also provide a smoother ride by conserving energy that would otherwise be spent on fighting the bumps on the road. The increased comfort level provided by wider tires can help riders cover a greater distance without feeling as fatigued.
In summary, the advantages of 32mm tires include improved stability, a smoother ride, and increased endurance. These benefits make 32mm tires a great choice for riders who want to push their limits on the road.
What are The Disadvantages of 32mm Tires
1. They have the Worse climbing performance
32mm tires have a worse climbing performance than wider tires. The main reason for this is that they have less contact with the ground, so there’s less grip. This can make it difficult to keep your balance, especially on loose or slippery surfaces.
Another downside of 32mm tires is that they don’t handle bumps and obstacles as well as wider tires. The tire bounces off obstacles and makes the ride uncomfortable and even dangerous.
Finally, high air pressure improves rolling resistance on smooth roads but has the opposite effect when riding on uneven terrain. Tires pumped to the maximum are rock hard and uncomfortable.
2. They have this Sluggish Feeling
Another disadvantage of 32mm tires is that they have a more sluggish feeling. This is because the lighter weight of narrower tires results in lower rotational mass. This means that slimmer tires are easier to get spinning because there’s less material to move.
The end result is better acceleration. The greater acceleration of slimmer tires is appreciated the most during racing when you have to get back to speed after a tight turn.
However, for commuting, the acceleration boost offered by 28mm tires in comparison to the 32mm models is negligible.
3. Less Aerodynamic
As a general rule, the wider the tire, the less aerodynamic it is. That’s why 32mm tires are at a disadvantage when compared to their thinner 28mm counterparts.
Wider tires create more drag because they have a larger surface area that is exposed to the wind. This makes them less efficient and slower than narrower tires.
Another disadvantage of 32mm tires is that they are heavier than narrower tires. This extra weight can make a significant difference when climbing hills or accelerating.
Finally, wider tires are also more susceptible to punctures and flats. This is because there is more contact between the tire and the ground, which can cause the tire to pick up sharp objects.
4. More clearance is needed
The Disadvantages of 32mm Tires include that they require more clearance than 28mm models. This can make it difficult to install fenders, as they will need to be mounted higher up on the fork or frame.
Additionally, 32mm tires are more likely to catch on obstacles when riding on rough terrain.
What are The Advantages of 28mm bicycle Tires
1. They offer More Speed (on the road)
28mm tires offer more speed than 32mm tires on the road. They provide better handling and stability at high speeds, and they also roll faster thanks to their lower weight.
In addition, 28mm tires are more comfortable than 32mm tires. They absorb more vibrations from the road, making for a smoother ride.
2. They offer Faster Acceleration
Slimmer tires offer faster acceleration because they have less contact with the ground. This means that there is less friction, which allows the bike to move faster.
Although slimmer tires offer faster acceleration, they may not be the best choice for all riders. If you are a beginner, or if you ride on rough terrain, wider tires may be a better option.
Wider tires offer more stability and traction, which can be helpful when you are first learning to ride a bike. They also provide more comfort by absorbing some of the bumps in the road.
3. Low Rolling Resistance on the Road
The narrower tires have a lower rolling resistance than their wider brothers. The narrower tires deform less under pressure and remain rounder, which results in a lower rolling resistance.
When comparing 28mm and 32mm models, the narrower tire has a higher air pressure and will roll better.
4. A Slimmer Profile
A slimmer profile is one of the advantages of 28mm bicycle tires. The 28mm tires have a slimmer profile than the 32mm tires, which makes them easier to fit on a greater variety of frames and forks.
This can be an advantage if you are looking for a tire that will fit on a wide range of bikes.
Another advantage of 28mm bike tires is that they spare the joints from some of the strain that the larger tires may put on them. Wider tires are more forgiving and spare the cyclist from some of the pain that they may experience.
This can be especially beneficial for those who are new to cycling or are returning to the sport after an injury.
What are The Disadvantages of 28mm Bike Tires
1. They offer Less comfort
One of the main disadvantages of 28mm bike tires is that they offer less comfort than wider tires of the same diameter. This is because narrower tires have less surface area in contact with the ground, which can lead to a rougher ride. Additionally, narrower tires are more susceptible to punctures and flats.
Another disadvantage of 28mm bike tires is that they provide less grip than wider tires. This is because there is less rubber in contact with the ground, which can make it more difficult to corner and brake in wet conditions.
Finally, 28mm bike tires are not as widely available as other widths. This can make it difficult to find replacement tires or buy new tires if you want to switch to this width.
2. They are more difficult to remove and install
One of the disadvantages of having 28mm bike tires is that they are more difficult to remove and install from a rim. This is because the tires are thinner and do not have as much grip.
Another disadvantage of having 28mm bike tires is that they offer better acceleration. This is because the tires are thinner and have less rolling resistance.
3. Worse performance on off-road terrain
One of the disadvantages of 28mm bike tires is that they are not designed for off-road use. This means that they will not perform as well as other tires when riding on rough or uneven terrain.
Another disadvantage of these tires is that they are not as resistant to bumps and irregularities on the road. This can make the ride more uncomfortable and can cause the tires to bounce.
Finally, the tires are not as durable as other tires on the market. This means that they will need to be replaced more often, which can be a costly investment.
Can 28mm and 32mm Tires Be Interchanged?
Thea answer is No. 28mm and 32mm tires are not interchangeable – they have different diameters and will not fit properly on the same bike.
The width of the rim, frame clearance, and surface on which the tire will be used are all factors that should be considered when choosing between a 28mm and 32mm tire. Another consideration is the type of tire.
Some tires are made specifically for road biking while others are designed for gravel biking. Ultimately, it is important to choose the right tire for the job as each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
28mm vs 32mm Tires: What’s Best for Road Cycling and Commuting?
The width of a bicycle tire has a direct impact on the performance, feel, and stability of the ride. So, what’s the difference between 28mm and 32mm tires?
28mm tires are typically used for road cycling and racing. They’re narrower than 32mm tires, which makes them lighter and faster. However, they provide less cushioning and stability, which can make for a rougher ride.
32mm tires are wider than 28mm tires, so they’re heavier and slower. But they provide more cushioning and stability, making for a smoother ride. They’re also better at handling rough roads and gravel. That’s why they’re often used for commuting and touring.
So, which is best for you? It depends on how you plan to use your bike. If you’re looking to go fast and smooth on pavement, go with 28mm tires. If you want a more comfortable ride on rough roads or gravel, go with 32mm tires.
Conclusion
There is a lot of debate over what size tires are best for different types of riding. Some people believe that 28mm tires are perfect for road and gravel, while others think that the larger 32mm tires are better. The truth is that there is no one perfect answer – it depends on the individual rider’s preferences and needs.
FAQ
Are 32mm tires good for gravel?
32 mm bike tires are wider than the traditional 28mm bike tire. This extra width provides more traction and shock absorption when riding on gravel roads. Additionally, a wheel size of 32mm is recommended for gravel roads while a wheel size of 28mm is better for paved surfaces.
Can I replace my bike tires with a different size?
Replacing bike tires with different sizes can be dangerous and is not recommended. Tyre size choice is part of a much bigger conversation about tyre pressure that cyclists should consider when they are making the decision to replace their bike tires.
Are 28mm tires faster than 32mm?
Yes. 28mm tires have a smaller contact patch with the ground than 32mm tires. This means that they have less rolling resistance and can travel faster on the road. They also offer better handling and stability at high speeds and are more comfortable to ride on.
Can I put 32mm tires on my road bike?
Yes, you can put 32mm tires on a road bike. When it comes to tyre size choice, this is actually part of a much bigger conversation. For one, road surfaces are not in fact as flat as we thought – they have a degree of curvature.
This means that if you switch to a wider tyre, the bike will be more stable on these surfaces. Additionally, many riders find that they can go faster with wider tyres.
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