Tyre width is a hot topic, and something we find ourselves discussing with our customers regularly. There are arguments as to what tyre width is fastest, which width offers the greatest grip and also issues with fitting certain tyre sizes into specific frames and forks.

A major factor that needs to be considered when choosing your tyre size, is the width of the rim and how this affects the shape of the tyre. The size of a tyre is only relative, as fitting the same tyre to different width rims will result in different-sized tyres. At Hunt, we offer wider rims which give a number of benefits, including greater stiffness and improved aerodynamics. However, the biggest advantage is the effect the wider rim has on the tyre. Using a wider rim offers the tyre much more support, and gives a more rounded tyre profile when compared to a narrower rim profile. The benefit of a more rounded tyre is greater and more predictable levels of grip when cornering. Using a wider rim also effectively increases the tyre size, without the extra weight from moving up to a wider tyre.

A good example is a 28mm Schwalbe Pro One tyre fitted to our 50 Carbon Aero Disc, which has a 19mm internal rim width. The tyre, when fitted, measures at 30mm. You are, therefore, effectively making a 28mm tyre perform like a 30mm, in terms of stable cornering, improved grip, and lower rolling resistance (whilst saving 40g per pair in weight) 

If you are more of a long-distance rider and comfort is a priority, then why not fit 28c Schwalbe Pro One tyres which measure in at 29.3mm on our 4 Season Disc wheelset and 30mm on our 50 Carbon Aero Disc wheelsets. Imagine all that grip when you have to haul your powerful disc brakes on at short notice, plus loads of comfort on rougher surfaces.

We have created a tyre width guide* which lists some of our current wheelsets and the actual measured tyre size. This guide will help decide which the best tyre size will be for you in terms of both performance and bike clearance.

*NOTE: This guide is a reference only and doesn’t contain every possible combination available on the market. The table is updated throughout the year as more combinations are fitted and measured in house.

FITTED TYRE WIDTH GUIDE