>>1683956Wider bike tires offer lower rolling resistance ONLY OF RUN AT THE SAME PRESSURE.
At the same pressure, a wider tire will be more uncomfortable.
So you lower down the pressure (which is the whole point of getting wider tires) but lower pressure means higher rolling resistance.
At the same comfort level, the wider tire will have the same rolling resistance but aero loss, not only because of sheer area, but also because of misalignment with the rim (making the stream cut off). Also more weight. And not just a few grams. We're talking rotating mass here.
So bottom line is:
ONE: the push for wider tires is completely retarded. You should use the narrowest tire that fits your needed comfort level without risking a pinch flat.
Example: If you run 25s and want more comfort, lower the pressure. If you're already at 70 psi and still want more, THEN switch to 28s so you don't get flats.
TWO: Comfort and speed are direct trade offs. You can never have both. One will weaken the other.
