On 9/11/2011 7:10 AM, John Henderson wrote:
Patrick wrote:

You can buy two wider "city" tyres which are designed for the wider rim
width and will give you better ride and wear (and slightly higher
rolling resistance) for about $30 a pair. If $30 is a lot to you then
experiment as Geoff says :-) If not then you may decide that it is worth
it to purchase the wider tyres.

Higher rolling resistance with a wider tyre?

Only if it's run at a lower inflation pressure.

At the same pressure (and other things being equal) the wider
tyre has the lower rolling resistance. That's because the
contact patch area (the area touching the road) is the same
regardless of width. And the wider tyre has less deformation,
since its contact patch is wider and shorter.

Feeling that a narrow tyre is quicker is so often all in the
mind. Just like all those motorists who swear that their car
runs better after an oil change.

John


Its true wider tyres will have a higher rolling resistance. Even just a
small increase.