Total Guide: Can You Put 32mm Tyres On Your Road Bike?

Once there was a group of professional road bikers in my resident area. As they are professionals, they always used bike accessories as their desire. One day a newbie boy joined but he didn’t know much about bike modifications. He noticed that several bikers were using several sizes of tyres but the rim size is still the same. Then the boy asked the group leader whether he can put 32mm tyres on his road bike. Well, it is the question of a thousand people as there are tyres of several sizes. And each of them has usability, exceptions, unique performance, and limitations of their specifications. Furthermore, regarding road bike tyre size, the answer depends on the user’s experience.

Today I will tell you if you can use 32mm tires or not. If you are able then what kind of changes do you need to your bike? If you are not able then what you should do to use it? And many more important matters. So, let’s begin together.

What Is The Speciality Of 32mm Tyres?

Have you ever read The Law of Pascal? Well, the law is about pressure in a certain area. And how large the area will be, the pressure will distribute more. This means ‘the wider tyres distribute the pressure wider’. When the whole pressure of the bike and rider is distributed to the ground it will gain more stability.

Though road bikes are just only for paved roads, all paved roads don’t get a smooth surface. In this scenario, the wider tyres will help to ride safely and it won’t jump. Because it has wide tyres to maintain that shaking. Also, you will get an advantage on dirt and off-road.

I think you may know that 32mm tyres are typically for gravel bikes. That means they are for riding a long way over the uneven surface smoothly. So 32mm is the best choice for a smooth riding experience. It also has much more grip than less wide tires. Thus it  helps to empower the braking also.

Can You Put 32mm Tyres On Your Road Bike?

It doesn’t like that you can not put 32mm tires on your road bike. Because the 32mm tyres are for racing and gravel bikes and road bike rims, and basic concept doesn’t support and is ready for it. You can do it but after that, you have to maintain some criteria.

Moreover, you should have to modify or rearrange some parts even frame geometry on your road bike. Basically, the modification depends on your bike’s capacity.

Things You May Have To Modify For Putting 32mm Tyres

You may have to change the rims if you want to put 32mm tyres on your road bike. Because not every rim is capable of putting 32mm tyres.

• If the front structure of the wheel holder is narrow, it is very possible that your 32mm tyre is not getting the proper gap for movement. In that case, you have to choose a thinner tire or have to modify the structure to hold 32mm tyres.
• If you are using regular cycle brakes, your brake’s sponges may be touching the tires. And you have to lax your brake so that it gets some space. Only then the wheels will be able to move again.

What Are The Opposing Sides Of 32mm Tyres?

Wake up to reality. The 32mm tyres also have some opposing sides. If you are planning to put 32mm tyres for racing purposes, it won’t help you in most cases. The extra grip you are getting from this tire will intentionally grab you on the racing track.

• The bulky feeling of the tires may be the reason for your tiredness.
• It increases the weight of the bike a little bit.
• The biggest flex is, all the road bike rims are not capable to hold the 32mm tyres.

Head-To-Head Comparison: Among 32mm, 25mm, and 28mm Tires

In the last point, you knew about the disadvantages of 32mm tyres. What if you put 25mm and 28mm tires instead of 32mm tyres? For better understanding, you have to do a head-to-head comparison. After that, you will gain proper knowledge about 32mm tyres. Ok, let’s check out the chart given below.

Are 32mm Tyres Slower/Faster Than 28mm And 25mm Tires?

The 32mm tyres are not faster than the 25mm and 28mm tires. Because of its weight and wideness, it loses its speed. 25mm and 28mm tires have more agility than 32mm tyres.

Also, the grip of 32mm tyres is too much compared to 25mm and 28mm tires. And, if you look again at the above chart, you will find that 32mm is slower compared to others.

Which Size Of Tires Are Perfect For Racing?

28mm tires on road bikes are the perfect road bike tires for racing. It has average stability and not so much or less friction. It keeps proper stability, speed, and agility for the race.

On the other hand, 25 are the most nonsecure tires. Only a professional racer can handle a road bike with 25mm tires. For a newbie racer, it can create risks.

The 32mm tyres are too wide and bulky for racing. If you do a little observation, you will find that 28mm is the best tire for racing.

Some High-Voltage Queries:  You Need To Know

Will 32mm Tyres Fit Your Bike?

It depends on the rim size. If your previous tire is 700x28c or 700x25c, then the 700x32c size of the tyre will fit your bike.

What Is The Tyre Size For Gravel Road Bikes?

From 30mm to 50mm is the tyre size for gravel road bikes.

Which Has More Aerodynamic 28mm or 32mm Tyres?

In that matter, 28mm tires get an advantage here. The Aerodynamics of 28mm tires is better than 32mm tyres.

But Which Types Of Tires Give Smooth Riding?

It depends on the road. when the rider rides off-road, 28mm and under 28mm tires give a distraction. But they are perfect for smooth surfaces. Still, at high speed, it gives a shaky vibe.

32mm and upper limits of 32mm tyres are also smooth on a flat surface. But, they are also suitable for off-roading.

Are MTB And Road Bikes The Same?

No. MTB is specially made for mountain and dart surfaces. And road bikes are for a smooth flat surface for fast riding.

Final Words

All the criteria are saying that 32mm tyres are good enough. But, you have to face some critical major and minor problems. If you can consider them and fix the problem, 32mm tyres are good for you. But choose wisely as all the pieces of information are given above. Kindly look after that information if you miss any of them.