#700x26c

Regular readers of this blog will know that I am a massive advocate of the SWorks Turbo Cliuncher tyres which I first got to try out when they came as the stock tyres on my 2019 Specialized Tarmac Pro Disc but in the 700x26c size. I’ve loved them so much, and was happy that they continued to be the stock tyres on the 2020 Specialized Tarmac Pro Disc (the replacement bike after an accident wrote off the 2019 model). I replaced the tyres with the same for LEJOG last year and they performed incredibly over some pretty horrific roads and not puncturing once.

It came to the point of needing to replacement the tyres again and I started to look into the option of going to the 28c tyre. From what I could tell they would provide an improved level of comfort on account of running them at a slightly lower psi (85-95 for the 28c as opposed to 100-110 for the 26c) whilst not impacting rolling resistence. The only thing I seemed to be giving up was 20g in weight on each tyre.

On the Tarmac Pro Disc there is sufficient clearance to run the tye comfortably.

I took the bike out for a ride on the new tyres and did the same loop as the day before.

Now before I make any statements this must all be taken with a HUGE pinch of salt. This is a comparison of 1. There are multiple other factors potentially at play including traffic, wind, my form, my line, the fact that they are brand new tyres  etc etc. so it’s very dangerous to draw any conslusions based on anything below, but for fun I thought I’d state them anyway and give my first impressions.

Overall impression is that the 28c tyres are definitely more comfortable. Probably not so that you necessarily immediately notice but probably after 80 miles on the bike it might be that the difference is more pronounced.

Rolling wise I felt like the tyres rolled quicker downhill and on the flat and they felt so reassuring, although I swear I felt that same sensation when the 26c tyres were new. Uphill it felt like the 28s were slightly more sluggish, but this could just be my mind. Because what happened is:

Over 40k I came in 2 mins quicker, although I was placing 11w more down

On the flat I was consistently quicker

On the climbs I was consistently quicker

On the descents I was consistently quicker

Like I said, it’s impossible to draw any conclusions, and placebo is an amazing thing, but to my mind at least I haven’t lost any pace, and if anything it’s a posiitive outcome. A few more rides will possibly start to eek out those differences - but again in a totally unscientific way. But my initial impression is that these could be good for me, and I look forward to seeing and feeling how things develop. 

Regrdless of the performance differences, these tyres remain fantastic rollers with phenominal grip and a wonderful purchase.