28c why does everyone look at me funny?

[The Kalmyk]

28 rolls further than a 23 for each rotation.

Cross the country on your bike and this becomes relevant conversation

Maybe

 

[stb222]

Cross the country on your bike and this becomes relevant conversation

Maybe

Was going to tagged you for the clearance question as I remember that one bike you had where the first couple rides the brake would be shaving off some tire.

 

[mstyer]

Pretty much so they don't rub on anything.....The safety peeps will tell you more than that doe.

Which Hi-Mod ? That terms applies to different frames. If it is the EVO hi-mod, I fit my 27 Victoria Pave's with plenty of clearance.

2012 Evo Hi Mod, and I'm using 20.8mm external width Shimano WH-7850-SL wheels. 28mm Schwalbe Ones tickle the underside of the fork crown and get uncomfortably close to the chainstays.

 

[Delish]

As is usually the case, Sheldon has the answer.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cyclecomputer-calibration.html
Based on that chart the circumference of a 28c tire is on the order of 1-2% larger than a 23c tire. That's one fewer rotation every 50-60. I'd say that's significant.

 

[thehammerdog]

So like most I started on 23's and went to 25's for a long time. After moving to a more rural area with worse roads I tried 28's and I instantly fell in love. But obviously their slower I thought. But after doing my normal loops I was even if not slightly faster than 25's. There's tons of info online about tire size battle, I don't want to go there. INSTEAD I'd like to talk why everyone is shocked and taken back that I'd want to run 28's. I don't race, but I love the confidence I get that I dont have to watch out for every pebble. I just bought a new bike and told him I'm putting 28's on. He said " you just bought a Porsche and you're turning it into a van". Another one I got is "you're young enough for 23's really". Am I honestly doing a disservice to my new bike by riding 28's? Someone out there show some 28c love. Or am I out of touch.

I ride both 25 & 28 different bikes as well as 27 x 1 1/4.... Actually prefer the bigger tired feel like a smooth race care....Unless your racing comfortable is the key.

 

[goldsbar]

How far the tire rolls in each revolution has absolutely nothing to do with efficiency.

If there is indeed a loss from a slightly wider tire - which as the OP mentioned has been debated for years on various forums with no clear resolution - it's small enough that 99%+ of the cycling population won't be impacted by the difference.