So there seem to be two reasons people are interested in tire width, for race tires and for running as wide a tire as they can. With the variation in rim widths, it seems like the most reliable way to compare tire widths is by laying it flat and measuring bead to bead. That way when the user has a tire or two to compare, they can predict the tire width on their wheel.
For instance, three un mounted tires I have sitting around are:
Michelin pro light sc 20mm - 57mm
Michelin pro 3 race 23mm - 63mm
Ksyrium elite 25mm - 68mm
Anyone else interested in contributing to such a list? If people are, I could try and track the thread and put all the information in one post.
Don’t you think it’s easier to understand when measuring with a caliper mounted and properly pumped up. Tubis also
Got nothing laying around, only mounted.
While looking for a new tubular I found the difference between valve length, that might be interesting as well to list in.
The laid-flat width will give you tire volume, but not width. I think it’s a good number, but it doesn’t really tell you what the shape will be on a wheel. Both width and height are better. When I was doing Crr measurements, I listed both numbers.
Don’t you think it’s easier to understand when measuring with a caliper mounted and properly pumped up.
Except that the exact same tire, mounted on different width rims will measure differently via calipers in both height and width. And tire pressure affects this as well, a more highly inflated tire will be (slightly) bigger.
