{"id":936,"date":"2023-08-10T01:30:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T05:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=936"},"modified":"2023-08-21T00:58:57","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T04:58:57","slug":"what-does-700x23c-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/what-does-700x23c-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does 700x23c Mean On A Bike Tire?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Getting the tire size correct is paramount when shopping for a replacement bike tire. And while bike tires come in different sizes, one of the most popular choices is size 700X23c. So, what does 700x23c mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The number 700 means that the tire’s nominal diameter is 700mm, while the number 23 shows that its width is 23mm. Note, however, that the letter C is only an old French style of classifying tire width that has become obsolete.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, we won’t dwell much on that. However, let’s explain the term 700X23c more below.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What Does 700x23c Mean? Detailed Explanation!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As I mentioned, 700X23c means a bicycle tire or wheel has a nominal diameter of 700m and a width of 23mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve used the word nominal because a 700c tire has a deflated diameter of 668mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that all road bikes and cyclocross two-wheels come with 700c wheels, which are mostly 29 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And given that 700mm gives us roughly 27.5 inches, some people round off the value to 28 inches. As a result, 700c, 28-inch, and 29-inch (29er) tire all have the same wheel, tire, or rim diameter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, don’t put too much thought into the 700 part (the wheel diameter), but you should concentrate on the 23c part (the tire width).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the tire width, you may have to consider a range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the Continental Gator Hardshell Folding Bike<\/strong> Tire measures 700X23-32c. That means that it suits bike rims with a width that is between 23mm and 32mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, provided there is a 23c somewhere, and the tire diameter is 700mm, then the tire will fit if what you want is a 700X23c.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that the tire size is on the sidewall. So, that’s the place to look when you want to replace the bike tire or its inner tube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What 700x23c Tires Should I Get?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before I recommend a 700X23c tire, you should note that quality matters as much as the tire size. In that case, consider 700X23c with solid constructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting with the outer surface, consider hard shells and other tough materials that offer puncture protection. Also, consider the sidewalls, which should also feature puncture-proof casing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most tires come in pure hard-rubber, and other feature Vectran and the materials are a good choice when you want a lasting option. So, consider them when getting your next 700x23c tire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, here are two 700X23c tires that meet the criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Continental Grand Prix 4 Season Tire<\/a> (Best All-Season Choice)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking for an all-season 700x23c replacement tire for your road bike’s 700x23c wheel, nothing beats the Continental Grand Prix 4 Season Tire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This handmade rubber tire is superior in all aspects. For starters, it’s Vectran-reinforced to guarantee abrasion-resistant and puncture protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And despite all that,  it feels lightweight. So, you won’t stress over your two-wheel becoming unnecessarily heavier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On its sidewall is Duraskin material that protects it against the worst conditions. What’s more, the puncture-proof tire comes in a wide range of widths to suit various 700c road bikes.<\/p>\n\n\n

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2. Continental Gatorskin Bike Tire<\/a> (Best Multi-Use Road Bike Tire)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Are you looking for a 700x23c tire that you can use on any road bike? Then what you should get is the Continental Gatorskin Bike Tire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like its counterpart above, this bike tire comes in a hard-rubber construction and features a Duraskin sidewall that offers it protection against puncture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On its outer is a polyester fiber build that also makes it puncture-resistant but doesn’t interfere with its rolling resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, it features wear-resistant treads to serve you longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Inner Tube Should I Get for My 700x23c Tire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your bike tire measures 700x23c, then you have to get a 700x23c tube. But given that bike tubes also come in a range, the tube diameter has to be 700mm, but its width should include 23mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, you can go for a 700×20-25c or a 700×18-25c as both feature a 23c (23 millimeters).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, here are two 700x23c tubes that fit the description:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. AR-PRO (6-Pack) 28″ 700X20-25c Replacement Inner Tube (Best for 700c Road Bike Tires)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The AR-PRO (6-Pack) 28″ 700X20-25c Replacement Inner Tube comes in a 20-25mm width range to suit any 28-inch tire with a width that is between 20 and 25mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, it’ll match your 700x23c tire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pack generally fits road bike tires and comes with an 18mm Presta valve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These inner tubes are four times thicker than standard inner tubes, making them shock-proof. Plus, the thickness enables them to absorb vibrations and jump impact when taking on tough terrains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s more, they have a built-in seal system that automatically seals them after a puncture. So, due to this system, these inner tubes prevent tire explosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Continental Bicycle Tubes Race 28 (Alternative Best Pick for 700c Road Bike Tires)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Continental Bicycle Tubes Race 28 tubes are another fantastic choice for 28-inch bike tires with a 20-25mm width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They come in a butyl rubber construction to guarantee optimal performance and feature a 42mm Presta valve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the manufacturer employing mold-cured vulcanization technology in their construction, these tubes are uniformly round to guarantee a smoother ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And given that they come as a 5-pack, they are a cost-saving option to have at home.<\/p>\n\n\n

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FAQs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. What Is A 700c Wheel Size?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A 700c wheel size refers to a bike wheel with a 700mm (which is about 27.5inches) diameter. In most cases, 700c wheels are skinny road bike wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They, however, come in different widths, with most of them ranging between 18mm and 38mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. What Does The C Mean In 700x23c?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to most assumptions, the letter C is not a symbol of a tire’s third generation, and neither does it represent centimeters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No! Letter a-d is just an old French system that compares the width of tires with the same diameter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the old bike tire classification system, A represents the narrowest tire while D represents the thickest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note, however, that both 700x23c and 700×23 tires nowadays refer to the same wheel size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. What Is The Difference Between 700×23 And 700x23c?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In actuality, there is no difference between a 700×23 and a 700x23c. Both tire sizes have a 700mm diameter and a 23 mm width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The French’s letter C (and A, B & D)was used to denote how thick a tire was, where letter A was for the skinniest, and letter D was for the thickest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. What’s The Circumference Of A 700x23c Tire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A 700x23c tire has a 2096mm circumference. Here’s a table that compares the circumference of a 700×23 tire with others:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tire Size<\/strong><\/td>Circumference <\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
700x23c<\/td>2096mm<\/td><\/tr>
700x20c<\/td>2086mm<\/td><\/tr>
700x25c<\/td>2105mm<\/td><\/tr>
700x28c<\/td>2136mm<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5. What Is The Difference Between 700x25c And 700x23c?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both of these tires have the same diameter, which is 700mm. The only difference is the width, where a 700x23c tire has a 23mm width while a 700x25c tire has a 25mm width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The width difference slightly reduces the rolling resistance of 700x25c tires in comparison to 700x23c tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Which Is Better \u2013 23c Or 25c?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the same tire pressure, a 25c tire has lower rolling resistance than a 23c tire. That’s because a 25c tire is wider by a couple of millimeters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if the rolling resistance matters to you, you should opt for a 25c tire, but if it doesn’t, you can go for any.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Can I Replace A 700×25 With A 700×23?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can replace a 700×25 with a 700×23, given that they all have the same tire diameter. But since you are reducing the tire width, you may not have a smoother ride as you’ll like to suffer more rolling resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. What Size Tube Do I Need For A 700x23c Tire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have a 700x23c tire, you should find a 700x23c inner tube. That means the inner tube should have a 700mm diameter and a 23mm width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given that these tubes come labeled 700×18-25c, 700×20-25c, and so on, you can choose anything that includes a 23c (or 23mm width).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n