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Currently sporting some uncomfortable 25mm contis - how wide can I go?
Assuming it's calliper brake, you're probably looking at 28mm-ish depending on the make of the tyre and the width of the rim.
How much width and height are there of clearance around the existing tyres?
Careful!
While Dovebiker is technically correct, on my 2019 Allez Elite with DT R460 rims, a 25mm Conti GP 4Seasons measures up as almost 27mm wide. A 28mm Conti GP 4Seasons measured up 31mm wide and was definitely too tight for comfort. The stock 25mm Espoirs measure up 27mm wide.
So basically yeah, you might get up to a 28mm wide tyre in there, but it will probably be badged a 25mm...
(see the rollingresistance.com website, they give real world widths based on an 18mm wide rim).
So suck up what I've got and lower the pressure to make it more comfortable?
Yeah, I experimented with pressures, I weigh 85kg and run 80psi rear, 75psi front.
I also fitted a carbon post which I think made a wee bit of a difference.
I eventually wore out the GP4seasons so went back to the stock Espoirs. They're a lot heavier (400g vs 290g I think) so I stuck some latex tubes in to see what difference they might make. Have been pleasantly surprised with comfort and grip so have left them in.
Other option is going tubeless of course, my Allez came with the rims pre-taped. Am eyeing up some Pirelli Cinturatos in the 26mm size, apparently very puncture proof but still relatively quick (for a winter/commuting tyre that is).
Look at specialized Roubaix pro tyres. Just put some on my defy and definitely feel more comfortable than the 25mm gp4000’s I took off. Only a few rides in but very happy so far.
I use 28mm GP4000's on my caliper braked bike.
I need to deflate the tyres slightly when removed wheels.
It is a bit of a pain but worth it for the extra comfort and resistance to pinch punctures.
I ride a Specialized Allez as my winter bike. It’s an older model cost me £100 on EBay. I run Mavic Kysrium tubeless wheels on it with 25mm tubeless tyres. Feels not bad for comfort at 80psi rear 75psi front. Looks like I have a bit of clearance for a wider tyre but not a lot. If I were you I’d drop the pressure if your running them at 90or above. GP4000s come up wider than advertised while GP5000s don’t so best to check on real world widths before buying.
Look at specialized Roubaix pro tyres
This. I had them on my Allez Elite. They different to normal tyres in that they measure like a 25mm in width but like a 28mm in depth.