Tire size, width, max. psi - My thinking was "wrong"
02-03-21, 11:43 AM
#1
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Tire size, width, max. psi - My thinking was "wrong"
I always had this line of thought in my mind that thin width tires with high PSI provided the least resistance to pedaling. After researching this - it's just
not true. Goes against all my intuition.
I recently purchased a Sedona with Giant GX Disc rims and Kenda K892, 26 X 2.3, multi-surface tires (max. PSI = 50). Before doing research, I thought
I could reduce pedaling resistance by upgrading to similar "road" tires (I only do road biking) with a higher PSI, maybe 85 or 90.
But all the research suggest this is incorrect and I may as well just keep the original tires and enjoy the ride.
What a shock to my intuition
!
Any thoughts or advice... thanks Scubaquarius
not true. Goes against all my intuition.
I recently purchased a Sedona with Giant GX Disc rims and Kenda K892, 26 X 2.3, multi-surface tires (max. PSI = 50). Before doing research, I thought
I could reduce pedaling resistance by upgrading to similar "road" tires (I only do road biking) with a higher PSI, maybe 85 or 90.
But all the research suggest this is incorrect and I may as well just keep the original tires and enjoy the ride.
What a shock to my intuition
!Any thoughts or advice... thanks Scubaquarius
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02-03-21, 12:07 PM
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Lightweight, thin wall tires will make a difference in efficiency. Rene Herse is a source for those:
https://www.renehersecycles.com/prod...tires/26-inch/
They're expensive and more fragile than heavier tires, but you will notice a difference.
https://www.renehersecycles.com/prod...tires/26-inch/
They're expensive and more fragile than heavier tires, but you will notice a difference.
02-03-21, 02:50 PM
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"Thin width" tires and "thin wall" tires are definitely two different things. I think both posts are are generally accurate. Narrow tires aren't necessarily faster...there are many variables and it's not easy to make an accurate assessment without including all of them in the discussion. Larger tires very well may be the most efficient choice depending on the surface. And light weight tires with thin wall construction absolutely do reduce rolling resistance (but other metrics suffer, like puncture resistance and cost, which is why they're usually not found on off-the-shelf bikes).
The factory 2.3" wide Kendas on the Sedona won't be the most efficient choice in that size because they don't use high-dollar construction materials or techniques. There are more efficient tires in this size on the market, but they'll be spendy. But you're right that you won't necessarily see a benefit by going to narrower tires, either, especially if they're low-cost tires.
The factory 2.3" wide Kendas on the Sedona won't be the most efficient choice in that size because they don't use high-dollar construction materials or techniques. There are more efficient tires in this size on the market, but they'll be spendy. But you're right that you won't necessarily see a benefit by going to narrower tires, either, especially if they're low-cost tires.
02-03-21, 03:44 PM
#4
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I've been very happy with Compass (now Rene Herse) RTPs (54-559). Expensive but excellent comfort and grip, confidence on dirty roads and no punctures so far; 30 psi seems a good pressure for me. They lack traction in mud and slush. Schwalbe Marathon Supremes are also good (50-559 but measure 44 mm).
Steve
Steve
