Haven’t biked in years, starting over. Why’s everyone riding on less psi now?
09-19-20, 06:57 PM
#27
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This is why most tires specify a range.... you have to dial it in for your setup.
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09-19-20, 08:53 PM
#28
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Back to the topic - lower pressures are good, but if you are going for speed, i think some of the folks here are using far too low a pressure.
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09-19-20, 09:43 PM
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BQ published an article stating wider with lower psi can be faster, with enough data and rationale to be believable. The rough roads, body vibration story. Turning five or more decades of conventional thinking on its ear.
People tried wider tires at lower psi, and experienced new found comfort. Horrid chip seal roads became tolerable, decent pavement became silly smooth. Some believe they are faster as well.
Coinciding with growing popularity of gravel, and emergence of road tubeless, the timing was perfect.
Floodgates opened. Bike industry seized the opportunity, cyclists had excuses to n+1 or even replace their fleet. 30, 40, 50, more!
People tried wider tires at lower psi, and experienced new found comfort. Horrid chip seal roads became tolerable, decent pavement became silly smooth. Some believe they are faster as well.
Coinciding with growing popularity of gravel, and emergence of road tubeless, the timing was perfect.
Floodgates opened. Bike industry seized the opportunity, cyclists had excuses to n+1 or even replace their fleet. 30, 40, 50, more!
09-19-20, 11:25 PM
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09-19-20, 11:26 PM
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09-19-20, 11:55 PM
#32
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BQ published an article stating wider with lower psi can be faster, with enough data and rationale to be believable. The rough roads, body vibration story. Turning five or more decades of conventional thinking on its ear.
People tried wider tires at lower psi, and experienced new found comfort. Horrid chip seal roads became tolerable, decent pavement became silly smooth. Some believe they are faster as well.
Coinciding with growing popularity of gravel, and emergence of road tubeless, the timing was perfect.
Floodgates opened. Bike industry seized the opportunity, cyclists had excuses to n+1 or even replace their fleet. 30, 40, 50, more!
People tried wider tires at lower psi, and experienced new found comfort. Horrid chip seal roads became tolerable, decent pavement became silly smooth. Some believe they are faster as well.
Coinciding with growing popularity of gravel, and emergence of road tubeless, the timing was perfect.
Floodgates opened. Bike industry seized the opportunity, cyclists had excuses to n+1 or even replace their fleet. 30, 40, 50, more!
https://blog.silca.cc/part-4b-rollin...-and-impedance
Last edited by Racing Dan; 09-20-20 at 12:01 AM.
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09-20-20, 01:33 AM
#33
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Feels good, man. I've dropped from 175 lbs in 2015 when I resumed riding to 150 now and can get away with lower pressure for a more comfy ride on our increasingly terrible chipseal roads.
Seriously, I adjust the tire selection, tubes and pressure to suit the roads and how it feels. A little lower pressure with 700x25 Conti GP Classics and latex tubes on the steel bike -- around 85 psi rear, 70 front. A a little higher pressure with 700x23 Soma tires and butyl tubes on the carbon bike (I plan to switch to latex when I find some skinny enough for that tire and rim combo). Pretty much the same with cheap Conti Ultra Sport II, although the stiffer, thicker sidewalls on those felt a bit more jouncy rather than "supple," which is way too subjective anyway.
Depends on the rims too. I try to avoid squeezing in tires that are really too fat for the rim, even if it "fits." Maybe I'm getting too picky, but I can feel the difference between 700x23 and 700x25 tires on one set of older, narrower box section rims and another nearly identical design that's slightly wider. It's little things, like how each combo of tire/rim feels on rippled pavement on curves. On flat smooth pavement, no big deal.
I like Continental SpeedRides on my hybrid. It's a nominally 700x42 tire, actually measures closer to 700x38. That tire felt great when I had wider rims, around 622x19. But I switched to narrower 622x14 rims and the SpeedRides feel splashy and imprecise, especially on curves. When I tried to ride at my preferred lower pressure I found myself often looking down to see if the tire was going flat. Too much tire for that rim. So I switched to Conti 700x32 Sport Contact II until I find wider rims. I don't really like the Sport Contact II tires -- the thicker tread and rigid sidewalls are durable but harsh -- but at least they don't feel mushy and splashy on curves.
Occasionally I'll pump up my road bike tires to 110-120 psi to take a crack at some PRs. Yeah, it's a little faster on smooth pavement. But we have less of that magical tarmac all the time. In the real world of neglected infrastructure and that crappy gravel-resin mix that passes for pavement nowadays, I'd rather have the fattest tires my bike can manage at lower pressure, as long as it doesn't compromise the handling too much.
Seriously, I adjust the tire selection, tubes and pressure to suit the roads and how it feels. A little lower pressure with 700x25 Conti GP Classics and latex tubes on the steel bike -- around 85 psi rear, 70 front. A a little higher pressure with 700x23 Soma tires and butyl tubes on the carbon bike (I plan to switch to latex when I find some skinny enough for that tire and rim combo). Pretty much the same with cheap Conti Ultra Sport II, although the stiffer, thicker sidewalls on those felt a bit more jouncy rather than "supple," which is way too subjective anyway.
Depends on the rims too. I try to avoid squeezing in tires that are really too fat for the rim, even if it "fits." Maybe I'm getting too picky, but I can feel the difference between 700x23 and 700x25 tires on one set of older, narrower box section rims and another nearly identical design that's slightly wider. It's little things, like how each combo of tire/rim feels on rippled pavement on curves. On flat smooth pavement, no big deal.
I like Continental SpeedRides on my hybrid. It's a nominally 700x42 tire, actually measures closer to 700x38. That tire felt great when I had wider rims, around 622x19. But I switched to narrower 622x14 rims and the SpeedRides feel splashy and imprecise, especially on curves. When I tried to ride at my preferred lower pressure I found myself often looking down to see if the tire was going flat. Too much tire for that rim. So I switched to Conti 700x32 Sport Contact II until I find wider rims. I don't really like the Sport Contact II tires -- the thicker tread and rigid sidewalls are durable but harsh -- but at least they don't feel mushy and splashy on curves.
Occasionally I'll pump up my road bike tires to 110-120 psi to take a crack at some PRs. Yeah, it's a little faster on smooth pavement. But we have less of that magical tarmac all the time. In the real world of neglected infrastructure and that crappy gravel-resin mix that passes for pavement nowadays, I'd rather have the fattest tires my bike can manage at lower pressure, as long as it doesn't compromise the handling too much.
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09-20-20, 04:06 PM
#34
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I haven’t biked in forever and now I’m a fatty. I’m trying to get back on the bike and ride myself back into shape. It’s been fun reading these forums again, especially that thread on Gatorskins because I just bought some again last week (I live in AZ where thorns are everywhere so go easy on me)
One thing I’ve noticed is a lot of people are running on less PSI. I weigh 155 and used to run 110 in my front wheel and 120 in my rear. This seems to be uncommon now. What’s the rationale for less psi and what should I be riding at these days? Thanks all
One thing I’ve noticed is a lot of people are running on less PSI. I weigh 155 and used to run 110 in my front wheel and 120 in my rear. This seems to be uncommon now. What’s the rationale for less psi and what should I be riding at these days? Thanks all
The pro peloton is all on 25mm tires, except the two teams sponsored by Specialized which makes 26mm wide tires instead.
In 2017 Cannondale-Drapac rode 102 psi front / 109 psi rear except Andrew Talansky (94 / 102) and Simon Clarke (116).
The Continental GP4000SII 20mm at 143 psi, 23mm at 123 psi, 25mm at 93 psi, and 28mm at 85 psi all have the same rolling resistance.
Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 09-25-20 at 05:21 PM.
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09-20-20, 08:20 PM
#35
Experienced Oldie
That's like tighten till it snaps and back off 1/4 turn.
I determined my optimal psi by trial and error. I started high and went for a ride. Over the next few weeks I lowered it until If felt better and then squishy.
Your weight, the tires you pick, the size of the rims and your personal feel. I did the same with my collector car when I went with different size wheels and tires.
I determined my optimal psi by trial and error. I started high and went for a ride. Over the next few weeks I lowered it until If felt better and then squishy.
Your weight, the tires you pick, the size of the rims and your personal feel. I did the same with my collector car when I went with different size wheels and tires.
I wanted to add the kind of riding you are doing. I am not a leisure rider. I am always pushing the bike faster down the hill or having to break hard as the light turns red at the bottom of the hill, or a car turns in front of you because you are riding on his tail and he thought he passed you long ago. I am often in a hurry when one minute makes a huge difference at work. I just bought yesterday, a new 25c for the rear and a new 23 c for the front on my racing bike. I don't fall down as much on the ice and snowy roads because the skinnier tire cuts into the snow and ice better for steering. I weigh 150 lbs and with my 30 lb backpack puts me at 180 lbs. + or -.
i have dropped my tire pressure from 120 to 100 pounds, but I don't like any lower. Maybe I am old school , but I personally don't like riding below 100. If the pressure drops to 80 I will not ride it till I have pumped it back up to 100. Even at 95 it just takes the joy out of the ride for me. Maybe because of bad experiences in my past of tires going squishy on me. I love the rigidity and strength and protection the tire gives to the skinny wheel when I am pedaling over 35 miles an hour and concentrating ahead for the cleanest and smoothest path. I just have more confidence when I travel at speeds over 35 miles an hr every day except on snowy and icy roads during the winter. I am a very lazy rider. I have to ride all winter long so I don't have to start over in the spring. I love the thrill of keeping up with cars and in some cases passing them. I love keeping my body in shape and the undeserved reputation I get . I have not called in sick or missed a day of work in over 35 years.
Last edited by oldernwiser; 09-20-20 at 08:35 PM.
09-20-20, 08:45 PM
#36
Experienced Oldie
Feels good, man. I've dropped from 175 lbs in 2015 when I resumed riding to 150 now and can get away with lower pressure for a more comfy ride on our increasingly terrible chipseal roads.
Seriously, I adjust the tire selection, tubes and pressure to suit the roads and how it feels. A little lower pressure with 700x25 Conti GP Classics and latex tubes on the steel bike -- around 85 psi rear, 70 front. A a little higher pressure with 700x23 Soma tires and butyl tubes on the carbon bike (I plan to switch to latex when I find some skinny enough for that tire and rim combo). Pretty much the same with cheap Conti Ultra Sport II, although the stiffer, thicker sidewalls on those felt a bit more jouncy rather than "supple," which is way too subjective anyway.
Depends on the rims too. I try to avoid squeezing in tires that are really too fat for the rim, even if it "fits." Maybe I'm getting too picky, but I can feel the difference between 700x23 and 700x25 tires on one set of older, narrower box section rims and another nearly identical design that's slightly wider. It's little things, like how each combo of tire/rim feels on rippled pavement on curves. On flat smooth pavement, no big deal.
I like Continental SpeedRides on my hybrid. It's a nominally 700x42 tire, actually measures closer to 700x38. That tire felt great when I had wider rims, around 622x19. But I switched to narrower 622x14 rims and the SpeedRides feel splashy and imprecise, especially on curves. When I tried to ride at my preferred lower pressure I found myself often looking down to see if the tire was going flat. Too much tire for that rim. So I switched to Conti 700x32 Sport Contact II until I find wider rims. I don't really like the Sport Contact II tires -- the thicker tread and rigid sidewalls are durable but harsh -- but at least they don't feel mushy and splashy on curves.
Occasionally I'll pump up my road bike tires to 110-120 psi to take a crack at some PRs. Yeah, it's a little faster on smooth pavement. But we have less of that magical tarmac all the time. In the real world of neglected infrastructure and that crappy gravel-resin mix that passes for pavement nowadays, I'd rather have the fattest tires my bike can manage at lower pressure, as long as it doesn't compromise the handling too much.
Seriously, I adjust the tire selection, tubes and pressure to suit the roads and how it feels. A little lower pressure with 700x25 Conti GP Classics and latex tubes on the steel bike -- around 85 psi rear, 70 front. A a little higher pressure with 700x23 Soma tires and butyl tubes on the carbon bike (I plan to switch to latex when I find some skinny enough for that tire and rim combo). Pretty much the same with cheap Conti Ultra Sport II, although the stiffer, thicker sidewalls on those felt a bit more jouncy rather than "supple," which is way too subjective anyway.
Depends on the rims too. I try to avoid squeezing in tires that are really too fat for the rim, even if it "fits." Maybe I'm getting too picky, but I can feel the difference between 700x23 and 700x25 tires on one set of older, narrower box section rims and another nearly identical design that's slightly wider. It's little things, like how each combo of tire/rim feels on rippled pavement on curves. On flat smooth pavement, no big deal.
I like Continental SpeedRides on my hybrid. It's a nominally 700x42 tire, actually measures closer to 700x38. That tire felt great when I had wider rims, around 622x19. But I switched to narrower 622x14 rims and the SpeedRides feel splashy and imprecise, especially on curves. When I tried to ride at my preferred lower pressure I found myself often looking down to see if the tire was going flat. Too much tire for that rim. So I switched to Conti 700x32 Sport Contact II until I find wider rims. I don't really like the Sport Contact II tires -- the thicker tread and rigid sidewalls are durable but harsh -- but at least they don't feel mushy and splashy on curves.
Occasionally I'll pump up my road bike tires to 110-120 psi to take a crack at some PRs. Yeah, it's a little faster on smooth pavement. But we have less of that magical tarmac all the time. In the real world of neglected infrastructure and that crappy gravel-resin mix that passes for pavement nowadays, I'd rather have the fattest tires my bike can manage at lower pressure, as long as it doesn't compromise the handling too much.
09-21-20, 01:28 AM
#37
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The psi I run is based upon my fastest segment times - less about comfort, more about speed in my case for racing.
On my MTB, I run tubeless and around 19 psi front, 20 rear, a little more if the terrain is less challenging. This gives me the best combination for grip vs rolling resistance.
On my road bikes, I run tubes in GP5000's - don't want tubeless for road - on 25mm tyres and 100 - 110 psi, typically. Lower and I'm slower, tested on various timed Strava segments to find my ideal. I weigh 65 kg (143 lbs)
On my MTB, I run tubeless and around 19 psi front, 20 rear, a little more if the terrain is less challenging. This gives me the best combination for grip vs rolling resistance.
On my road bikes, I run tubes in GP5000's - don't want tubeless for road - on 25mm tyres and 100 - 110 psi, typically. Lower and I'm slower, tested on various timed Strava segments to find my ideal. I weigh 65 kg (143 lbs)
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09-21-20, 04:23 AM
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When it comes to road bike tire inflation, how someone rides also comes into play. I've known 135 pounds riders that trashed wheels because they didn't know how to unweight the saddle or bars and 200 pounds riders that could ride Mavic GEL280s with only 32 spokes.
09-21-20, 04:27 AM
#39
Senior Member
By unweight, you mean raise your backside or slight pull up on handlebars when going over irregularities?
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09-21-20, 07:24 AM
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09-21-20, 04:59 PM
#42
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Here's a quick update no one will care about: I've been on two rides since I made this thread and have dropped PSI to 90-100 for now. Will experiment with going lower.
Really appreciate all of your guys' help. Thank you
It's interesting being back in the saddle after nearly a decade out of it. My legs are burning after only 5 miles... I have a long path ahead to get back to where I was, but I look forward to the journey and becoming more active once again.
My wife on the other hand, she's not enthused with me telling her to "smell me" after my rides. I'm a hairy dude and my post-ride cooldown leaves a lot of sweat to be wicked off my body hair, thus I easily emit a very salty sweaty odor
Thanks all
Really appreciate all of your guys' help. Thank you
It's interesting being back in the saddle after nearly a decade out of it. My legs are burning after only 5 miles... I have a long path ahead to get back to where I was, but I look forward to the journey and becoming more active once again.
My wife on the other hand, she's not enthused with me telling her to "smell me" after my rides. I'm a hairy dude and my post-ride cooldown leaves a lot of sweat to be wicked off my body hair, thus I easily emit a very salty sweaty odor
Thanks all
09-21-20, 05:42 PM
#43
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I pump to 115 psi on 25 mm tires. But I'm lazy so I don't pump before every ride. Sometimes they get down to 85 before I pump them up. I can't say I notice a lot of difference +/- 20 pounds. I do have pretty smooth roads though.
09-22-20, 10:32 PM
#44
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Silca publishes something similar that is often referenced to argue low pressure is faster, however if you look at the charts they clearly show higher pressure is faster up to and above 100 psi, except if you ride very rough roads. The penalty for lower pressure is minor and may be worth it for comfort, but its not faster. Especially 60-70 psi that is often recommended.
https://blog.silca.cc/part-4b-rollin...-and-impedance
https://blog.silca.cc/part-4b-rollin...-and-impedance
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09-22-20, 11:19 PM
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Don't stress. Once the CCP virus dies out, people will get back to work in the air factories and the current PSI shortage will come to an end.
09-23-20, 08:53 AM
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Can someone explain how low front tire pressure changes handling around the corners and such?
I am on the lower end of the pressure guides due to the rough roads surface where I live. No way I can ride more than an hour if I pump the tires up to 110. Seems like there's a bit of a speed comfort trade-off in lower PSIs.
I am on the lower end of the pressure guides due to the rough roads surface where I live. No way I can ride more than an hour if I pump the tires up to 110. Seems like there's a bit of a speed comfort trade-off in lower PSIs.
09-23-20, 10:56 AM
#47
Senior Member
Can someone explain how low front tire pressure changes handling around the corners and such?
I am on the lower end of the pressure guides due to the rough roads surface where I live. No way I can ride more than an hour if I pump the tires up to 110. Seems like there's a bit of a speed comfort trade-off in lower PSIs.
I am on the lower end of the pressure guides due to the rough roads surface where I live. No way I can ride more than an hour if I pump the tires up to 110. Seems like there's a bit of a speed comfort trade-off in lower PSIs.
09-23-20, 12:50 PM
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According to this Quora post a knife cuts as it "...separates material apart is by breaking weak intermolecular bonds that hold a substance together. Pushing down with a sharp edge forces material on either side of the blade outwards, ergo forcing the molecules apart."
My intuition is you'd want to increase the area of contact with the tire and the road using a lower psi which is kind of the opposite of a sharp knife. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe we are talking about the same things. I'm just trying to understand.
My intuition is you'd want to increase the area of contact with the tire and the road using a lower psi which is kind of the opposite of a sharp knife. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe we are talking about the same things. I'm just trying to understand.
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09-23-20, 01:23 PM
#50
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According to this Quora post a knife cuts as it "...separates material apart is by breaking weak intermolecular bonds that hold a substance together. Pushing down with a sharp edge forces material on either side of the blade outwards, ergo forcing the molecules apart."
My intuition is you'd want to increase the area of contact with the tire and the road using a lower psi which is kind of the opposite of a sharp knife. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe we are talking about the same things. I'm just trying to understand.
My intuition is you'd want to increase the area of contact with the tire and the road using a lower psi which is kind of the opposite of a sharp knife. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe we are talking about the same things. I'm just trying to understand.
But beyond a certain point, handling becomes sloppy
Many variables
Your weight
Lean angle
Tire performance
Your skills
Road quality
But generally the higher the psi, the sharper the handling
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