BrazAd

I bought a Soma Double Cross last week that has WTB Riddler 37 tires, tubeless.

I'm a road cyclist who wants to ride dirt and gravel roads. Got the bike set up last night and took my first ride today, a 26 mile ride with a mix of pavement and dirt roads.

I weigh 240. I had the back tire pumped to 55 psi, the highest recommended on the tire sidewall. The back tire looks low to me while riding on pavement, although it rides fine. Should I pump it up to 60 or leave it alone? (And yes, I am losing weight... down from 263 and still going down... but dealing with where I am now.)

Thanks in advance,

Gary

Hondo Gravel

I had some WTB Nanos 700x40 and would run them at 50 psi. I have about 9 miles before I hit gravel so they rolled well on pavement. At 50 psi it was ok on hardpack gravel maybe a little rough when it got rocky but overall the ride was ok. I tend to ride higher pressures than most I like the lower rolling resistance.

BrazAd

What concerned me yesterday is when I looked down at the rear tire while riding, the sidewalls looked like they were bowed out too far. Is this something that's normal with wider tires?

I'm used to Continental GP 4000 25mm tires on my road bike so sidewall bulge is minimal.

Gary

Hondo Gravel

Yes the rear tire will bow out. I would think the tire was losing air so I would stop to find that is was ok. Different from skinny road tires that have 115 psi or more.

Spoonrobot 

I think you'd be better off on larger tires, 37s are too small for your weight and are probably slower and less effective than something larger. I'd consider moving up a couple sizes. Depending on the year of your double cross it'll fit 42s or 45s in 700c wheelsize. The WTB Resolute comes in 700x42 and is a great tire, it rolls a little better than the Riddler IME as well.

As far as the sidewall appearance, if you're not bouncing uncomfortably while pedaling, experiencing sidewall collapse during hard turning, or excessive pinch flats - you probably have at least enough pressure. Most sealant doesn't stand a chance at 55psi, if you get a puncture expect to lose most of your air and either have to plug or pump and spin several times to get a clot - which may or may not hold very well as it would at lower pressure. Most sealant taps out filling punctures around 45-50 psi but everyone has a slightly different experience.

wsteve464

I was in the 230 lb range and rode Panaracer SK in 37mm at 30-35 lbs front and rear. Now at 220 ish I have some vittoria terreno mix 40mm that I run at the same psi. I have no problems with them, both tubless, they do bottom out on the edge of a curb if you hit too hard. I do the thumb check every couple of days to see if they need a couple extra psi and also pay attention to them going around a corner to feel for any rolling if they do feel like they are rolling i'll add some air before the next ride.

If it was me I 'd drop a few psi. Try in the 40s.