Originally Posted by
Iride01
I think people take this low pressure is faster thing way too far. While I understand the concept of rough roads imparting a energy vector in the wrong direction for tires exceeding "optimal" psi. The "optimal" PSI is unique to the road, tire and the bike load going over it.
We've evidently got some smooth roads and paved trails here because for the most part, my legs feel much better on a 25 mm rear tire pumped to 125 psi than any other lower pressure. The data collection I did many years ago to see if what I perceived is what I actually did is long lost as I didn't make comments about tire pressure in the notes. So I've no data to show you.
Still, why trust a formula or what others say when it's fairly easy to determine for oneself.
Yes, it's going to vary, but it's not as if people are pulling these numbers out of their keisters. If you haven't listened to the Cycling Tips podcast, it's worthwhile -
https://cyclingtips.com/2016/08/cycl...and-pressures/
As far as trying to determine for oneself, no, it's not fairly easy. As is discussed in the podcast, one big factor is that perception is usually backwards - what feels fast often isn't.