Originally Posted by mitchmellow62

I understand what both of you are saying. I've read about the 15% deflection and the idea that the tire conforms to the irregularities in the road rather than lifting the entire load. Yet, all referenced tests were on a diamond plate surface which is not smooth. In fact, the Outside article chose it to simulate asphalt roads. In these controlled studies on a irregular surface, higher pressure was less resistance. I need to dig back to some of the counter articles to study their methodology.

I'm not really sure why I care. I don't even attempt to ride fast anymore and at my speeds the effect is probably so small it is negligible on my shorter rides.

Originally Posted by Kontact

The diamond plate simulates the road, but does the wheel holder simulate the bicycle? Or is the wheel held mechanically in rigid contact with the plate?