Really useful info from
Josh Poertner here:
Some takeaways:
- the max pressure printed on the tire is simply half the tested blow-out pressure (by law).
- the max pressure spec is almost always too high for optimum rolling resistance.
- smooth looking pavement varies a lot in actual smoothness (
Poertner analyzes race course pavement for pros to determine optimal pressure).
- wealthy neighborhoods usually have finer, smoother pavement.
- optimal pressure (for rolling resistance) is almost always lower than you would determine by subjective riding feel -
optimal pressure feels subjectively slower!
- generally speaking aero considerations trump rolling resistance in road racing.