80 psi too low for my 700x28 tires?
#26
just another gosling
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
Posts: 19,500
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3872 Post(s)
Liked 1,920 Times
in
1,369 Posts
Good point. Continental has a page on their website with a nice straight answer.
They recommend choosing pressures higher than the recommended pressure.
They recommend choosing pressures higher than the recommended pressure.
__________________
Results matter
Results matter
#27
Pizzaiolo Americano
There is no way for us to answer this for you. Different road conditions and rider tendencies make a difference.
Likes For Pizzaiolo Americano:
#28
Zoom zoom zoom zoom bonk
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 4,623
Bikes: Giant Defy, Trek 1.7c, BMC GF02, Fuji Tahoe, Scott Sub 35, Kona Rove, Trek Verve+2
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 549 Post(s)
Liked 721 Times
in
365 Posts
How often does the average rider really check their pressures? If it's monthly then the recommended pressure probably has 20psi wiggle room for this.
I am not too bad on my "fun" bikes but on my commuter I don't bother checking until they get particularly squishy.
I am not too bad on my "fun" bikes but on my commuter I don't bother checking until they get particularly squishy.
Likes For znomit:
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NWNJ
Posts: 3,704
Bikes: Road bike is a Carbon Bianchi C2C & Grandis (1980's), Gary Fisher Mt Bike, Trek Tandem & Mongoose SS MTB circa 1992.
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 722 Post(s)
Liked 353 Times
in
226 Posts
I have foldable Continental Gatorskins (I happen to love 'em but I'm sure there may be better options) in 700x28. Someone on this forum suggested running tires at a lower pressure to help with downhill riding. This suggestion literally changed my confidence in descents. I was running 23s at max pressure and the bike always felt glitchy and on the verge of losing control. With the 28s running at 80 psi it feels like a totally different bike - for the better!
The Continental website says 95-116 is the range for this particular tire. I weigh 155 lbs and haven't experienced pinch flat (knock on wood) with 80psi. I only ride on tarmac roads (no gravel) but there are occasional potholes that I do my best to avoid. Should I be concerned about running at this low a pressure? These are NOT the hardshell versions btw.
Thanks for your insight
The Continental website says 95-116 is the range for this particular tire. I weigh 155 lbs and haven't experienced pinch flat (knock on wood) with 80psi. I only ride on tarmac roads (no gravel) but there are occasional potholes that I do my best to avoid. Should I be concerned about running at this low a pressure? These are NOT the hardshell versions btw.
Thanks for your insight
i got over 200lbs and i do 80 or less no issues at all.
Likes For thehammerdog:
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 3,767
Bikes: lots
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1958 Post(s)
Liked 2,932 Times
in
1,489 Posts
Being an 185 pound older guy suffering from a lot of wear, a smooth ride is the only option or I would not be able to ride at all. I have folding 28mm Gaterskins with tubes on my R-300 Cannondale, probably the biggest tires I can fit on it. Without my body complaining, the highest pressures I am able to run on my local not-so-smooth roads are 40 psi front and 45 psi rear. I am not racing, just trying to keep in shape on these hills. I do ride regular, but I don't ride the mileages a lot of you guys do, and I have not noticed the bike being sluggish or squirrelly at all.
My ideal Geezer Road Ride has 40mm tires which I run at 35 psi front and 40 psi rear.
Someone is probably going to jump my case about my pressures, but hey, they work for me and might work for someone else. For me it's a matter of riding or not.
Fred
My ideal Geezer Road Ride has 40mm tires which I run at 35 psi front and 40 psi rear.
Someone is probably going to jump my case about my pressures, but hey, they work for me and might work for someone else. For me it's a matter of riding or not.
Fred
Likes For cxwrench:
#31
Enthusiastic Sufferer
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 229
Bikes: 2015 Specialized Roubaix, 2014 Salsa Fargo, 2013 Trek Remedy, 2014 Cannondale Synapse
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 124 Post(s)
Liked 311 Times
in
107 Posts
I'm 170lbs. I ride 28s tubed with 65F/70R. You'll be good!
Likes For SapInMyBlood:
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,825
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 128 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4742 Post(s)
Liked 3,860 Times
in
2,509 Posts
Totally old-school here. I run 28c at around 90 psi. Love the ride on the Vittoria G+/G2.0s. (Might run a touch less on 28c Paselas. They are both stiffer and probably bigger. Also less traction but that I take into account on how fast I will do corners.)
I state my tire pressures as the average with 2-3 psi less in front, 2-3 psi more in back. Been riding that roughly 5 psi difference many years.
I state my tire pressures as the average with 2-3 psi less in front, 2-3 psi more in back. Been riding that roughly 5 psi difference many years.
Likes For 79pmooney:
#33
Asleep at the bars
Join Date: May 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA and Treasure Island, FL
Posts: 1,743
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 234 Post(s)
Liked 203 Times
in
135 Posts
Gatorskins have a stiff, puncture proof sidewall. If you run them at low pressure they'll roll very poorly. Not that they roll well at any pressure to begin with.
__________________
"This 7:48 cycling session burned 5933 calories. Speed up recovery by replacing them with a healthy snack." - Whoop
"This 7:48 cycling session burned 5933 calories. Speed up recovery by replacing them with a healthy snack." - Whoop
Likes For sfrider:
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: location location
Posts: 3,033
Bikes: MBK Super Mirage 1991, CAAD10, Yuba Mundo Lux, and a Cannondale Criterium Single Speed
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 343 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
205 Posts
I have foldable Continental Gatorskins (I happen to love 'em but I'm sure there may be better options) in 700x28. Someone on this forum suggested running tires at a lower pressure to help with downhill riding. This suggestion literally changed my confidence in descents. I was running 23s at max pressure and the bike always felt glitchy and on the verge of losing control. With the 28s running at 80 psi it feels like a totally different bike - for the better!
The Continental website says 95-116 is the range for this particular tire. I weigh 155 lbs and haven't experienced pinch flat (knock on wood) with 80psi. I only ride on tarmac roads (no gravel) but there are occasional potholes that I do my best to avoid. Should I be concerned about running at this low a pressure? These are NOT the hardshell versions btw.
Thanks for your insight
The Continental website says 95-116 is the range for this particular tire. I weigh 155 lbs and haven't experienced pinch flat (knock on wood) with 80psi. I only ride on tarmac roads (no gravel) but there are occasional potholes that I do my best to avoid. Should I be concerned about running at this low a pressure? These are NOT the hardshell versions btw.
Thanks for your insight
I won't go back to Gatorskins, the difference in puncture resistance (marginal) is not worth the difference in road feel/resistance (significant).
Likes For Leinster:
#35
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,187
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2749 Post(s)
Liked 2,516 Times
in
1,422 Posts
Interesting, the calculator I use to get starting points for pressure spit out around 70-ish psi for you.
#38
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 702
Bikes: '23 Poseidon Redwood, '07 Specialized Roubaix Comp Triple, '12 Gravity Fixie, '21 Liv Rove 4, '06? Giant EB Spirit
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 345 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times
in
151 Posts
Totally old-school here. I run 28c at around 90 psi. Love the ride on the Vittoria G+/G2.0s. (Might run a touch less on 28c Paselas. They are both stiffer and probably bigger. Also less traction but that I take into account on how fast I will do corners.)
I state my tire pressures as the average with 2-3 psi less in front, 2-3 psi more in back. Been riding that roughly 5 psi difference many years.
I state my tire pressures as the average with 2-3 psi less in front, 2-3 psi more in back. Been riding that roughly 5 psi difference many years.
#40
Junior Member
I was at the LBS today and the mechanic was recommending the GP 4000 all weather. He said they roll similar to the GP 5000. He said the 5000 is a race day tire and the 4000 all weather has an additional layer making it more puncture resistant. Any opinions here?
thx
thx
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 786
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 338 Post(s)
Liked 408 Times
in
252 Posts
GP5000s also have an anti-puncture layer and are imo the best performance-oriented all around tire. They're actually the best rolling tire which has an anti-puncture layer and reasonably thick thread, all the better rolling tires are significantly thinner TT style tires without a puncture resistance layer. Continental really hit the spot with the GP5000, they've got both the durability and puncture resistance and the rolling resistance and grip.
#42
• —
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Land of Pleasant Living
Posts: 12,151
Bikes: Shmikes
Mentioned: 58 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10101 Post(s)
Liked 5,781 Times
in
3,111 Posts
GP5000s also have an anti-puncture layer and are imo the best performance-oriented all around tire. They're actually the best rolling tire which has an anti-puncture layer and reasonably thick thread, all the better rolling tires are significantly thinner TT style tires without a puncture resistance layer. Continental really hit the spot with the GP5000, they've got both the durability and puncture resistance and the rolling resistance and grip.
#43
Fat n slow
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Saratoga, NY
Posts: 4,271
Bikes: Cervelo R3, Giant Revolt
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3229 Post(s)
Liked 2,034 Times
in
966 Posts
I’ve also had a positive experience with the 5000. 3000 miles on my pair, just finally getting into new tire territory and no flats.
I run 28s at 60/60 weighing in the 170s
I run 28s at 60/60 weighing in the 170s
Likes For phrantic09:
#44
Advocatus Diaboli
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,611
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4717 Post(s)
Liked 1,526 Times
in
997 Posts
Splitting the difference, a tire I'd like to try sometime in the future for general training usage is the Pirelli Velo 4S. Looks to be a good compromise of protection and performance.
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 5,337
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2428 Post(s)
Liked 2,880 Times
in
1,645 Posts
Thus, according to the illustrated information, the recommended pressure for a 23-mm tire is 110 psi, but the pressure can be adjusted upward or downward throughout the indicated (albeit unspecified) range, at the user's discretion. For example, at my present weight of about 125 pounds, I usually pump my 23-mm tires to around 80 or 85 psi. And that's the pressure the day I inflate the tires. I often find that they're down to 65 psi or so by the next time that I inflate them.
Last edited by Trakhak; 01-31-21 at 08:06 AM. Reason: Pedantry
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,825
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 128 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4742 Post(s)
Liked 3,860 Times
in
2,509 Posts
I use the Paselas on my winter/city/rain bikes. (Except not on below freezing roads; not all that common here in Portland.) They are not bulletproof but are so good at not picking up glass and debris that I don't get very many flats. Beads are not tight so road changes are easy. Quality and consistency is very good. Despite the non-tight beads, too loose is something I haven't seen. (I've been riding those tires 12? years and maybe 30,000 miles on several bikes. They are super consistent.) I ride mostly the cheaper (and easier to mount) wire beaded ones but have had very good experiences with all I've used from 25c to 38c. I love the width choices.
All that said, they are a far cry from the sweet Vittoria G+ and G2.0s I ride on my good bikes. Those tires get better grip, a lot better in the wet, roll faster, have better feel, are a bunch lighter and don't get a lot more flats. They do cost twice as much and don't last as long. But if I am going to be riding my good bike on iffy roads. I throw those Paselas on and the bike doesn't become a dog.
I am a light, long, skinny rider. Tires with thick casing and less than grippy tread slide out under me on marginal road surfaces which are common here in rain country. One of my criteria is keeping my skin off the pavement.
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 712
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 283 Post(s)
Liked 262 Times
in
164 Posts
You need enough tire pressure to protect the rim you have from the road conditions you ride on. A pinch flat is a tube / tire issue, but denting your rim in a pothole / on broken pavement is hugely worse. You will get advice to keep lowering your pressure until things go sideways on a ride and you ... dent your rim. If Conti says 95 I wouldn't go below 90, knowing the gauge might be off and we're really at 85.
Likes For grizzly59:
#48
jj
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 331
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 140 Post(s)
Liked 110 Times
in
78 Posts
I’ve got wider rims. In the summer on easy weekend rides I’m good to go out the door with my pump telling me I put 50 in the front and 60 in the back, whether it’s Vittoria Corsas or Conti GP5Ks in 28mm. Below 30F outside and in commuting traffic and I jack it up to 85/100 before heading out- no idea what that measures after ten minutes in the cold.
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 3,767
Bikes: lots
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1958 Post(s)
Liked 2,932 Times
in
1,489 Posts
So in the cold when you have less traction you raise the pressure a bunch?!?
Likes For cxwrench:
#50
Senior Member
I've rejuvenated my 30+ year old Silca pump with a new Hirame chuck and a new and much larger liquid filled 0-100 psi gauge that's accurate to plus or minus 1.5%. Now I can read the gauge easily and be confident in the pressure. The old gauge was reading about 8 psi higher than the actual pressure.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...00b021c44a.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...00b021c44a.jpg