Tire Pressure - how much for optimum performance?
04-17-13, 09:34 AM
#26
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Thanks for the input guys.. 
How does the tire drop actually work? Is it recommended to have the side threads touching the ground when loaded? I tried using different pressures in the rear tire from 60-75 psi but when I load up something in the rear rack, the back portion ride feels stiff when passing through bumps. Or probably its because I haven't ridden a bike in 8 years and that I'm not used to its feel yet.
Oh, and how often do you guys check and pump your tires?
How does the tire drop actually work? Is it recommended to have the side threads touching the ground when loaded? I tried using different pressures in the rear tire from 60-75 psi but when I load up something in the rear rack, the back portion ride feels stiff when passing through bumps. Or probably its because I haven't ridden a bike in 8 years and that I'm not used to its feel yet.
Oh, and how often do you guys check and pump your tires?
And like the others, I generally pinch-test all my tires before riding... the fatter tires can go longer between refills. The skinnier tires I plan on pumping up each time.
04-17-13, 09:46 AM
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One thing often forgotten about dropping pressure 15% or using a 60/40 formula is this:
When you ride uphill you put most of the weight on the back tire, and downhill on the front
If you ride hills you may not want to drop much pressure!
When you ride uphill you put most of the weight on the back tire, and downhill on the front
If you ride hills you may not want to drop much pressure!
04-17-13, 02:46 PM
#28
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omg, math? I just pump a smidge over max so I have max to start my ride
04-17-13, 05:15 PM
#29
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This is my experience as well. You want to keep the tires in contact with the pavement to maximize speed. Higher pressures on rough surfaces work against you by causing too much bouncing around.
04-17-13, 08:21 PM
#30
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04-18-13, 12:50 AM
#31
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Tried doing a pinch check daily - at least it will help me getting a better feel of my tires for the rides to come..
Getting used to the front tire, its just that the rear tires give me the most impact during bumps and road+train paths.. I don't have any suspension on my ride other than the seatpost, and even tried the "unweighting" method but it just feels hard upon impact.. Is that expected for a non-suspension hybrid or am I just too paranoid?
Getting used to the front tire, its just that the rear tires give me the most impact during bumps and road+train paths.. I don't have any suspension on my ride other than the seatpost, and even tried the "unweighting" method but it just feels hard upon impact.. Is that expected for a non-suspension hybrid or am I just too paranoid?
04-18-13, 09:29 AM
#32
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Tried doing a pinch check daily - at least it will help me getting a better feel of my tires for the rides to come..
Getting used to the front tire, its just that the rear tires give me the most impact during bumps and road+train paths.. I don't have any suspension on my ride other than the seatpost, and even tried the "unweighting" method but it just feels hard upon impact.. Is that expected for a non-suspension hybrid or am I just too paranoid?
Getting used to the front tire, its just that the rear tires give me the most impact during bumps and road+train paths.. I don't have any suspension on my ride other than the seatpost, and even tried the "unweighting" method but it just feels hard upon impact.. Is that expected for a non-suspension hybrid or am I just too paranoid?
You can always try going with wider tires, up to whatever will fit the frame/fork. I have 60mm Big Apples on one of my commuters. That's some smooooth ridin'.
04-18-13, 07:48 PM
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Isn't this backwards? Don't Schrader valves loose air when you remove the pump and not Presta?
04-19-13, 09:17 PM
#34
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Bicycle Quarterly just ran an article stating that running slightly less air than the maximum was more efficient for rolling. This is contrary to popular opinion, but worth checking out since a little less air usually means a more pleasant ride.
04-20-13, 02:28 AM
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I use this app
