Road Bike Racing - Are all PSI the same?

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TJHOO
08-06-07, 09:49 AM
Comparing 2 tires, let's say #1 has max recommended PSI 125, #2 has 114.

Both tires run at max PSI
-#1 gives you a harsher ride than #2
-#2 feels stickier where you want it to e.g. descending at 40-50mph

Questions:
a-Will running #1 at 114 PSI (lower than its max recommended PSI) cause any safety issues e.g. blowouts?
b-How will running #1 at 114 PSI feel compared to #2 at 114 PSI?

More specifically I'm trying to compare
#1: Conti GP 4000s
#2: Michi Prorace 2

merlinextraligh
08-06-07, 09:56 AM
The only difference in the recommended maximum inflation pressure of those 2 tires is the assumptions made by their Lawyers and their Engineers.

There's no meaningful difference between the 2 tires ability to hold air.
San Rensho
08-06-07, 01:31 PM
Comparing 2 tires, let's say #1 has max recommended PSI 125, #2 has 114.


Questions:
a-Will running #1 at 114 PSI (lower than its max recommended PSI) cause any safety issues e.g. blowouts?
b-How will running #1 at 114 PSI feel compared to #2 at 114 PSI?



a-no.

b-It depends entirely on the width of the tire, construction of the tire casing and the tread, among other variables. But I would say, and I'm not trying to be derogatory or put you down, but just from the questions you ask you are a beginner, and you will likely not feel any difference between the two.

TJHOO
08-06-07, 01:47 PM
a-no.

b-It depends entirely on the width of the tire, construction of the tire casing and the tread, among other variables. But I would say, and I'm not trying to be derogatory or put you down, but just from the questions you ask you are a beginner, and you will likely not feel any difference between the two.

Thanks,

Actually ridden for 25 yrs. Just putting some thought into tires. Primarily from a safety perspective now that I have 4 kids who depend on me to be alive. Secondarily out of love for cycling, and preference not to waste $ on equipment I'd prefer not to have purchased in the 1st place.:)
Voodoo76
08-06-07, 03:55 PM
Would say the biggest difference in feel comes with thread count, this is where you usually get what you pay for. It's always a surprise to me the tire pressures some riders use. Have ridden and raced for 20 years and usually train on 80 to 90 psi, race at 100 (tubies). Have never had a problem with flats, ride is better, and im not getting dropped.