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Old 10-28-12 | 03:49 PM
  #33  
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rekmeyata
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From: NE Indiana

Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS

Originally Posted by cplager
It depends on what you want to do. Yes, larger tires don't generally need to be inflated as much. But if you are looking for less rolling resistance, you're better off running closer to 100 PSI than 60 (even on a large tire) if you are running on smooth roads. One advantage of larger tires is that you can run them on high pressure on smooth roads and then lower the pressure if your riding surface changes significantly.

Cheers,
Charles
Problem is the Michelin calculator (which is based on known calculations that have been around for many years), is that it's designed to give a particular size of tire and weight being carried the correct PSI for max wear and handling. Sure you could put more PSI in the tire then recommended but you will upset the proper PSI balance for the tire/weight combo and in turn the tire won't wear as long, ride as well, nor handle as well. Plus studies have shown that running too much air pressure will actually make the bike less efficient because the combination of streets not being smooth as glass and over inflation increases rolling resistance due to vibration being generated, and traction will be reduced due to the tire bouncing and could cause a bicycle to skid out of control on a turn, plus subject the tire to more damage.

See this for more detail, but scroll down to Width and Pressure: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html
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