Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
.... That's not only a good argument for keeping the tire pressures over a certain amount to prevent pinch flats, but to bump up the tire size if you find yourself needing to use high pressures to avoid them.
IMO, if pinch flats at reasonable pressures are any worry, it means that you don't have enough tire section. Some more pressure will reduce the odds of pinch flats, but at a cost in handling. As for the descending issue, I'd much rather have the traction that would be lost with higher pressures, so I can descend with enough cornering traction, than be forced onto the brakes.
Obviously this is a judgement call, but it's rare that I do any hard braking on descents, except maybe for full stop situations, and that isn't on turns. If I see a bump that has me worried, I can let off the brake for a second, to float the front wheel over it, then resume braking.
I'm not defending 15% as the final word, simply as a starting place for those who don't have one.