Old 09-21-17 | 02:13 AM
  #4  
FBinNY
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: New Rochelle, NY

Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter

There's no such thing as correct tire pressure. Optimal pressure depends on the specific conditions, including the tire itself, the rider's weight, road surface, weather, and rider's personal preference about ride quality.

So instead of thinking about numbers, think about how pressure affects the ride.

Lowering the pressure will make for a softer ride, which is nice, especially on bumpier roads. But it increases friction and slows you. It can also allow you to bottom on bumps, causing pinch flats and denting rims.

Higher pressure lowers friction which is nice, plus makes for very crisp handling. But less friction, also can mean less traction, especially on wet roads or when cornering. It also makes for a harsher ride, especially if the road isn't glass smooth.

So start at some arbitrary pressure, say 90% of the tire's max. Ride that a while and think about the ride. Then add 10psi and ride that a while making not of what's better or worse. If it felt better overall, try 10psi more, and do this until the good isn't getting better, but the bad is getting worse. You now have an upper limit.

Repeat the process going down from where you started until you find your lower limit. IME the lower limit tends to be more obvious.

So you now have a band, probably 20-30 psi wide, and have a good sense of where within it you're happiest. As you gain a sense of how pressure effects ride, you'll make small adjustments based on specific conditions.
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