Old 07-08-08, 10:27 PM
  #17  
slvoid
2-Cyl, 1/2 HP @ 90 RPM
 
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Bikes: 04' Specialized Hardrock Sport, 03' Giant OCR2 (SOLD!), 04' Litespeed Firenze, 04' Giant OCR Touring, 07' Specialized Langster Comp

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Originally Posted by alanbikehouston
Different rims are rated for different PSI levels. But, assuming a 140 PSI tire is the perfect width for a given rim, it probably is going to stay mounted without problems.

However, who NEEDS a PSI over 120 pounds? The best PSI level for a tire is the one that yields 15% deflection of the sidewalls under the rider's weight. With the 23mm tires popular with guys who pretend to race bikes, 15% deflection can be obtained at 70 PSI for light riders, and 90 PSI for average riders. A rider over 180 pounds might need to go as high as 120 PSI to get 15% deflection.
That depends on how the tires are constructed. Some of them are so soft and supple that 140 psi feels like 110.
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