Tire pressure.
05-16-14, 08:48 PM
#1
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Tire pressure.
I seem to be the master of stupid questions lately... so, here I go again. The tires on my new bike say 85PSI is the max, but do not give a optimal range.... What should I try to keep them at? I ride both roads and packed sand/gravel trails.
05-16-14, 08:53 PM
#2
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Tire pressure is like chain lube in that people have very clear opinions, yet there's no real consensus about what's ideal.
Here's someplace to start. Take it with a grain of salt, and use it only as a starting place,then adjust according to your needs.
There's also a long and good discussion on the same subject in the 50+ forum.
The keys are as follows,
More pressure usually mean lower rolling resistance, but can increase rolling resistance on bumpy roads.
After a certain point the reductions in rolling resistance as pressure rises taper off, and become marginal, so high pressure is good, but highest pressure isn't best.
Increased pressure reduces traction, and makes for a harsher ride,
Given the above, optimal pressure is a matter of balance, and the goal is usually to find the highest pressure that allows good traction, handling and comfort.
Here's someplace to start. Take it with a grain of salt, and use it only as a starting place,then adjust according to your needs.
There's also a long and good discussion on the same subject in the 50+ forum.
The keys are as follows,
More pressure usually mean lower rolling resistance, but can increase rolling resistance on bumpy roads.
After a certain point the reductions in rolling resistance as pressure rises taper off, and become marginal, so high pressure is good, but highest pressure isn't best.
Increased pressure reduces traction, and makes for a harsher ride,
Given the above, optimal pressure is a matter of balance, and the goal is usually to find the highest pressure that allows good traction, handling and comfort.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
Last edited by FBinNY; 05-16-14 at 09:03 PM.
05-16-14, 11:24 PM
#3
Senior Member
Very well said by FB!
FWIW, I keep my Kenda Kwick Trax between 75-80psi. The sidewall says 85psi max. (shrug)
OTOH, my Panaracer Paselas say "Keep inflated to 105psi" and so I do just that. No more. No less. (shrug)
FWIW, I keep my Kenda Kwick Trax between 75-80psi. The sidewall says 85psi max. (shrug)
OTOH, my Panaracer Paselas say "Keep inflated to 105psi" and so I do just that. No more. No less. (shrug)
05-17-14, 11:31 AM
#4
Senior Member
Until someone with more expertise comes up with a better idea I use the Bike Quarterly chart. Read down where it says optimum pressures.
