Pneumatic trail.....
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 205
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From: Abbotsford BC
Bikes: Some old CL beater
Pneumatic trail.....
I've seen this term mentioned quite a few times lately as more being a good thing, as in some particular wheel/ tire combo having more pneumatic trail and therefore being superior. But it's thrown around as if everybody should know what it is without further explanation. Am I right in thinking it has to do with overall tire diameter bring made up of more volume and less rim diameter as opposed to the other way round?
And how do these almost identical overall diameters relate in terms of trail/ pneumatic trail:
23x622
42x585
55x559
Is more better? Is there a limit where more negatively affects handling?
In layman's terms please
Thanks.
And how do these almost identical overall diameters relate in terms of trail/ pneumatic trail:
23x622
42x585
55x559
Is more better? Is there a limit where more negatively affects handling?
In layman's terms please
Thanks.
Last edited by XXLHardrock; 10-24-14 at 01:00 PM. Reason: Spelling
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 9,685
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From: northern Deep South
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
I think the English translation of "pneumatic trail" goes something like this. Fatter tires at lower pressures are harder to turn than skinny tires at high pressure, and that tends to keep your bike going straight.
#3
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
It's related to the Size of Contact Patch on the Street. DIY measurements. I dont have an Opinion for you.
Want More? larger diameter at lower pressure and fattest tire
Want More? larger diameter at lower pressure and fattest tire
Last edited by fietsbob; 10-24-14 at 04:01 PM.





