Tire Presure
#52
Advocatus Diaboli

Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 9,154
Likes: 1,744
From: Wherever I am
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
https://janheine.wordpress.com/2015/...a-and-details/
#53
Passista


Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,262
Likes: 1,234
Bikes: 1998 Pinarello Asolo, 1992 KHS Montaña pro, 1980 Raleigh DL-1, IGH Hybrid, IGH Utility
Total weight 175, 23 tires here. I used 100/105 at first, now 90-95/100, no difference in handling and a more comfortable ride.
#54
just another gosling


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,583
Likes: 2,690
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
In my faster days I weighed ~160 and rode 23mm Tricomps at 140 lbs. Those were fast tires. If you want to go beyond conjecture and read about what real TT champs use for tire pressure, there's a good discussion here: Ideal TT tire pressure - Training advice - Timetrialling Forum
Or you can go with the tire seller's roll down tests . . .
It's true that lower pressures are faster on Texas chip seal, but that is not true on smooth roads.
Edit: doing a little research, the pros ride road stages, front-rear, at ~115-125 and TTs at ~135-150. With some variation for personal preference.
2nd edit: BTW, those high pressures are on my carbon bike. I have a CAAD9 which becomes almost unrideable at pressures over 100.
Or you can go with the tire seller's roll down tests . . .
It's true that lower pressures are faster on Texas chip seal, but that is not true on smooth roads.
Edit: doing a little research, the pros ride road stages, front-rear, at ~115-125 and TTs at ~135-150. With some variation for personal preference.
2nd edit: BTW, those high pressures are on my carbon bike. I have a CAAD9 which becomes almost unrideable at pressures over 100.
Last edited by Carbonfiberboy; 06-02-15 at 08:55 PM.
#55
Advocatus Diaboli

Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 9,154
Likes: 1,744
From: Wherever I am
Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX
#56
Administrator

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,655
Likes: 2,706
From: Delaware shore
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
In my faster days I weighed ~160 and rode 23mm Tricomps at 140 lbs. Those were fast tires. If you want to go beyond conjecture and read about what real TT champs use for tire pressure, there's a good discussion here: Ideal TT tire pressure - Training advice - Timetrialling Forum
Or you can go with the tire seller's roll down tests . . .
It's true that lower pressures are faster on Texas chip seal, but that is not true on smooth roads.
Edit: doing a little research, the pros ride road stages, front-rear, at ~115-125 and TTs at ~135-150. With some variation for personal preference.
2nd edit: BTW, those high pressures are on my carbon bike. I have a CAAD9 which becomes almost unrideable at pressures over 100.
Or you can go with the tire seller's roll down tests . . .
It's true that lower pressures are faster on Texas chip seal, but that is not true on smooth roads.
Edit: doing a little research, the pros ride road stages, front-rear, at ~115-125 and TTs at ~135-150. With some variation for personal preference.
2nd edit: BTW, those high pressures are on my carbon bike. I have a CAAD9 which becomes almost unrideable at pressures over 100.
For some reason lots of people here are promoting wider tires at very low pressure. It seems like it's their personal preference and trying to convert everyone else.
#57
The very low pressures are also for comfort only, not for optimal performance.
From that interview
sunny weather: 8 - 8.5 bar (116psi - 122psi)
wet: 7 - 7.5 bar (101psi -110psi)
this is is for grand tour riders on 23's and 25's
From that interview
sunny weather: 8 - 8.5 bar (116psi - 122psi)
wet: 7 - 7.5 bar (101psi -110psi)
this is is for grand tour riders on 23's and 25's
#58
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
I went and rode 20 miles last night, had some nice cornering, some out of saddle climbing...besides the ride being easier on my hands...I saw no performance loss. Then again...20 miles at 17mph isn't really "performance" anyway...LOL.
Either way, ran 85 in the front, 100 in the back, 23mm Pro 4 service course tires (175 lb rider).
Either way, ran 85 in the front, 100 in the back, 23mm Pro 4 service course tires (175 lb rider).
#59
Banned.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,287
Likes: 838
This series of blog posts is mainly focused on wheels but it has a lot of interesting tidbits on tires and tire pressure as well:
Road to Roubaix, Part 1 | SILCA
Road to Roubaix Part 2: Tires (and Pressures) Are EVERYTHING | SILCA
Road to Roubaix Part 3: We Just Invented the Future | SILCA
I currently run 23mm Continental Grand Prix on Flo 30 rims. Tires mic out at 26.5mm actual width and rims are 24mm wide. Bike + Rider weight is around 200-205; I've run between 55-110 PSI and have noted some significant differences in comfort but minimal differences in performance with respect to group riding and practice crits.
I tend to pinch flat if I hit any significant gravel or golden-bb type rocks under 70ish PSI and I get a harsh feeling ride that does not handle rough roads very well at anything over 100 PSI. With my combination of frame, weight and road condition I prefer 70-75 front and 85-90 rear. This gives me the best combination of comfort, handling and speed.
Road to Roubaix, Part 1 | SILCA
Road to Roubaix Part 2: Tires (and Pressures) Are EVERYTHING | SILCA
Road to Roubaix Part 3: We Just Invented the Future | SILCA
I currently run 23mm Continental Grand Prix on Flo 30 rims. Tires mic out at 26.5mm actual width and rims are 24mm wide. Bike + Rider weight is around 200-205; I've run between 55-110 PSI and have noted some significant differences in comfort but minimal differences in performance with respect to group riding and practice crits.
I tend to pinch flat if I hit any significant gravel or golden-bb type rocks under 70ish PSI and I get a harsh feeling ride that does not handle rough roads very well at anything over 100 PSI. With my combination of frame, weight and road condition I prefer 70-75 front and 85-90 rear. This gives me the best combination of comfort, handling and speed.
Last edited by Spoonrobot; 06-03-15 at 09:28 AM.
#60
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
Likes: 2,643
From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Eh, plenty of that comes from both sides in these threads. No need for anyone to develop a persecution complex over it.
Last edited by ThermionicScott; 06-03-15 at 10:31 AM.
#61
just another gosling


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,583
Likes: 2,690
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Interview with a different Garmin mechanic (I think), which includes TT pressures:
The Perfect Tire Pressure for Racing | Bicycling
The Perfect Tire Pressure for Racing | Bicycling
#63
This series of blog posts is mainly focused on wheels but it has a lot of interesting tidbits on tires and tire pressure as well:
Road to Roubaix, Part 1 | SILCA
Road to Roubaix Part 2: Tires (and Pressures) Are EVERYTHING | SILCA
Road to Roubaix Part 3: We Just Invented the Future | SILCA
Road to Roubaix, Part 1 | SILCA
Road to Roubaix Part 2: Tires (and Pressures) Are EVERYTHING | SILCA
Road to Roubaix Part 3: We Just Invented the Future | SILCA
#65
On Your Left
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,373
Likes: 2,440
From: Long Island, New York, USA
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303






