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Tire Presure

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Old 06-02-15 | 01:16 PM
  #51  
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120/120 5'10 150 lbs Cervelo s2 23mm tires
**** shishy tires i like going fast.
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Old 06-02-15 | 04:23 PM
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Originally Posted by ThermionicScott
Tire rolling resistance tests are only as good as what they measure. If I were a metal fixture spinning tires on a smooth steel drum, yeah, I'd probably want 23mm tires at max pressure, too.
This would seem to suggest the opposite would be true (see section on Rough vs Smooth Pavement)
https://janheine.wordpress.com/2015/...a-and-details/
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Old 06-02-15 | 07:50 PM
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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.
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Old 06-02-15 | 08:42 PM
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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.

Last edited by Carbonfiberboy; 06-02-15 at 08:55 PM.
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Old 06-03-15 | 04:58 AM
  #55  
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not always:
The tires, wheels and pressures of Paris-Roubaix - VeloNews.com
Tour tech: Tyre pressure | Cyclingnews.com
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Old 06-03-15 | 06:40 AM
  #56  
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Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy
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.
Really good stuff. Thanks for sharing.

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.
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Old 06-03-15 | 06:45 AM
  #57  
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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
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Old 06-03-15 | 07:42 AM
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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).
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Old 06-03-15 | 09:23 AM
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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.

Last edited by Spoonrobot; 06-03-15 at 09:28 AM.
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Old 06-03-15 | 10:23 AM
  #60  
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Originally Posted by StanSeven
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.
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.
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Old 06-03-15 | 10:44 AM
  #61  
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Interview with a different Garmin mechanic (I think), which includes TT pressures:
The Perfect Tire Pressure for Racing | Bicycling
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Old 06-03-15 | 11:46 AM
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I can generate 105 psi by applying my 210lbs to my floor pump. Clearly 105 is the correct pressure.
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Old 06-03-15 | 12:03 PM
  #63  
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Originally Posted by Spoonrobot
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
That was a good read, thanks for sharing.
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Old 06-03-15 | 12:13 PM
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I run whatever the tire manufacturer recommends ( I figure they put that on the tire for a reason)
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Old 06-03-15 | 12:16 PM
  #65  
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Originally Posted by rms13
I run whatever the tire manufacturer recommends ( I figure they put that on the tire for a reason)
Don't they just list the maximum pressure, usually 120psi?
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Old 06-03-15 | 12:55 PM
  #66  
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My pro4 25mm's have 79-109 psi on them.
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Old 06-03-15 | 01:50 PM
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My 23mm Vredestein Superlites show a max of 175 psi, but also list a min on the tire of 115 psi.
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Old 06-03-15 | 02:01 PM
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My pro4 say 6-8 bars
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Old 06-03-15 | 04:13 PM
  #69  
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Originally Posted by rms13
My pro4 say 6-8 bars
I'd wager yours are 23mm
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