Tire pressure and weight
 

Hi all - anyone have any advice on tire pressure for me? I'm running 700-23's on my road bike and sidewall indicates 100-110lbs max. I'm a bit of a clydesdale at 220lbs so I'm not sure how close to the max I should run them. Currently I aim for about 100psi but am wondering if this is too much due to my, ahem, stature.

Any advice?

Thanks

You should probably go to 110 (at least in the rear tire). Pinch flats because of underinflation would be my concern.

I use this chart: http://www.michelinbicycletire.com/m...rpressure.view

http://www.michelinbicycletire.com/m...art121405B.jpg

Many of us larger folks, and even folks not so large, inflate beyond the stated maximum. I weigh 220, and I go to 125 on the rear.

Thanks for all the info!!

Great advice!

What else, perhaps toss the torque wrench and and tighten the f out of all the fasteners!

Heavier people can also use wider tires, which are designed for a lower air pressure (see the Michelin chart).

I'm not a fan of such rigid formulas. The actual tire as well as expected riding conditions weighs into what I choose.

Many people overinflate their tires which doesn't help speed, traction, or ride quality. But riding too soft is also no good.

A subject of endless debate, with studies quoted by both sides.

True. Depends on the tire. I used to like to hover around max pressure on most tires, but noticed that the GP4000s seem to deliver the most comfortable ride on about 20 psi under max. I'm about 150 lbs.

Most comfortable, yes. But likely not the fastest. I acknowledge that less shock transmitted to the rider can increase speed, but, Iin my experience, it doesn't offset the reduced rolling resistance you get from higher pressure, which has been amply demonstrated. It all depends on what you want.

The chart is just a starting point, but you have to start somewhere. Maybe lower the pressure a little on wet roads. Increase a little on very smooth roads. If roads are very rough, I would go for a wider tire instead.

One other point: some of us larger folk also go to 700x25's. Little extra rubber without taking a huge performance hit. I use Conti 4000's, 700x25, inflated (daily!) to 120+.

Good point! I was considering switching out to 25's but decided to grin a bear it until I can get down closer to my fighting weight. Caught a look in the mirror today with my shorts and jersey on - looked like 10lbs of ***** in a 5lb sack...

Some of us larger folks also gave up on 23mm tires long ago. I weigh 240, and I haven't used anything smaller than 32mm in years. I'm no slower and a lot more comfortable than I was on 25s. Most of my everyday riding is on 37mm Paselas at <80psi. FWIW, my 12-mile commute takes within seconds of the same time no matter what tires I use.

I weigh 165 lbs. I have 320tpi Vittoria Open Corsa tires. When I first got them I was inflating them to 120 per the bike shop suggestion. Four quick rear tire flats later, I only went to 108: no flats in 2 months.