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Back in the early 80's the widest, decent 700c tyre I could find was a Specialized 28mm, they didn't last long under loaded touring. I'd never go less than 32mm these days.
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Originally Posted by djb
(Post 17553343)
the key issue here is that the wider the tire, the lower the pressures can be--which can be a major factor in comfort for the rider. Tire construction can be a factor too--two tires the same size can feel very diff, if one is super stiff, stiff thick sidewalls of the tire etc it will have a stiffer ride at the same pressure as another tire that is more supple (on that note, the Schwalbe supremes are a more supple tire)
but back to pressures, because I commute a lot and do the same route over and over, and because Im a bike nerd and find things to amuse myself, I will try diff pressures to see how the bike feels. Going over the same route that is 11-13km long means I have time to feel the diff. You'd be surprised how a tire you put at lets say 110psi will feel quite a bit more comfortable at 100, or 100vs90 or whatever (this example is my 28 slicks) Same with my 1.5 inch tires, go from 65 to 55, or 60 to 50 (or whatever pressure) and you really feel an improvement in comfort. so basically, a wider tire allows you to run lower pressures than thinner tires, and so the diff between a 32mm and 35mm may be slight, but it will be there. *also, wider tires at lower pressures than narrower tires will be a bit easier on your spokes/wheels. |
Originally Posted by azza_333
(Post 17553413)
Currently I have 37 Marathon Tour Plus tires on my bike, I understand that the side walls on these are meant to be quite stiff or so I've been told, I run them at max pressure 85 psi from memory, the ride does feel quite harsh, when I switch to the 32 Marathon Supremes (at 95psi) will It be a less harsh ride since they have a "supple" sidewall? after that spoke and wheel comment im starting to think mabye I should go with the 37 Marathon Supremes as I'm not planning to to carry spokes with me at this stage.
Here is a good discussion on optimum tire pressures: http://www.bccclub.org/documents/Tireinflation.pdf |
Go wider for comfort. When you are talking touring with loaded bikes, saving a few hundred grams on tires is not worth the comfort factor of the wider tires IMO.
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Having a starting point to adjust from makes life easier, whether using a fit calculator for seat height or in this case a tire pressure calculator. The only thing almost certain about using the max inflation spec on the sidewall is that you will experience a harsh ride, unless by chance your weight/tire combo happens to fit at the max range.
This is a widely recommended calculator: Bicycle tire pressure calculator Use the middle one....the one with the weight of the fully dressed bike and rider. You can input your weights, tire width and it has a few different ft/rr pressure drop rates. It will be a much better starting point for a comfortable ride than the sidewall.:) |
Originally Posted by gregjones
(Post 17554199)
Having a starting point to adjust from makes life easier, whether using a fit calculator for seat height or in this case a tire pressure calculator. The only thing almost certain about using the max inflation spec on the sidewall is that you will experience a harsh ride, unless by chance your weight/tire combo happens to fit at the max range.
This is a widely recommended calculator: Bicycle tire pressure calculator Use the middle one....the one with the weight of the fully dressed bike and rider. You can input your weights, tire width and it has a few different ft/rr pressure drop rates. It will be a much better starting point for a comfortable ride than the sidewall.:) |
When it comes to any form of long distance riding, I'm a fan of big tires. I have had 28s on my all-rounder but now have 40s. Lost very little average speed over 50+ mile rides and gained a huge amount of comfort on rough surfaces and minor road imperfections. They handle very nicely in construction zones or other stretches of unplanned unpaved road. I even use them for some gravel grinding.
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Originally Posted by azza_333
(Post 17554305)
Using that calculator with 32c wheels the front should be at 56psi and the rear at 84, does the front seem a bit low for the front? thats only 1 PSI away from being outside the range of the Marathon Supreme 32 range
I have a pretty good feel for tire feel and performance, and going that low up front would feel too loosey goosey around fast corners, and the tire would move around too much for my liking---not even getting into the issue of pinch flats. I figure you can use these as indicators,or a bit of a starting point, but use your common sense too and listen to what the tire is tellign you. I like to go around corners fast and would never run my front that low. |
I have toured on just about everything between 23 and 32 mm tires. I currently ride on 28 mm tires because the bike store was out of 32's when I last changed them.
I feel more stable on the wider tires. But the main reason I prefer them is that I get fewer flats. In seven years of riding 32 mm tires, I had exactly zero flats. In four or five seasons on 28 mm tires, one or two flats. During the many years I chose 23 and 25 mm tires, I usually had one flat per loaded tour. |
For 254lbs touring weight I'd definitely go to at least 32's.
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I agree with 32s, but suggest the Vittoria Hypers. I have run the paselas before and they are a great tire, but flat out too often for touring. The Vittirias have nearly as good of a ride and are much more durable. The Marathons are like riding in mud compared to the Vittorias or Panaracers (though I know a lot of people seem to like riding in mud!)
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I hear the Vittoria Hypers ride even better than Paselas. I might be able to give my verdict on that soon.
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Originally Posted by robert schlatte
(Post 17548153)
+1. If you're not plan on off-roading, I would purchase a tire with low rolling resistance as well. Recently I purchased Panaracer Pasela PT 35c- folding variety. They are fairly smooth, fairly high volume tires. They seem light, fast, supple, and really, really comfortable. Best of all they don't break the bank so you can afford an extra one to take with you.
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Here's a great article on tire pressure. It actually quanifies the optimal pressure for cycling efficiency at different tire widths.
http://www.bikequarterly.com/images/TireDrop.pdf |
Originally Posted by pataspen
(Post 17560016)
Here's a great article on tire pressure. It actually quanifies the optimal pressure for cycling efficiency at different tire widths.
http://www.bikequarterly.com/images/TireDrop.pdf Experiment and pick what you want, or develop your own. If I rode with Berto's charted pressures, I'd be fixing snakebite flats every day, and my tires roll much better at significantly higher pressures.. MHO |
Originally Posted by Wanderer
(Post 17561339)
If I rode with Berto's charted pressures, I'd be fixing snakebite flats every day, and my tires roll much better at significantly higher pressures.. MHO |
I agree with both you guys. The first time I tried lowering my pressure, and not near Betro's recommendations, I got a pinch flat the first day out. Depending on the tire, I do tend to ride 10-15 so psi lower than the max.
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Originally Posted by azza_333
(Post 17547579)
I've got 3500km (2200mi) to tour on seal roads, I've decided to go with Marathon Supremes Evolution line, Rider+Bike+Gear = 115kg (254lbs). What are everyones thoughts on tire width 28c, 32c, or 37c?
With this weight does the general consensus of 32C still stand? |
Originally Posted by azza_333
(Post 17693938)
Finally got the last of my gear together turn out my original estimate was a tiny bit of an over estimate, the new figures are actually rider 65kg +Bike 15kg +Gear 10kg = 90kg (198lbs).
Does the general consensus of 32C still stand? |
Originally Posted by azza_333
(Post 17693938)
Finally got the last of my gear together turn out my original estimate was a tiny bit of an over estimate, the new figures are actually rider 65kg +Bike 15kg +Gear 10kg = 90kg (198lbs).
With this weight does the general consensus of 32C still stand? Your total weight of rider and bike and gear is lighter than my weight and unladen bike. Thus, you have many options. |
Wider tires seem to wear longer.
I used to tour on 32mm or 35mm. 28mm seemed to wear out too quick under 260 lbs total load but then again, the tire was a different model. A wide, comfy, low rolling resistence set of tires is what I would select. |
I use 35mm-38mm for touring. Comfort is king for me and I also like the increased safety, reduced flats, and longer wear associated with wider tires.
See Jan Heine's (Bicycle Quarterly) case for wider tires below. He discusses both he advantages and disadvantages... https://janheine.wordpress.com/2012/...of-wide-tires/ |
Here is my table of recommended tire pressures: Interdependent Science: Bicycle Tire Pressure
There are so many factors... rim width, road conditions, etc. Any formula like this is just a starting point for experiments and experience. I'm riding 47mm Marathon Racers these days: http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psmq0zlvq2.jpg |
Originally Posted by azza_333
(Post 17550357)
Thanks for the advice as always djb, and thanks to everyone else as well
I will go with Marathon Supreme 32c tyres Evolution line. Would I have any issues with using ultra light tubes with the tyres, to keep the weight down? |
Originally Posted by azza_333
(Post 17693938)
Finally got the last of my gear together turn out my original estimate was a tiny bit of an over estimate, the new figures are actually rider 65kg +Bike 15kg +Gear 10kg = 90kg (198lbs).
With this weight does the general consensus of 32C still stand? |
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