Tire pressure: A definitive guide? Beállítások

[Guest_maskcharcoal_*]

One of the cycling issues I’m kinda frustrated with – especially given the amount mathematical brain power orbiting around and within cycling – is there is no, single calculator that can give you an optimal front/rear tire pressure recommendation for asphalt based on tire width, internal rim width and weight – for both tubeless and tube-d.

[Guest_Vendég_*]

The actual pressure you’ll need will depend on the quality of your asphalt. If you’ve got a perfect new road, run higher. If you’re running on an old janky stretch of road, run less. It also matters if you care more about max cornering speed, or max straight line speed. Most of the time, people seem to be asking about straight line speed, because it’s easier to calculate. But for some riders/courses, cornering grip is at least as important, if not more so.

[Guest_Guest_fillerjupiter_*_*]

The actual pressure you’ll need will depend on the quality of your asphalt. If you’ve got a perfect new road, run higher. If you’re running on an old janky stretch of road, run less. It also matters if you care more about max cornering speed, or max straight line speed. Most of the time, people seem to be asking about straight line speed, because it’s easier to calculate. But for some riders/courses, cornering grip is at least as important, if not more so.

I would be hesitant to rely too heavily on feel, because bumpy sketchy rides can feel faster, while actually being slower. Smooth and easy feeling can actually be faster in some circumstances. Whenever practical, if you can compare actual times over a section and compare, you’re going to be better off.

[Guest_Vendég_*]

I’m also under the impression that the specific tire you use will impact the results. Different casings, tread patterns, tubes/tubeless, the age of the tire, the actual vs advertised dimensions, etc. all play a role, in addition to just pressure and width.

[Guest_Vendég_*]

My question in all of this about lower pressures is where do manufacturer minimums come into the equation, if at all? Why do the manufacturers advise a minimum? Should it be taken into account when selecting a lower operating pressure or is it to be ignored? That’s something I have yet to hear a clear answer on, whether from silca, trainer road or others.

[Guest_canhattie_*]

My question in all of this about lower pressures is where do manufacturer minimums come into the equation, if at all? Why do the manufacturers advise a minimum? Should it be taken into account when selecting a lower operating pressure or is it to be ignored? That’s something I have yet to hear a clear answer on, whether from silca, trainer road or others.

At the end of the day, even aerodynamics isn't the most important thing! To finish fast, you have to get to the finish line in great shape. Even if a 19mm tire on a skinny rim is fastest when considering rolling resistance and aerodynamics, if the high pressure required to avoid flats will beat you up to such an extent that your legs will be toast (as will your will to live) and your legs won't put out any power to speak of. Going to a wider tire at lower pressure is probably faster in that case.