Re: fast tires

Frank Krygowski <frkrygow@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

On 6/12/2025 2:32 PM, Zen Cycle wrote:

 
It sounds as if you're running the 32s somewhat underinflated. Put
another 10 PSI in and see what you think.

 
Experimenting with tire pressure sounds interesting, and would be a lot
easier than comparing different sizes and brands of tires.
 
But I'm skeptical of anyone's ability to "feel" the probably minor
differences that would result from five or ten psi upward or downward.

10 psi is definitely very obvious certainly by gravel bike terms let alone
MTB! I started at 60psi realised it was rather too high 50 psi is
noticeable difference and indeed 45psi that I run now, with the difference
being it’s now tubeless vs tubes, if I’ve had a puncture and had to top up
a tyre I’m well aware that I’m a bit lower than normal and can feel it.

Likewise on the MTB 10 psi or even 5psi is quite a difference, if your
running 20/30psi.

If your running higher pressure and/or using touring type tyres the
differences will be less. Due to sidewalls and all that.

 
I think the most practical way of detecting a difference would be to use
a road with a consistent, slight downward slope. Coast down it
repeatedly with different air pressure and note speeds. Try for days
with no wind and consistent temperatures if possible.
 
And keep in mind that if the difference is difficult to detect that way,
it probably doesn't matter for most riding.
 
 

Certainly off road it’s a common green gravel folks mistake, aka running
tyre pressures 10 psi over what they need and pinging about the place!

Roger Merriman