grippiness of tire/(tyre)?

[smilingcat]

Back in late August or so, I went down in a flash on a "oil slick". didn't get hurt too bad, I may have cracked a rib or two...

Since then, I'm starting to wonder if my tires are not gripping the road like it should. I'm bit apprehensive to ride it. I don't think the tire has deteriorated because of the oil. But I have this nagging feeling that the tire is not as grippy as it should be.

Do you know of a way to test the grippiness without going out for a ride and making an aggressive turn. If I don't go down then its still okay, if I go down the tire is not gripping. That kind of test if bit harsh. Is there some safer way to test?? The tire is still new and I sure hate to waste $100 for the pair. But I also do not want to risk a medical bill if I were to crash. That would be far more expensive.

tire in question is Vredestein Foretezza.

[indysteel]

How much pressure do you tend to run in your tires?

[radacrider]

Pretty hard since each rider-bike-conditions can be quite different and the test should be in real world conditions. I usually search for any reviews of tires I am considering. Here is a sample on your tire, http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/wheels/tires-clincher/vredestein/fortezza-road/prd_33193_2489crx.aspx

Over the years, my most reliable, quality tire has been from Continental, so now, I usually start there for my bikes.

I think some places have a short satisfaction guarantee, I know REI is pretty good about that sort of thing.

[Seajay]

Sorry to hear of your fall. Always hard to get the confidence back for a while.
Indy and Rada both bring up excellent points. Most riders have way too much air pressure in their tires, mistakenly believing this will yield higher performance.
There are so many variables its almost impossible to give set parameters.

Vred's are generally really nice tires with a supple sidewall and good grip.
At some point, on oil, nothing can grip. So this fall may have been a fluke. I assume you washed out the front wheel.

IMO think of the following factors..
Are you running the recommended pressure for your weight.
140# 700x23 = MAX 95-98psi.
How many miles are on the tires.
I would think Vreds should be good for 1200 miles for an average woman rider
How old are the tires.
Old rubber becomes stiff and slippery compared to new.

If you want a bit more confidence factor without taking much if any performance hit...consider going up one tire size to 700x25. Larger contact patch and better conformity to texture of the road so there is more rubber on the road at any one time. Note that you will run less pressure with the larger size. (same 140# rider would be at 85-88 psi)

[Sky King]

I too think investing in a bit wider tire would be beneficial. (of course I ride a 650B) so take that into consideration :) but at the same time, get your confidence back, put on some tires that are slightly wider and maybe a different tread. You will be putting your mind at ease. Sometimes we are unconsciously hesitant after a bad fall so making a change gives the mind a positive boost

[smilingcat]

Good point about over inflation.

Back when I weighed in around 116 to 125lb, I was riding with the guys often and my tire pressure was set around to about 110psi for 700X23c

I'm fairly experienced so I started thinking as to why I went down so easily and so quickly. But this fall in August was just so weird. Yes I'm apprehensive about riding with this set of tires.

I'll reduce the tire pressure down to the low 90's from my nominal of 110psi and see how it feels. Yes I've gained a lot of weight over the years and sadly pushing 150... :eek: The tire size is 700X23c and relatively new. Not some tire that is two years old...