Tire Pressure

[Thorn]

I'll join the "never run max pressure" chorus....because (hrrmph) it is right

Seriously. If you won't believe Sheldon Brown, try the guys over ad Road Bike Rider.

You want your tires to have enough pressure to avoid pinch flats and no more. For most riders (and they're basing their logic on avg male weights) 90-95 is plenty.

If you run a high pressure, your bike will bounce over little bumps (oh, like say chip seal). You get the impression that you're moving, but, in reality, your wasting energy bouncing up and down instead of rolling forward.

If you run a lower pressure, your tire can deform around those small bumps. You don't lose energy bouncing up and down and you get the side benefit of a more comfortable ride.

The Road Bike Rider guys will also say you're less prone to puncture flats if your tires can deflect around some of the road debris. If the tire cannot deflect, the glass will go through the casing.

[tctrek]

Hmmm... riding at lower pressure seems to make sense. I've always done 100-110 psi, but I am soooooooo flat prone. True the choices of where I have to ride suck and I end up on roads that have lots of crap on the side. But I ride with DH most of the time and I am always the one with the flat. I might try the 90-95 psi and see if I could ride a few weeks without a flat!

[Dogmama]

Hmmm... riding at lower pressure seems to make sense. I've always done 100-110 psi, but I am soooooooo flat prone. True the choices of where I have to ride suck and I end up on roads that have lots of crap on the side. But I ride with DH most of the time and I am always the one with the flat. I might try the 90-95 psi and see if I could ride a few weeks without a flat!

I also got to thinking - it might make a difference depending on the brand of tire. I ride Conti's and they seem to have a rather soft rubber in contrast to, say, Michelins. So, maybe my 120PSI is similar to a 100PSI Michelin in terms of comfort and handle-ability...? But, I'm probably going to lower my PSI because the roads are hot & heat increases tire pressure.

[Bike Goddess]

I've been riding 100PSI on any tire I put on my bike. I seldom have flats. When I do, I have 2 new tubes in my seat bag along with my bike tools. Usually I give my flat tire to a friend who will use it on his rides. I'm too lazy to fix a tube.

I do suggest that you always carry 2 tubes with you. Also, if you put "baby powder" on them, it will make it easier to put on the rim.