Maybe a dumb question (or two)

[smittykitty]

Switched from Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase 32s to the 25s on my Trek FX 7.5. Really glad. Picked up a couple miles per hr. Felt a little narrower for the first couple of minutes, then never thought about it again after that. Do feel the chip seal with higher pressure. Have to keep reminding husband that I don't really need 100+ pds of pressure for my weight. Happy Biking

[pll]

Since tire pressure is being discussed, allow me to point to a neat chart I found years ago (posted here) when I was trying to minimize the impact of road buzz on my hands.

Rather than as "ideal" inflation, I've used this chart as the minimum tire pressure I can get away with given my weight and the bike's. In tend to go close the maximum PSI for my rear wheel (120 psi is what my tires can take), but I go closer to the lower inflation suggested by the chart in my front wheel.

[sandra]

OK, you all have convinced me. I think I'm going to do it. Now I can't decide whether to go with the 28s or just go ahead with the 25s!!!

[pll]

Go with the 25s. You'll notice more of a difference and you still have bikes with thicker tires. When I first started biking, my 23s looked very skinny to. I've grown to like them.

[sandra]

I can't seem to find the Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase in 700 X 25 (or 700 X 28). Do they not make them in that size?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sandra, I went from a 32 to a 28, and it made a very big difference. Then I went from the 28 to 25's and liked them even more. ....BUT I use Kevlar belted (anti-flat) tires ALWAYS, because I ride on a lot of sharp gravel/rocky dirt country roads.
Dont worry about the brand name so much- look for a mid or higher quality Kevlar belted 700x25 (Panaracer makes some reasonably priced ones)- it will save you from all flats except maybe bad glass and nails. Gravel will be no problem for Kevlar. Pumping up pressure higher than recommended maximum is a no-no and offers no benefits. I always pump to between 5 and 10 pounds UNDER the max stated on the tire. This offers a comfy ride on rough surfaces and will not result in any pinch flats either.

I almost never get flats and you wouldn't BELIEVE the nasty surfaces I can ride over with my belted 25's.

[sandra]

Great! The only reason I was sticking with the Bontrager Hardcase is because I've had them and been happy with them but this is just the kind of information I was looking for...someone with personal experience.

Many thanks Lisa!

[sandra]

These are my rims.

http://www.alexrims.com/product_deta...=3&cat=4&id=97

*edited* errrrr, nevermind. The numbers are running together in my head! I'm not looking at 23s. It was 25s I was interested in so that should be perfect.

[pll]

Let me post this chart again, which I have found useful:

[sandra]

Thanks pll. I just printed that out.

[JennK13]

I hear the Conti Gatorskins are great - my LBS guy recommended them. I went from 700 x 30 on my cross bike to 700 x 23 and it made a HUGE difference (just ask my DH when I dropped him!!!).

[sandra]

I hear the Conti Gatorskins are great - my LBS guy recommended them. I went from 700 x 30 on my cross bike to 700 x 23 and it made a HUGE difference (just ask my DH when I dropped him!!!).

This is exactly what I'm aiming for. My DH's bike weighs less than mine, his tires are thinner, plus he weighs less than I do and he's stronger than I am. It is killing me keeping up with him so I want to try to make up a little bit of the difference hopefully by changing tires.

If that doesn't help, I'll be in the market for a new bike.

[pll]

Thanks pll. I just printed that out.

I think the trick is to remember considering the bike's weight + rider weight. I use that chart to give me a minimum inflation. e.g, the combined weight of me and my bike are under 170 lbs, with 700cx23 tires, I could get away with less than 90psi according to that chart. I pump my front tire to about 90 psi (cushier on my hands) and the rear just above 110 psi (to be on the safe side). I've never had a flat on my tires.