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From: Roger Merriman <roger@sarlet.com>
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech
Subject: Re: fast tires
Date: 12 Jun 2025 21:14:59 GMT
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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