Flat Tyre

[Furkz]

i just bought a hybrid and the tyres do always look squashed and my rear tyre always looks flat, ive pumped them up to about 60psi (max is 70psi) bike rides OK but sometimes feel sluggish and than normal again. is it my head messing with me

oh i also weight a lot so i think it maybe that, about 19-20 stone

well the 14miles i did today made me feel a bit better

sorry i just wanted to know if this is normal

 

[corshamjim]

Those sluggish times - they be hills!

Seriously though, I normally pump my tyres up to whatever the maximum says on the side of the tyre. Lower pressure can be a little more comfortable, but more sluggish too. The only time I deliberately lower the pressure of my tyres is when it's icy or snowy.

And it's often easy to forget how draining a head wind can be (or how much of a boost a tail wind gives you).

 

[Furkz]

is it not going flat because im fat than

 

[byegad]

First is the pressure gauge accurate?

Second IF you are a 'big lad' then maximum pressure is a must.

third, check the gauge, what is reasonably accurate at 30psi may be well out at 60.

 

[Furkz]

Well I only have a gauge on the pump. Both Tyres do feel the same tension. But I'm really paranoid and uneasy about it

 

[wheres_my_beard]

Pump to max pressure. Use a garage pump with an auto pressure guage and shut-off, if you don't have a good pump. I find the micro pumps can acheive much higher pressure than the long pumps, for everyday use.

A tiny bit of pressure can make a world of difference in riding comfort and feel. If 70psi feels to hard after riding for a while, let a little air out.

I get fixated on my tyres sometimes, and worry that they look squidgy when im riding.

Try not to worry tho, and enjoy riding!

 

[Sittingduck]

Get it up to the Max and make sure you re-inflate it each week. The tube will lose pressure over time...

 

[wheres_my_beard]

Is the tyre actually going flat or just looking a little squashed when you ride?

 

[screenman]

I am sure if you sat on me I would look a bit squashed, try and lose 6 stone and they may not look so flat.

Good luck and keep riding.

 

[Furkz]

Where's my beard - they just look squashed

Screenman - I think your right. I was wondering why I bought a bike. Thanks for the reminder



I just bought one of the big push down pumps. And it kinda pops off the pressure when it gets to 60psi and starts leaking air instead of pumping. I dont get it why both pumps are weird.

 

[wheres_my_beard]

I am sure if you sat on me I would look a bit squashed, try and lose 6 stone and they may not look so flat.

Tactful?


Unless you spend money on a great pump it will be a compromise between volume/speed and pressure. It sounds like yours is better at volume than pressure if it's leaking or coming off at pressures below what you actually need.

 

[Sittingduck]

Some cheaper track pumps have this problem. Had a £20 Halfords one about 2 years ago and it was fine for getting upto maybe 80psi but anything higher and the nozzle would just 'blow-off' the valve! Invested in a Topeak Jow Blow Sport II and never had the problem since. Getting upto 130 is easy...

 

[Furkz]

Just off to evans to get a good one. This bikes cost me more than my car

 

[Nebulous]

Just off to evans to get a good one. This bikes cost me more than my car

So has mine - literally.

Last year my company car went back and I needed something cheap to travel to work. I bought a Rover 45 for £425. Then I bought my bike (Specialized allez elite) in October for £543.

Every cloud has a silver lining though. In February I kitted out my old mtb to commute to work and sold my Rover for £650!

 

[Furkz]

i meant costing me more at the moment. i have spent £120 on accessories and stuff for in in a week lol

just bought a track floor pump and bottle cage which brings it to £145 and i just see some spin mag wheels i like hmmm