road tyre pressures ?

[sussex old beginner]

hi all
ive just got a new road bike im wondering whats the best pressure to run my tyres at I have continental ultra sport tyres can anybody help me on this matter please

 

[ianrauk]

Whatever is comfortable for you based on the minimum and maximum pressures stated on the tyre walls.

 

[Profpointy]

as a guide - somewhere between 100 and 120 psi.

 

[John the Monkey]

My experience of Continental is that the recommended pressure is usually a good place to start (25c Gatorskins in particular were lovely at 95psi)

Assuming your Ultrasports are 23c, that's 110psi.

(source: http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticycle/ti ultra sport.shtml )

If you find the ride a bit harsh, go down a bit, if you find the bike feels sluggish, go up a bit...

 

[sussex old beginner]

thanks john for your advice I will try that and let you know how it goes thanks again

 

[malcermie]

I run my Schwalbe Lugano 700 x 23 at 110 psi.

 

[John the Monkey]

thanks john for your advice I will try that and let you know how it goes thanks again

You're welcome - if you want something a bit more science-y, there's this too;

http://www.dorkypantsr.us/bike-tire-pressure-calculator.html

which is based on the charts of recommended PSI Michelin used to publish.

 

[donnyjnk]

higher the pressure the more you will feel the bumps. I am sure that there are some old posts about how the pressure act differently towards the suspension and road feel. I have 100 in the front and 110 in the rear but I am 14 1/2 stone and use continental ultra sports.

 

[slowmotion]

I just pump them up to the minimum recommended pressure ( usually written on the side wall of the tyre) which for mine is about 100psi. Most of my miles are on London tarmac which is in appalling condion, more like rubble than road really with the added fun of sunken metal covers of all forms and descriptions. I go for a bit more comfort rather than speed. "A man has to know his limitations".

 

[sussex old beginner]

thanks donnyjnk and slowmotion I will try both and see how I go with it.

 

[madpensioner]

You're welcome - if you want something a bit more science-y, there's this too;

http://www.dorkypantsr.us/bike-tire-pressure-calculator.html

which is based on the charts of recommended PSI Michelin used to publish.

I have red your comments - i need some advice - i recently did a 100 miler - and used a repeated curcuit - there was a lot of bad road surfaces - i pumped my tyres up to the maximum of 145 psi - by the time i finished i believe that a lot of my tiredness was caused by the constant jarring on the rough road surfaces - when on the smooth surfaces it was like floating on air - do you believe that my pressures are too high ?

 

[ColinJ]

I have red your comments - i need some advice - i recently did a 100 miler - and used a repeated curcuit - there was a lot of bad road surfaces - i pumped my tyres up to the maximum of 148 psi - by the time i finished i believe that a lot of my tiredness was caused by the constant jarring on the rough road surfaces - when on the smooth surfaces it was like floating on air - do you believe that my pressures are too high ?

YES!

WAY too high.

 

[Louch]

I'm surprised they didn't pop on potholes, that's way too high

 

[jack smith]

If your anything like your profile picture higher pressures may be better lol alot of it depends om your weight

 

[madpensioner]

If your anything like your profile picture higher pressures may be better lol alot of it depends om your weight

Sorry i dont have a profile picture