Ideal Tire Pressure for Road Bikes to Achieve Maximum Performance and Comfort

While on a velodrome, high tire pressure has been shown to increase speed, on road bikes, excessively high tire pressure can make the ride slower. Why is that? We will discuss it in this article.

On road bikes, the often uneven roads cause problems when using high tire pressure. Uneven surfaces, such as small potholes, speed bumps, and other irregularities, make the bike vibrate and bounce. Although this vibration feels fast, in reality, it slows down the bike's pace.

Lower tire pressure can be a solution. With lower pressure, bicycle tires can adapt to uneven road surfaces without causing the entire bike to bounce up and down. This is not only more efficient but also increases tire grip on the road, providing more confidence when navigating turns and descents at high speeds.

Bicycle tire pressure should be adjusted according to the overall weight of the system, which includes the weight of the bike, the load being carried, and the weight of the rider. To determine the appropriate tire pressure, an online tire pressure calculator can be used. Tire width also plays an important role in determining the required pressure.

It is important to ensure that the chosen tire pressure does not exceed the specifications of the rim and tire being used. This can lead to issues with safety, performance, and the lifespan of those components. For example, here are the tire pressure specifications for the Strummer Aeroflow Pro D35 carbon rim:

Table: Example specifications for tire pressure limits on the Strummer Aeroflow D35 carbon rim. These specifications apply only to the Strummer Aeroflow D35 carbon rim. Other rims may have different pressure limits.

So, high tire pressure is suitable for a velodrome with a smooth surface, while lower tire pressure is recommended for road bikes operating on often imperfect roads. This lower tire pressure can enhance speed, comfort, and safety during rides.