General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tire pressure and rainy, colder conditions Rss Feed  
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2009-08-29 12:24 PM

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Subject: Tire pressure and rainy, colder conditions
My upcoming tri is on a hilly course.  There is always a possibility of it being a wet, cold day.  Do you run less pressure in your tires in wet conditions?  Would that make the tires "stickier"

I am a nervous nellie when it comes to my road bike and slick conditions.  I use my mtb for training in those conditions.  But that costs me a lot of speed, so I think I would race with my road bike. 

Any other advice?


2009-08-29 2:05 PM
in reply to: #2377969

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Subject: RE: Tire pressure and rainy, colder conditions
yup, you're right on. Cycling pros will also knock a few pounds out of their tyres when its wet for added grip. Keep in mind you still need to be more careful around corners and any painted lines on the roads.   
2009-08-29 2:08 PM
in reply to: #2377969

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Subject: RE: Tire pressure and rainy, colder conditions
Thanks.  I have raced mountain bikes and we are always monkeying around with tire pressure to get it right for the conditions.  Now that most have full suspension on mountain bikes, it seems not to be so much of an issue. 
2009-08-29 2:11 PM
in reply to: #2377969

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Subject: RE: Tire pressure and rainy, colder conditions
I did a century in the rain at temperatures in the low 40'sF and kept my tires inflated to 120PSI which is the factory max pressure.  However I used great caution avoiding puddles of water, painted areas of the road, man hole covers and riding around corners. 

In my mind, reducing the pressure may indeed provided better traction but at a cost of rolling resistance that would possibly out weight the traction benefits.  It may also instill a false sense of safety in terms of how much traction you actually have.

Just my thoughts.

 



2009-08-29 5:22 PM
in reply to: #2378070

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Subject: RE: Tire pressure and rainy, colder conditions
MKAH - 2009-08-29

In my mind, reducing the pressure may indeed provided better traction but at a cost of rolling resistance that would possibly out weight the traction benefits.  It may also instill a false sense of safety in terms of how much traction you actually have.



There's no question it will improve mechanical grip. What you do with it is up to the rider, as are any of the other adjustable parameters in bike riding. 
2009-08-29 7:37 PM
in reply to: #2377969

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Subject: RE: Tire pressure and rainy, colder conditions
95 wet, 110 dry.


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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Tire pressure and rainy, colder conditions Rss Feed