This is reference info for me:
- Pavement Reference: 700c, 28mm @ 120psi for 300 LB ride weight, 60% rear
- Cruiser Reference: 32er, 55mm @ 60psi for 310 LB ride weight, 70% rear
- Off-Road Reference: 700c, 40mm @ 40psi for 180 LB ride weight, 60% rear
Slower speed, butt off the seat, you can go lower psi. You’d be risking pinch flats on longer rides, or unseating the bead in harder turns, etc
Tread pattern is coarse for rough terrain, fine for sand & hardpack, and smooth for pavement.
Higher pressure prevents tire flex, and is better on pavement. – Less shock absorption, grippy on soft, loose surface.
Lower pressure increases tire flex, which grips obstacles better. – Increased risk of pinch flats, or rolling off the rim.
General width preferences:
- Hardpack or pavement – narrow to prevent drag
- Sand, pea gravel, mud – wide to prevent sinking
- loose, large gravel – wide to prevent pinch flats, throwing gravel, etc
Weight Distribution
- Cruiser ~ 70% rear.
- Mountain ~ 60% rear.
- Race Road ~ 55% rear.
Proportional adjustments:
- Narrower tire for larger diameter
- Lower pressure for lower weight
- Lower pressure for wider tire
Rim sizes:
- 559mm = 26er
- 584mm = 650b / 27.5″
- 622mm = 700c / 29er
- 686mm = 32er
- 787mm = 36er
