Interesting, because over on Cycling.tv, Magnus Backstedt also commented on it and mentioned he would drop air pressure by not more than 10 psi in wet conditions, and that he sometimes does not even bother dropping it. But then again, he is a “larger” rider.
Isn’t it also true that many pros run 25 and even 28 mm tires?
For really rough courses, possibly…then again, it might be a bit hard getting those tires into most modern frames. Heck, I sometimes have to struggle with my 23c rear on my aluminum Soloist, and it’s not necessarily known as a “narrow” rear triangle…
Imust admit that I have been riding at the upper range because back in the 80s everyone did and was always told to keep it high on race dau for better paerformance. That being said Ithought there was a difference between tubular tire pressure and clinchers. Partially because most tubes are 21 and clinchers are generally 23 and up and no I have never heard of the pros riding 25 or 27 tires. Why would they do that? If the recomended tire pressure for me on the micheline web site to be around 102 to 109. Is it safe to run it down to 75? I thought the bottom range for my conti competition to be 120. Which comes back to my original question. If most pros ride tubes isn’t 75psi low even in the rain or can tubes be riden at lower psi then clinchers.
I would think that 75 psig is low but not unreasonable.
I really think that you should test this out for yourself. I didn’t really believe 100 psig would be as fast as 125 untill I went out and proved it to myself in training. It really opened my eyes to the correct tire pressure I should be using.
jaretj
what is the reason for reducing tire pressures in the rain?
A larger contact patch, safer leaning, I mean cornering a bike.
Cyclocross riders will nearly run their tyres flat (hence the large number of tubies, to offset pinch-flats) in wet conditions just to corner better.
that they ended up canceling due to the large number of Californians on the start list.
i resemble that comment.
Well Mr. Sleepless, Paul Sherwin has ridden in 7 Tours of France.I forgot what pro team are you riding for again? He may talk bollocks, but at least he has been there have you?
I used to ride with 120-130 psi all the time until I spent some time talking to the wrenches at the Red Zinger a long time ago. Their idea was that anything over 100 just beats the riders up. You have to remember these guys are riding 20 plus hours in the saddle for weeks and weeks at a time. I think the new carbon frames and forks absorbe some shock, but where the rubber hits the road is where the hit takes place. I am also learning about cyclocross with 30-35 psi. I used to pump those suckers to 55 and ride um cowboy. Not amy more.
The part I questioned was not the 110 psi on dry roads statement but lowering it by 35psi fto 75 psi when the roads are wet? That just seems like a whole bunch. I always thought by lowering my psi in the rain by 10-15 psi was ideal, I may need to revist this…however, I am not doing any road races or crits, so my 10-15 reduction in the rain is probably fine as long as the tri doesn’t have a lot of turns and switchbacks.
You are right. But, right and wrong on the frame comment. No way on earth a moden carbon frame absorbs the shock like a nice SLX frameset. Say, a Basso Gap for instance. Maybe a 3Rensho? Dare I say a Vitus 979?
Well Record, I got an old crit bike with PS tubing and a fairly new Master Olympic that will rattle your fillings too. I have ridden (I will probably never own) a few carbon frames that were pretty plush. I am just not into carbon, but the forks sure are nice.
Well Mr. Sleepless, Paul Sherwin has ridden in 7 Tours of France.I forgot what pro team are you riding for again? He may talk bollocks, but at least he has been there have you?
I used to ride with 120-130 psi all the time until I spent some time talking to the wrenches at the Red Zinger a long time ago. Their idea was that anything over 100 just beats the riders up. You have to remember these guys are riding 20 plus hours in the saddle for weeks and weeks at a time. I think the new carbon frames and forks absorbe some shock, but where the rubber hits the road is where the hit takes place. I am also learning about cyclocross with 30-35 psi. I used to pump those suckers to 55 and ride um cowboy. Not amy more.
I don’t need to have ridden any tours to have heard Sherwin talk bollocks countless times, particularly on the tech side. He’s a terrible, teribble commentator.
Roady,
ARe you running tubies? Wouldn’t clinchers be pinch flat prone at low pressures. That fear of pinching is why, at my weight (80kg now, 73kg optimal race weight), I keep the pressures above 100 on my Michelins.) I’d love to run lower.
** as long as the tri doesn’t have a lot of turns and switchbacks.**
What tris have that? Triathlon bike courses for the most part are pretty tame affairs - given the bike handling skills of most triathletes, that’s probably a good idea! 
I agree; however, last years Du Nationals in Richmond and the Worlds the year before had plenty of turns and switchbacks along with wet roads…which resulted in a lot of Triathletes hitting the pavement. They are few and far between though.
Really ? Bearing in mind he was a tour rider plenty of times i feel he knows more than most. Oh, and it’s Sherwen