air pressure

how much air pressure do i need to run in a 1800c 205/60/16? i have 40psi in it now thanks for any help

Drop 4 lbs see how that feels then repeat. You'll know when your to low for your riding style. Then go up by 2 lbs until you find your sweet spot.

Jerry

+1

You'll know when your to low for your riding style

How will you know? What are the symptoms?

You wont feel as secure. It's hard to explain. Just have to experience it.

Jerry

best I can describe it is smushy, kinda...

best I can describe it is smushy, kinda...

Does 'smushy, kinda' translate to wobble?

No, because you can get some - better call it "travel" from too much pressure too! Squishy is often used.
You can also paint a stripe across the treads with white shoe polish and ride it straight a mile or so - this determines how much tread is on the ground most of the time.
Then get someone to ride behind you, preferably with the sun at your backs and hit some twisties. You should have about half the tread on the deck.
These 3 things will dial it in for you the best, IMO. A couple pounds above "squishy" is your best ride, and probably handling.

Thanks - that is most helpful. I'm very new to this.

I felt a little squishy feelining at first while turning from a dead stop. I later rethought it and determined that it was from the mold release making the tire slide a little while I was accelerating. After the mold release wore off I really didn't notice it anymore. Or maybe I was used to it by then.

Jerry

After the mold release wore off

Is there any kind of cleaner to get that stuff off, or do you just have to wear it off?

Mine seemed to go after 1/2 hour of low speed peg scraping around the neighborhood. Never felt it slip; ever.

1/2 hour of low speed peg scraping around the neighborhood

I'm too old for that. But then again so are you .

wear and tear or a good dirt road.

Jerry

I run 37psi and the bike rides great

I run 38, works for me!

Today's the day - if it will fit. Going to start out at 35 PSI and see how she behaves. Dynabeads showed up in the mail yesterday afternoon. Starting with 3 ozs. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. This is very new territory for me.

DarkDeuce wrote:Today's the day - if it will fit. Going to start out at 35 PSI and see how she behaves. Dynabeads showed up in the mail yesterday afternoon. Starting with 3 ozs. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. This is very new territory for me.

#oz's is all you need. more will not make it better, and possibly make it worse.

Jerry

My sweet spot is 37.0256812 psi. +/- 0.0000002.
You will know it when you feel it. Finding it was fun, but you will know when you find it. Even squishy isnt uncomfortable. Just give it a bump up and go for a ride.

Peace
Moon

I'm running 40# on my Michelin, haven't played around with air pressure as of yet.
Am thinking of dropping it 4# and see what kind of difference it makes.

abfpat wrote:I'm running 40# on my Michelin, haven't played around with air pressure as of yet.
Am thinking of dropping it 4# and see what kind of difference it makes.

Most of us like the lower pressure in the 30's! Try it to match you riding style! Keep us in the loop!


...................bobby