I'm commuting on a Trek 7.5 and was using Bontrager Racelite Hardcase 700 x 28, 105 psi. I'm about 75kg and it's a very hilly ride. When these needed replacing I changed to Conti Gator Hardshell Folding 700 x 25 115 psi.
They are (according to specs) lighter and are narrower. When I put on the rear it felt great but as soon as I put on the new front, the weird thing is it really does feel harder to pedal!!! And I mean noticeably.
Is there any possible explanation other than being purely psychological? Apart from me ageing rapidly!
I'm commuting on a Trek 7.5 and was using Bontrager Racelite Hardcase 700 x 28, 105 psi. I'm about 75kg and it's a very hilly ride. When these needed replacing I changed to Conti Gator Hardshell Folding 700 x 25 115 psi.
They are (according to specs) lighter and are narrower. When I put on the rear it felt great but as soon as I put on the new front, the weird thing is it really does feel harder to pedal!!! And I mean noticeably.
Is there any possible explanation other than being purely psychological? Apart from me ageing rapidly!
Cheers
Dave
There are a few possibilities. On big contributor to rolling resistance is how supple the sidewalls are. There'll be some wrinkling when you're rolling along, and on a thick sidewall this'll steal more energy than on a thin sidewall. There may be a clue in the name "hardshell"..
Another thing is that higher pressure and narrower tires become bouncier. Shouldn't really give the feeling you're reporting though.
