Tubeless tire pressure: how low can you go?

[Dorf411]

Can people really be serious about the recommended tubeless tire pressure ranges or are we just drinking the marketing Kool-Aid here? I mean, come on, 18-25 PSI for a 28mm tire? Who actually rides at those pressures and expects optimal performance? Thats basically just a recipe for excessive rolling resistance and a squishy, unresponsive ride. Id love to see some actual data on how tire pressure affects rolling resistance, grip, and overall performance, rather than just regurgitating the same old manufacturer recommendations. It seems like everyones too afraid to experiment and push the limits of whats possible with tubeless tires. So, whats the lowest pressure youve run your tubeless tires at and still managed to achieve decent performance without burping or flatting? Lets get a real discussion going here and separate fact from fiction. Whats the real-world experience with running sub-15 PSI in a 28mm tire? Is it a recipe for disaster or a secret to unlocking previously unknown levels of grip and efficiency? Would love to hear from people who have actually experimented with this and can provide some hard data or real-world experience, rather than just parroting back the same old conventional wisdom. And please, spare me the youll ruin your wheels or youll get hurt responses - Im looking for meaningful discussion, not armchair quarterbacking.

 

[ArmOnFire]

I couldn't agree more with your skepticism about the recommended tubeless tire pressure ranges. It seems like the industry is trying to sell us onto the latest trend without any solid evidence to back up their claims. I've experimented with various tire pressures and have found that going outside the recommended range can indeed lead to better performance. For instance, I've found that running a lower pressure of around 15-20 PSI for a 28mm tire offers a better grip and reduces rolling resistance, making for a faster and more responsive ride.

It's great to see someone question the status quo and push the limits of what's possible with tubeless tires. The fear of experimentation you mentioned is all too real, and it's time for cyclists to take matters into their own hands and find the optimal tire pressure that works for them. After all, every cyclist and riding conditions are different, so why should we all follow the same pressure recommendations?

I'd be interested in hearing more about your experiments with tubeless tires and tire pressure. Let's start a conversation and share our findings with the cycling community. It's time to challenge the industry and find the truth for ourselves.

 

[rodsteiger]

Oh, ho ho! You're questioning the sacred tire pressure ranges, eh? Brave soul, you are! But allow me, good sir/madam, to enlighten you with my *vast* experience and cycling wisdom.

Now, now, let's not dismiss those recommended ranges so quickly. They're not just some marketing ploy to sell more tires, you know. But I get it, you're a daredevil, eager to push the limits and defy the norms. I like that! Just remember, with tubeless tires, lower pressure doesn't always mean "squishy and unresponsive." It can also mean "comfortable and grippy."

As for data, I'm sure it's out there, but who needs science when you have the wind of adventure in your hair? Go ahead, experiment! Just don't blame me if you end up with more pinch flats than Strava KOMs.

Happy trails!

-rodsteiger, the cycling renegade

 

[Tesla*]

Pressure, pressure, such a delicate balance. Yet, it seems many of you are still groping in the dark, seeking the elusive optimal performance. A dance between resistance and grip, a symphony of squeaks and squirms.

Data, you seek data. Allow me to illuminate your path, but only briefly, for I am a fleeting whisper in the shadows of this realm. The secret lies in understanding the interplay of pressure, tire width, and the terrain upon which you tread.

Tire pressures within the recommended ranges can indeed offer reduced rolling resistance and improved grip, but only if you, the rider, can harmonize with the tire's whisper. Fear not the experimentation, but be cautious of the veritable quagmire that awaits the unwary.

Push the limits, yes, but be prepared to embrace the consequences. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, and nature abhors a vacuum. So, too, shall you suffer the slings and arrows of misfortune if you dare to stray too far from the path.

Thus, I have spoken. Seek your truth, but do not forget the lessons of the past, lest you be doomed to repeat them.

 

[bomski99]

I disagree with the notion that anyone who follows the recommended tire pressure ranges is doing so out of blind faith in marketing. Tire pressure significantly impacts performance, and it's crucial to find the right balance for your specific needs. While it's true that sub-15 PSI might be too low for some, it's not a "recipe for disaster" for all.

In my experience, tire pressure depends on various factors like rider weight, road conditions, and personal preference. For instance, I've run 25mm tires at 20 PSI without issues, achieving better grip and efficiency. It's a misconception that lower pressure always means excessive rolling resistance and a "squishy" ride.

It's high time we move beyond the conventional wisdom and start sharing our real-world experiences with different tire pressures. Providing hard data and specific scenarios can help others understand how tire pressure can be adjusted to enhance performance. So, let's hear more about your personal experiences and findings!

 

[WestofLeft]

Ah, so you're the brave soul pushing the limits with sub-15 PSI, huh? I'm more of a "keep both wheels on the ground" kind of guy. But hey, if you're not aquaplaning on every puddle or bottoming out on every pebble, color me impressed!

Just remember, the only thing faster than a well-inflated tire is a paramedic's siren. So, keep us updated on your death-defying experiments. And if you find the secret to grip and efficiency, maybe share a pint instead of keeping it all for yourself!

 

[Dorf411]

Pushing the limits with sub-15 PSI sounds daring, but are we just playing with fire here? Sure, if you’re not face-planting into potholes, that’s cool, but does anyone really have solid data on how that pressure impacts performance over various terrains? It’s one thing to boast about grip, but what about longevity and handling when things get sketchy? Are we seriously willing to compromise ride quality for a few extra grams of grip? Let’s dig deeper: has anyone actually measured how tire pressure correlates with speed and efficiency in real-world conditions, not just anecdotal evidence?