ReplySubscribe
Thread Tools
Search this Thread
reckoner13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Timesin0 Posts
Do your tires look flat with all your weight on the bike?
I'm 6ft 250lb and I've noticed that when I get on a bike my weight seems to make the tires look like they are flat. When I'm off the bike the tires are fully inflated but riding the bike makes the back tire seem like it's practically riding on the wheel with a flat piece of rubber underneath. Is this normal for us big guys, or am I doing something wrong (do I need special tires)?
Reply
Doohickie
You gonna eat that?
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Posts: 14,715
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 164 Post(s)
Likes: 32
Liked 67 Timesin44 Posts
What pressure are you runnning? Inflate the tires (especially the rear) to the max pressure stamped on the sidewall. When you look down, though, the tire will appear to bulge out at the contact point; the view from directly above makes it look worse than it is. From the side it probably looks normal.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
Reply
Wanderer
aka Phil Jungels
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: North Aurora, IL
Posts: 8,234
Bikes: 08 Specialized Crosstrail Sport, 05 Sirrus Comp
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Likes: 21
Liked 86 Timesin60 Posts
You need to put more air in them. What size are they, what is their pressure rating, what pressure do you have in them**********
Reply
reckoner13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Timesin0 Posts
I don't know, I'm a complete newb, I'm buying my first bike today so these are the bikes I've tried at REI (Novara Portal and Marin Pioneer Trail, which would you prefer? I listed the specs at https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ovara-or-Marin) I'm assuming they have the correct tire pressure, they feel pretty inflated.
Reply
CliftonGK1
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 11,375
Bikes: '08 Surly Cross-Check, 2011 Redline Conquest Pro, 2012 Spesh FSR Comp EVO, 2015 Trek Domane 6.2 disc
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Timesin6 Posts
Originally Posted by reckoner13
I'm assuming they have the correct tire pressure, they feel pretty inflated.
Never assume, always check with a gauge. I rode 28mm higher pressure tires (115psi) when I was your weight, and I'm still 230 but just swapped out to a wider (32mm) lower pressure (95psi) tire recently. Neither one looks flat when I'm on the bike. Running a low pressure, you risk what's called a "snakebite" or pinch-flat.
The walls of the rim pinch the tube between the bead seat (the hook part of the rim the tire latches on) and the inner casing of the tire as it flattens out. The resulting punctures, one at either side of the rim, looks like a snake sank its fangs into your tube.
Remember, a tube is constantly bleeding a very small amount of pressure. Just sitting on the stand last week, my tires went from 95psi to 75psi. The only things I check before each ride, every time, are the condition of my brake pads and my tire pressure.
__________________
"I feel like my world was classier before I found cyclocross."
- Mandi M.
Reply
#6
reckoner13
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Timesin0 Posts
I will make sure to check the tire pressure, it's kind of embarrassing being a big guy and riding a back that looks flat lol.
Reply
Doohickie
You gonna eat that?
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Posts: 14,715
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 164 Post(s)
Likes: 32
Liked 67 Timesin44 Posts
When you get the bike, get a decent floor pump too. It will have a gauge built in.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
Reply
IAmCosmo
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Roanoke, VA
Posts: 554
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Timein1 Post
I don't know what kind of valves those tubes on that bike have, but if they have Presta (the kind you unscrew) they can leak down a couple pounds a day, so you can lose 10 psi per week (sometimes more). ALWAYS pump them up to the correct pressure before riding. Even at ½ or ¾ of the recommended pressure, you probably won't be able to squeeze them so that's not a good indicator.
Reply
Mr. Beanz
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Timesin3 Posts
I run 26X2.1on my MTB. Pressure rec on tire says 33-55 psi. I'm heavy so I run 50 psi. Never had a flat and eventhough not much more at 55 psi, I just figure I will have a wee bit more traction on some of the slippey sandy steep sections while climbing.
Yes, they do look flat when I sit on the bike compared to my road bikes' narrow tires at 120 psi.
Reply
rumrunn6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Likes: 9,401
Liked 3,581 Timesin2,342 Posts
use a gauge and crank those babies up to their MAX
Reply
Doohickie
You gonna eat that?
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Posts: 14,715
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 164 Post(s)
Likes: 32
Liked 67 Timesin44 Posts
Originally Posted by IAmCosmo
I don't know what kind of valves those tubes on that bike have, but if they have Presta (the kind you unscrew) they can leak down a couple pounds a day, so you can lose 10 psi per week (sometimes more). ALWAYS pump them up to the correct pressure before riding. Even at ½ or ¾ of the recommended pressure, you probably won't be able to squeeze them so that's not a good indicator.
Perhaps but I haven't see that... yet.
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
Reply
Mr. Beanz
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Timesin3 Posts
Originally Posted by Doohickie
Perhaps but I haven't see that... yet.
Seriously?...Part of the reason I inflate my tires beofre every ride. This also tells you if you have an upcoming problem. If Saturday's infation was to 120 and Sunday morning your tires are at 80, there's a problem, maybe a slow leak that's going to get you on the road.
You should also get a gauge to check the tires. I use one to compare/ calibrate floor pump gauges since they are known to be inaccurate. Aftra few times, you get to know the pump gauge, but it's good to have an accurate hand gauge anyways.
Reply
Greg_R
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 646
Bikes: Surly LHT set up for commuting
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Timesin0 Posts
at 55 psi, I just figure I will have a wee bit more traction
Lower pressure = more traction due to a larger contact patch. However, rolling resistance is increased and it doesn't help tire wear. Take a look at offroad vehicles... they often lower their tire pressure before trying to go over obstacles.
Reply
Mr. Beanz
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Timesin3 Posts
Originally Posted by Greg_R
Lower pressure = more traction due to a larger contact patch. However, rolling resistance is increased and it doesn't help tire wear. Take a look at offroad vehicles... they often lower their tire pressure before trying to go over obstacles.
You interpreted it incorrecly and only quoted part of the statement.
It reads "I run 50 psi", and eventhough 55 is not much more psi than the 50, I figure I am getting a little more traction with 50 than I am at 55.
Reply
mickey85
perpetually frazzled
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Linton, IN
Posts: 2,467
Bikes: 1977 Bridgestone Kabuki Super Speed; 1979 Raleigh Professional; 1983 Raleigh Rapide mixte; 1974 Peugeot UO-8; 1993 Univega Activa Trail; 1972 Raleigh Sports; 1967 Phillips; 1981 Schwinn World Tourist; 1976 Schwinn LeTour mixte; 1964 Western Flyer
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Timesin6 Posts
Originally Posted by Mr. Beanz
Seriously?...Part of the reason I inflate my tires beofre every ride. This also tells you if you have an upcoming problem. If Saturday's infation was to 120 and Sunday morning your tires are at 80, there's a problem, maybe a slow leak that's going to get you on the road.
You should also get a gauge to check the tires. I use one to compare/ calibrate floor pump gauges since they are known to be inaccurate. Aftra few times, you get to know the pump gauge, but it's good to have an accurate hand gauge anyways.
Crazy...
I'll fill my tubes when they're looking low, and I"ll check out the pressure once a week, but at those intervals, and checking with a pencil-style gauge, I never lose more than 3-5 lbs a week, no matter which valve I use. Do you have the Prestas completely screwed closed? Are you sure the cores are in there very tight? Are you using the plastic valve caps? All three of those things will keep me pressure-loss free for months at a time. I honestly don't remember the last time I filled the 26X1-3/8 tires on my Raleigh, but I just checked them and they're still at about 60 lbs (I inflate them to 65). It's probably been 2 months, and those are Schraders.
The Prestas on my commuter are rarely checked, and those check out at about a 5 lb drop a month.
Reply
Mr. Beanz
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 19,895
Bikes: Lemond Chambery/Cannondale R-900/Trek 8000 MTB/Burley Duet tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Timesin3 Posts
Hmm, there are several threads in several forums about butyl rubber tubes losing pressure onvernight.
I don't sure a pencil style gauge, they are also known to be inacccurate. I use a Zefal bike specific gauge.
Are you talking 700 X 23 tires when you say you lose 3 -5 lbs a week? Besides, I check mine for safety reasons like I said, if it's real low, something is wrong.
Took about 30 seconds to find a thread, you better go talk to these guys!
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=tube+air+loss
Reply
d4c4c8
Mike the Bike
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Southern CA
Posts: 190
Bikes: Giant OCR C3/Gary Fisher Tasjahara
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Timesin0 Posts
Remember that every time you check your tires with a gauge you are letting out some amount of air. When you clip your pump onto the tire, if you have presta you'll lose more air.
When i rode mountain bikes regularly, i set my air pressure based on the trail i was riding. Some trails when muddy or super technical, i'd ride below the minimum air pressure.
I notice riding my road bike 700x23 i look down and think, mmmm i look like i'm low, ask Jen and she laughs and says you're tires are FINE.
Reply
tardman91
Full Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Tampa Bay Area, FL
Posts: 333
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 1
Liked 0 Timesin0 Posts
My tires look fine on my road bike when I sit on it. I'm 6'3, 270lbs. I keep them at 120 psi. The minimum on the sidewall is 110 and the max is 145.
Reply
ReplySubscribe
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tire Pressure and Ride Quality
DarKris
Cyclocross and Gravelbiking (Recreational)
8
06-10-16 10:29 AM
Tire/rim size confusion
Gozz
Fitting Your Bike
26
03-03-14 02:46 PM
Another tire pressure question
Pat_RI
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
9
08-04-10 10:56 PM
tire pressure
Lenkearney
Bicycle Mechanics
42
06-24-10 01:37 PM
UberClydes, Tires, and Tire Pressure.
Szerek
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
11
04-28-10 06:13 PM
Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off
Forum Rules
Show Printable Version
Email this Page
Reply Closed Thread
- First
- Prev
- 1 / 1
- Next
- Last
1
Contact Us -Archive -Advertising -Cookie Policy -Privacy Statement -Terms of Service -
Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.