Roubaix tyre pressures

greasedscotsman
greasedscotsman Posts: 6,962
edited April 2010 in Workshop
Going to Paris Roubaix this week to watch the race and ride some of the sectors. I've ridden then before but have just guessed pressures by just "squashing" the tyre. Not been a problem before, but just wondered what pressures other people would suggest. I'm using Michelin Pro Race 3 and taking two pair of wheels, some Ksyrium ES and Open Pro's. Thoughts anyone?

Comments

  • Wamas
    Wamas Posts: 256
    Consider running 700x25s. Many of the pros do. That would allow you to get away with running the tyres at between 90-100psia.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    90-100psi - are you riding a time trial? A Belgian pro-team mechanic told me a little secret - 5 bar - 75psi max for most - hard enough not to get impact impact and soft enough not to bounce. I do suggest you fit a more durable 25mm tyre - catch a PR3 on the edge of a stone and it will be finished.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • greasedscotsman
    greasedscotsman Posts: 6,962
    Thanks MD, that's what I was thinking, about 60/70 psi, should have mentioned that in my original post. I agree it would be better to switch to something else, possibly a 25mm if the frame will take it, but I don't want to have to buy another set of tyres for just a couple of rides. And if it's wet I wouldn't ride at all :D
  • andyrr
    andyrr Posts: 1,827
    Pros have the advantage of running tubs - these take much lower pressures without puncturing on the rim-edge.
    I'm sure I've seen a pic of the impact of a tyre against cobblestone where it is seriously squashed but no puncture - normal clinchers at low pressiures would likely give tons of flats.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Make sure you have at least a few mm clearance under the caliper / fork crown or you'll get mud build-up which brings you to a halt..
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • moonshine
    moonshine Posts: 1,022
    was going to recommend tubs too - far fewer pinch flats
  • greasedscotsman
    greasedscotsman Posts: 6,962
    Been rummaging in the garage and I have found some 25mm Conti Ultra Gatorskins, think I might run those instead of the Pro 3's. Now not sure which wheels to put them on, thinking Open Pro's rather than Ksyrium ES, but I don't think that's a really big thing to worry about.

    I take eveyone's comments about tubs and yes I would maybe use them if I was doing something like the sportive. But just not worth it for what I'm going to do. Also clearance shouldn't be too much of a problem, I have no intention of riding if it's wet. I know, not very "hard man", but there you go. You can call me a girl if you like :D

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