Question about racing in the wet and tyre pressures

JesseD

Ok so I am asking this question as I never seem to get the tyre pressures right when racing in the wet, I raced last week and on 1 corner in particular (fast sweeping left into a fast sweeping right) my back wheel would continuously feel like it was sliding out from underneath me.

I am running 25c Schwable Durano's front and back and had the front at 90psi and the rear at 95psi, I am a big lad at around 90kg.

How do you guys work out what pressures you should run in the wet for racing where you are going to be pushing in the corners?

Thanks

imposter2.0

Durano is a high mileage training tyre, so probably not ideal for racing in the wet, regardless of pressure. I would be looking at using more focused racing tyres with a more suitable, softer compound, something like the Schwalbe One or GP4000S..

fenix

I go with GP4000S and those PSI's are way too high for me - but I'm lighter.

Use this as a guide - https://janheine.wordpress.com/2010/10/ ... -pressure/

giropaul

For me, this is where tubulars score massively . They can be run at lower pressures ( make sure that they are properly glued!).
I used to mechanic for one or two pro teams. One very successful crit rider in the old Kellogs series used Clement crits at 4 or 5 bars in the wet. I recall the Nottingham race in the wet, and the TI Raleigh team just looked at this rider in amazement through the corners.
For your weight I'd be using Continental , Challenge or Veloflex top of the range tubs, at 6.5 to 7 bars.

drlodge

Tubeless can also be run at lower pressure. I'm running 80 front 90 rear at 23 width.

JesseD

I only have 2 races left this year, one is tomorrow and one the following Thursday, both are crits as part of a series and the weather here has been awful up until today although tomorrow looks like it will be dry (which I am hoping it will be).

Not going to have enough time to buy new tyres so will have to make do with the Duranos for now and then look to buy decent rubber for next season.

Was primarily looking at clinchers for next year as I believed the gap between tubs and clinchers had lessened, is this true?

I did have a set of Fast Forward 50mm tubs some years ago and they were brilliant, but for everyday use or nice weather riding arent tubs a bit of a faff?

giropaul

JesseD wrote:

I only have 2 races left this year, one is tomorrow and one the following Thursday, both are crits as part of a series and the weather here has been awful up until today although tomorrow looks like it will be dry (which I am hoping it will be).

Not going to have enough time to buy new tyres so will have to make do with the Duranos for now and then look to buy decent rubber for next season.

Was primarily looking at clinchers for next year as I believed the gap between tubs and clinchers had lessened, is this true?

I did have a set of Fast Forward 50mm tubs some years ago and they were brilliant, but for everyday use or nice weather riding arent tubs a bit of a faff?

I wouldn't know, I only ever ride my race wheels in races. :twisted:

iPete

I'm a lazy racer, i.e. commute/train/race on the same wheels and tyres.
I've been looking at tyres recently and in terms of tech, Michelin are claiming their new range could save 10w over my current set.
Sorry no advice on wet racing but maybe an excuse to switch out the Schwable Durano for next season..

http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com ... ition-2016