Quote:
Originally Posted by diamondlarry
Very interesting results. Anyone have any ideas on what may be causing the distance to decrease with the higher pressures?
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Yes, the smaller contact patch of the rubber on the road!
This smaller contact patch in turn, creates more sidewall flex and localized stress. This effect is more pronounced in pedal bikes with their curved carcasses.
It's been found that, at least for rolling resistance, a larger tire has less carcass deflection and because of this, less rolling resistance. Air resistance is a whole other matter however.
Although to be fair, the Tour deFrance guys pressure their tires to 150psi or so on those extremely narrow tires.
Jim.