Quote:
Originally Posted by cbaber
It's all about comfort. Even at 45 PSI, the ride becomes more rigid. You feel more bumps. Low pressures absorb some of the bumps so less is transferred through the suspension. Consumers would complain about the rough feeling ride, they would not sell cars.
|
I get the low PSI = soft ride / high PSI = harsh ride concept. But again, CAFE is what started the race to high MPG that all automakers are doing - so wouldn't it make sense for automakers to raise door sticker pressure another 5-10 PSI while tuning / compensating the suspension for a softer ride.
MPG is typically the #1 factor that new car buyers consider, so again, if running tires at max pressure is "safe", why do most manufactures have door stickers in the 32-36PSI range?
For some comic relief, here's a fun video on the effects of handling when the tire's contact patch is altered. They ran a Mercedes AMG with P125 / 60PSI tires around a track. Again, it's an extreme example, but it does illustrate the effect that changing the contact patch has on handling.
Sorry, couldn't find a video with bicycle tires...
