Other Stuff > Biking and other Non-Skiing Activities
Periodic Neuvation Cycling newsletters
jim-ratliff:
Carbon Wheels
The Bike Industry hates new technology but is no match for the dreams of enthusiasts who want the performance of Formula One technology of the Pro Tour riders. Selling new technology isn't about selling products, it's about selling dreams.
Most customers want information, bike people want clarification that their dreams are reality.
My dream (stemming mostly from the fact that carbon wheels are extremely profitable) is that the vast majority of riders will be on carbon wheels within the next few years. More accurately, anyone on a carbon frame will have carbon wheels - like ham and eggs.
If you have the ham, it's time to get your eggs. My carbon rim maker has confirmed delivery the first week in March - which will put them here about two weeks later. On that happy vessel will be both C45 carbon clincher rims and C55 carbon clincher rims. Anyone who buys either right now will also get an extra 10% off my already low Internet price if they order this week (discount applied at checkout).
Carbon wheels are not inexpensive but are an excellent investment in your happiness.
Thanks for reading. John Neugent
jim-ratliff:
The 15% Rule Of Tire Inflation.
[
A good customer and newsletter reader, Charlie Zwick, sent me a copy of a great article from Bicycle Quarterly about tire inflation. It says, for most riding, tires should compress about 15% when you get on your bike.
The front and rear tires, typically take remarkably different pressures. To determine yours, put your bike on a bathroom scale (with one wheel on a block of the same height) and get into your riding position. Record both front and rear wheel scale readings.
Bike and rider for me is about 210 pounds with 40% on the front wheel and 60% on the back. The chart indicates that I should be running 88/132 psi for 23C tires and about 75/100 for 25C. If we factor in an additional 11% pressure reduction that the wider rims offer (according to Steve Hed), that would equate to 67/98 for 25C and 78/117 for 23C. Note how low the pressure is in the "controlling" front tire - that, my friend, can change your world.
My significant other who with bike, hits the scales at about 140, would have these numbers. Normal width wheels 25C 55/75, 23C 62/88 and with wide rims 49/67 on 25C and 55/78 on 23C.
Tire pressure will affect your ride much more than any other factor ? both in terms of comfort and performance. My guess is that less than 1% of bike riders are riding on the right tire pressures. You can experiment with tire pressures for free. Have fun.
Thanks for reading ? John Neugent
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[*] Previous page
Go to full version