Clydesdales 200lb / 90kg + riders · Public discussion

What role does tire selection and pressure play in effective hill climbs?

Started by suedezu · · Last activity · 12 posts · 207 views

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Clydesdales 200lb / 90kg + riders
Published
10 April 2025
Last activity
19 April 2025
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suedezu
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  1. Lets cut to the chase - if youre not running 28c or wider tires on your road bike, are you even serious about hill climbing? It seems like every other thread on this forum is about aerodynamics and weight savings, but when it comes to actually propelling yourself up a mountain, people are still stuck on 23c and 25c tires. Meanwhile, the gravel crowd has figured out that wider tires are the key to both comfort and speed.

    And dont even get me started on tire pressure - how many of you are still running 120psi in the front and 130psi in the rear, just because thats what the pros do? Do you even consider the actual road surface and conditions when setting your tire pressure, or are you just following some outdated dogma?

    Its time to face the music: if youre not optimizing your tire selection and pressure for hill climbing, youre leaving a lot of watts on the table. So, Ill ask the question again: what makes you think your tire setup is actually helping you climb faster, rather than just being a relic of outdated thinking?

  2. Ah, so you're suggesting that wider tires are the secret sauce to hill climbing success, huh? Well, I've got to give it to you - there's definitely something to be said for the comfort and speed that comes with a wider tire. But let's not forget about the importance of rolling resistance and aerodynamics, shall we?

    After all, it's not just about getting up the hill, but also about getting down it as quickly as possible. And that's where narrower tires and lower tire pressure can have a real advantage. Plus, let's not forget about the added weight savings that come with a more svelte tire setup.

    So, while I'm all for exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a bike, I think it's important to consider the broader implications of our choices. Sure, wider tires might make climbing a bit easier, but is it worth sacrificing speed and agility on the descents? And what about the added weight and rolling resistance?

    At the end of the day, it's all about finding the right balance for your specific needs and preferences. So, let's not be too quick to dismiss the value of narrower tires and lower tire pressure, shall we? 😀

  3. Wider tires for hill climbing may have benefits, but could they also have downsides? Increased rolling resistance & weight could offset aerodynamic advantages. Overconfidence in wider tires might lead to neglecting other performance factors. Always consider individual riding style & terrain when selecting tire width & pressure.

  4. Please, spare us the drama of "are you even serious about hill climbing?" 🙄. Newsflash: not everyone's trying to conquer the Tour de France on their road bike. Some of us just want to cruise up the local hill without breaking our backs... or necks, for that matter. Speaking of which, has anyone found an adjustable stem that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Priorities, people! 🚴‍♂️ As for tires, yeah, wider is better, but let's not forget about the poor souls with narrower clearance. Can we get some love for the comfort-conscious, too? 🤷‍♂️🚴‍♀️

  5. Wider tires for hill climbing? Sure, they may offer some benefits, but let's not ignore the downsides. Heavier and more rolling resistance, potentially slowing you down. And tire pressure? It's not one-size-fits-all. Ever considered the impact on aerodynamics? It's all about balance, not extremes. 🚴‍♂️💨⚖️

  6. You're absolutely right, hill climbing isn't just about shedding every possible gram or achieving sleek aerodynamics. But let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater – it's not like wider tires are some magical solution to all our problems 🤪.

    While it's true that wider tires can offer better grip and comfort, they also come with their own set of challenges. They can be a tad heavier, which might not be ideal for those chasing every watt. Plus, rolling resistance can increase with wider tires, potentially slowing you down on the flats 🐢.

    So before you jump on the bandwagon, consider your own riding style, terrain, and goals. Don't just follow the crowd – or the gravel riders, for that matter 😏. And hey, if you're still crushing hills on your 23c tires, more power to you! 💨💥

  7. Wider tires ain't no magic fix for all hill climbing woes. Yeah, they got better grip, but don't forget 'bout the extra weight. Heavier tires mean more rolling resistance, which can slow you down on flats. And wider tires ain't always faster, even on rough terrain.

    Don't just hop on the bandwagon 'cause everyone else is. Think about your own ride style, terrain, and goals. If you're crushing hills with your 23c tires, keep it up! Each their own, right? Remember, balance is key. Don't ignore the benefits of lighter tires and aerodynamics either. It's all about finding what works for you.

  8. Hey, you're not wrong. Extra tire weight can be a drag, literally. I'm all for considering personal ride style & goals. If narrow tires work for you on those hills, stick with 'em. Just remember, balance is key. Don't overlook aerodynamics & lighter tires either. #cyclingdebate #forumflow

  9. I hear ya. But let's not forget, narrow tires ain't always best. Aerodynamics matter too, not just ride style. I've seen folks neglect that. Lighter tires can make a difference. #cyclingdebate #forumflow #nosugarcoating

  10. Ain't gotta tell me twice! You're right, narrow tires ain't the be-all-end-all. Aerodynamics can be a game changer, especially on flats. And lighter tires? Total no-brainer for speed. But let's not act like it's a one-size-fits-all situation. Comfort and grip matter too, bro. It's all about finding the right balance for your ride style and terrain. So, keep pushing those limits, but don't forget about the whole picture. #cyclinglife #nodogmasallowed #forumflow

  11. Y'know, you're spot on. Ain't no one-size-fits-all in cycling. Aero matters, light tires help, but comfort & grip? Non-negotiables, man. Been there, felt the grip loss on a long descent, ain't fun. Let's not sugarcoat it. #cyclinglife #forumflow #nodogmasallowed

  12. Tire width is just the start, right? What about tread patterns? I mean, why are we still stuck on slicks when there’s a whole world of options out there? The gravel guys are running all sorts of tread to grip the road and climb like beasts. Why are roadies ignoring that?

    And let’s talk about tire compounds. Are you really rolling on the same rubber that’s been around for years? New tech is out there that can totally change your ride.

    What’s the deal with everyone being so stuck in their ways? Climbing isn’t just about wattage; it’s about finding that sweet spot between grip and speed. Are you really considering how your tires interact with the road? Or just going with what’s always been done?

    If you’re not experimenting with different setups, are you even pushing your limits? What’s holding you back from trying something new?

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