Pressure too low in tyres

[Sunny Portrush]

After my recent new purchase, I`m converting my Cannondale into a winter bike as my old mtb had finally died! Spoke to the LBS as I wanted something other than slicks for riding down the local towpaths and on cycle-paths that were slighlty less than smooth!

They recommended Schwalbe Marathon Plus and they even offered to put them on for free.When I picked the bike up again, the mechanic said he pumped them up to 60psi as this would be ideal for riding on the surfaces mentioned above. I took it out tonight for the first time but it seemed like I was riding through treacle. I expected to be slower because of the difference in the tyres on my road-bikes but I didn`t think the difference would be as big as it was!

Far be it from me to go against what a bike mechanic would say but is 60psi too low - or was I just guff tonight!

Tyres are 700x25c

 

[S-Express]

depends on the volume and your weight, but if you are on 28s or above, then 60 is in the ballpark.

 

[Sunny Portrush]

Sorry, meant to say they are 700x25c

 

[400bhp]

Way too low

 

[Profpointy]

I think 100 or 110 would be more like it for 25mm tyres

 

[smutchin]

What tyres were you on before? Marathon Plus are very heavy, rigid tyres and may well feel sluggish compared to what you had before.

60psi does sound a bit on the low side though.

 

[Sunny Portrush]

My new bike has Vittoria Rubino`s on it and the Cannondale previously had Continental Ultra Sport II`s on it - both pumped up to about 100 psi

 

[400bhp]

Oh all right 95

Sorry, wasn'r referring to your post, but the OP

 

[smutchin]

Vittoria Rubino ... Continental Ultra Sport II

M+ will definitely feel slow compared to those.

Next question: How much do you weigh?

 

[Bollo]

+1 for too low. If the surfaces aren't that clever and you're not a featherweight then you might also increase the risk of a pinch flat. I've got a horrible stiff beaded 700x25 Spec Armadillo (was a distress purchase - it's grim but tough as buggery) on my cooking bike and it feels even more awful with less than 80psi. I'm 12.5st (blond, GSOH, no smokers)

 

[S-Express]

I think 100 or 110 would be more like it for 25mm tyres

Way too much, unless he is 15st or more.

 

[smutchin]

Way too much, unless he is 15st or more.

Especially for off-road riding.

 

[Profpointy]

Way too much, unless he is 15st or more.

That's what mine run at, not Marathons -but presumably it's size rather than tyre brand. I'not 15 st either, but granted my use is tArmac

 

[S-Express]

That's what mine run at, not Marathons -but presumably it's size rather than tyre brand. I'not 15 st either, but granted my use is tArmac

Try 20psi lower and report back.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

My M+ 700x38 run at max pressure: 85psi. They roll respectably at and very near that, but too much of a drop off and they are tremendously hard work to get any momentum going, you can quickly find yourself several gears easier just to keep moving.