The world s foremost expert on tire rolling resistance testing.
Low rolling resistance tires bicycle.
The main reason for the loss of energy is the constant deformation of the tire.
Each bicycle tire should of course roll as easily as possible.
However this has proved to be untrue.
Despite rolling resistance only accounting for about 10 of the total resistance experienced by a typical ultra distance cyclist over an entire race different tire choices can make a significant impact on average cycling speed.
There are a number of factors that contribute to rolling resistance.
Rolling resistance is the energy that is lost when the tire is rolling.
In contrast to a car a cyclist has only very limited physical power which he wants to apply as efficiently as possible.
Low rolling resistance tires are designed to reduce the energy loss as a tire rolls decreasing the required rolling effort and in the case of automotive applications improving vehicle fuel efficiency as approximately 5 15 of the fuel consumed by a typical gas car may be used to overcome rolling resistance.
On the mountain bike it seems that the correlation between high cost low weight and low rolling resistance isn t so clear and when you take the leap to a fat bike that just goes out the window.
I did climbing tests where the average speed was under 10mph 16kph and thus aero influence was low.
Tu tubular tire type price range buy at measured width on a 17 8 mm inner width rim at an air pressure of 100 psi 6 9 bars width weight rolling resistance at 120 psi 8 3 bars single tire speed.
For many years narrow 23mm tires have been the standard width for road bike tires.
Best all round road bike tire.
The continental grand prix 5000 read our full review is our most recommended all round road bike tire the grand prix 5000 offers an exceptional combination of low rolling resistance and low weight while still providing a decent puncture resistance and long tread life.
Best road bike tires.
Racers would go even narrower to 21mm with the general thought that the narrower the surface area the less rolling resistance.
42 5 kg 94 lbs rr 120 psi 8 3 bar rolling resistance at 100 psi 6 9 bars.