Why Lower Isn’t Always Slower: The Truth About Tyre Pressure

For years, cyclists believed that higher tyre pressure equaled faster speeds. However, modern research and real-world testing have proven this idea to be outdated.

The Myth of High Pressure

High tyre pressure reduces deformation, which theoretically lowers rolling resistance. But this only applies to perfectly smooth surfaces — conditions rarely found in real-world riding.

On typical roads, high pressure actually increases energy loss due to vibrations.

The Role of Road Surface

Road texture plays a major role in determining optimal tyre pressure. Rough surfaces create constant micro-impacts that slow the rider down.

Lower tyre pressure allows the tyre to absorb these impacts, maintaining better contact with the ground and improving efficiency.

Control and Safety Benefits

Speed is meaningless without control. Optimised tyre pressure improves:

Braking performance

Cornering stability

Overall bike handling

This is especially important for descending and technical riding.

Energy Conservation

Every vibration transmitted through the bike requires energy to overcome. Over long distances, this energy loss adds up significantly.

Optimised tyre pressure reduces these vibrations, allowing riders to conserve energy and maintain higher speeds for longer periods.

Balancing Speed and Comfort

Comfort is often overlooked in performance discussions, but it directly affects endurance. A smoother ride means less fatigue and better performance over time.

Practical Recommendations

Test different pressures on familiar routes

Make small adjustments (2–5 PSI at a time)

Record how each change affects performance

Conclusion

Lower tyre pressure is not inherently slower. When optimised correctly, it can improve both speed and control. The key is finding the right balance for your specific riding conditions.