Re: [CR] Veloflex Tufo - Narrow does not make faster

(Example: History:Ted Ernst)

Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2005 04:22:59 -0400
From: "Peter Jon White" <lists@peterwhitecycles.com>
To: hersefan@comcast.net
Subject: Re: [CR] Veloflex Tufo - Narrow does not make faster
References: <042120050424.10090.42672AE100062F290000276A2200745672020E000A9C9D0A08@comcast.net>
In-Reply-To: <042120050424.10090.42672AE100062F290000276A2200745672020E000A9C9D0A08@comcast.net>
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

hersefan@comcast.net wrote:
> The impression given in this post is that a narrower tire is lighter and
> therefore faster.

I don't see why, since that's not even close to what I wrote. I wrote that it feels faster, and it does "feel" faster. And because it's lighter, it does accelerate slightly faster. But that has nothing to do with rolling resistance, or top speed.

PJW

Not so. All else equal, the wider tire at the same
> pressure will have less rolling resistance. (has to do with contact
> patch shape and casing deformation). Similary, a wider tire at a lower
> pressure should have the identical rolling resistance to a narrower tire
> at some higher pressure. (You don't want the mathematical proof but it
> should be pretty easy).
>
> It may be, though, that the casing is heavier on the wider one in this
> instance, so therefore rolling resistance due to casing weight (as well
> as added rotational weight) is counteracting the benefits of the wider
> tire.
>
> For example, in clement world of early mid 1990's, the Paris Robaix felt
> slower to me than the narrower criterium (my guess is significantly
> heavier casing). But then the much wider del Mundo had the same casing
> I bet as the Robaix, but with the extra width the Del Mundo was faster
> than its narrower brother.
>
> Mike Kone in Boulder CO
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
>
> > raleypc@netscape.net wrote:
> > > I love Veloflex tubulars! If you think that the Criterium is
> good you should
> > try the Servio Course (210 gr 20-21 mm I think) - they really
> gives a magic ride
> > IMHO. I had Vittoria CX's (new ones) on my Sachs, flatted one,
> decided to mount
> > a pair of the used Veloflex SC's that I had around, and was
> suprised at the
> > difference. They really feel "lively". Who knows if they are
> faster but they
> > sure feel nice!
> >
> > The Servio Course is a narrower tire, so it's lighter. That's why it
> > feels faster. But it's only suitable for very good roads.
> >
> > --
> > Peter Jon White

--
Peter Jon White
Peter White Cycles
24 Hall Rd.
Hillsborough, NH 03244
603 478 0900 Phone
603 478 0902 Phax
http://www.PeterWhiteCycles.com