NOTES* Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance shall be defined as the resistance to steady forward motion due to frictional losses between the surface of the wheel and the surface on which it rolls.

Rolling resistance coefficients range from 0.002 to 0.010 while rolling on smooth surface

Next to aerodynamics, rolling resistance is the next biggest contributor to forward motion on level road cycling

There is less energy loss with a 700c wheel vs. 650c wheel due to less tire deformation as it rolls over a smooth surface

Reducing tire size from 27 inches to 16 inches increases rolling resistance by 40%

Skinnier tires (<19mm)>19mm) at similar tire pressures

A solid tire would have the lowest rolling resistance of any air filled tire on a perfectly smooth surface

Thinner tire fabrics made with higher threads per inch (TPI) bend and deform easier than thicker ones.

Thinner tires have less material to deform and thus less energy is lost as the tire rolls.

Thicker inner tubes create higher rolling resistance.

The greater the TPI, the less rubber needed and the better the rolling resistance.

Generally speaking, the best tire pressure for the least amount of rolling resistance on a typical road surface is around 100-120 PSI.

Different rubber compositions have different resistances. In general, replacing carbon black with silica-silane reduces rolling resistance, but also increases tire wear.

No, you think about it...

Which riders tires will last longer, a sprinter or a time-trialist?

Which tire wears the fastest, the front or the rear?