Tire pressure, ground temperature and behavior: what Théo Nonnez adds to our previous article
In a previous article earlier this week, we discussed an often overlooked factor: the heat in a car's cabin and its impact on tire pressure, particularly intage tubeless. Today, we take the analysis a step further with Théo Nonnez, a former professional cyclist at FDJ and now a seasoned technician in a bike shop in Val d'Oise, who tells ustagand his view on the ground temperature and the behavior of the tires once on the route.
By Jeff Tatard – Photos: DR
When the heat comes... from the asphalt
« We often talk about the heat in the car, but on the bike, it's the hot asphalt that can make the pressure rise faster than expected, especially after a stop. " explains Théo.
And this phenomenon is even more marked with:
- Soft-ply tires
- Wide sections
- Some monstagtubeless tires are a bit “fair”
He also recalls that some tires heat up faster than others : the choice of tire therefore has a real impact on thermal stability.
Should you re-inflate after a break? Not always.
« Many cyclists mechanically reinflate after a break. This is a bad idea, especially if the tires are still warm. It's best to wait until the temperature stabilizes before adjusting the pressure. Otherwise, you risk overinflating the tire pressure... and a hard, soft tire for the first few kilometers. »
Clear : wait 5 to 10 minutes in the shade after a break in full sun before adjusting your pressureWhy? Because the internal temperature of the tire drops more slowly than the ambient temperature.
Théo's "field" tip
« When it's very hot and you know you're going to stop in direct sunlight, I sometimes recommend a little spray of cool water (or better: a light cooling spray) on the sidewalls. This helps balance the tire/air temperature more quickly. " Without excess, of course: it is a question of accelerating stabilization, not of violent cooling. A simple technique, but extremely effective in extreme conditions.
What to remember (in addition to the first article)
- The heat of the asphalt can continue to increase the pressure, even once on the bike
- Soft carcass tires or lightweight tubeless tires heat up faster and stabilize less well
- After a break, it is better to wait a few minutes before re-inflating, especially in summer
- A spray of cool or cooling water on the sidewalls can help return to reliable pressure more quickly
- Never adjust pressure while hot, unless absolutely necessary
In short
The impact of temperature does not stop at the car: it continues to play a key role in the route. After Mickaël Guillermet in our previous article, Théo Nonnez completes the picture: between fine pressure management, terrain anticipation and mechanical common sense, the tires definitely leave nothing to chance.
If you missed the first part on heat in the car and transport precautions, it's here:
