tire psi

Question
Hello hope i dont waste your time but a ride my mtb on the steet i want to be much faster so what psi do i fill a 23 inch diameter bike tire with for maximuim street speed(:

Answer
Steven,

Not a waste of time at all.  However, I there aren't too many tricks you can apply here to make the existing tires more roadworthy.  

First of all, I recommend you don't overinflate beyond the listed max inflation.  I have done it and it runs the risk of popping the tire bead outside the rim and possibly flatting the tire.

However, there are a couple of tricks you can try if you are willing to go to the trouble.  For instance, install latex or thinner butyl inner tubes.  The thinner and lighter, the lower the rolling resistance and the faster the wheel.

Also, while installing, make sure the tube and inside the tire are coated with talc (baby powder).  The ability of the tube to slide inside the tire also decreases the rolling resistance.

Now inflate to max recommended inflation and that's just about as good as it gets.  Additional improvements require you moving to 23 inch slick road tires if you don't already have them.

More questions?  Feel free to ask.

Graeme