What is a good Crr for cycling?

Top racing tyres achieve Crr of 0.003-0.004 on smooth drums. Real-world Crr is typically 0.004-0.006 for good road tyres. Cheap tyres or knobby MTB tyres may be 0.008-0.012.

Are wider tyres really faster?

On real roads, often yes. Wider tyres at lower pressure deform less on rough surfaces (less energy lost to vibration). A 28mm tyre at 80 psi can be faster than a 23mm at 110 psi on typical UK roads.

How much power do tyres waste?

At 30 km/h on smooth road, rolling resistance typically costs 15-25 watts. At 40 km/h, it rises to 20-35 watts. This is 10-20% of total power at road speeds.

Does tubeless reduce rolling resistance?

Yes, typically by 2-5 watts per tyre compared to clincher with butyl tubes. The removal of tube-tyre friction and lower possible pressures both contribute.

How much difference does pressure make?

A 10 psi reduction increases Crr by roughly 2-3% on smooth surfaces. However, on rough roads, lower pressure can actually be faster due to reduced vibration energy losses.

BikeCalcs

Tyre Rolling Resistance Calculator — Compare Tyre Setups

Compare rolling resistance between different tyre setups and see watts lost.

Rider Weight

Bike Weight

Tyre Width

Tyre Pressure

Speed

Tyre Type

Road Surface

How We Calculate This

Rolling Resistance Calculation

Base Crr: Clincher 0.005, Tubeless 0.0045, Tubular 0.0042
Pressure adjustment: +0.0001 Crr per 10 psi below reference
Width adjustment: Wider tyres slightly lower Crr (less deformation per unit area)
Surface multiplier: Smooth x1.0, Rough x1.3, Gravel x2.5
Rolling force = Crr x Total weight x 9.81
Watts lost = Rolling force x Speed (m/s)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify results and consult a professional bike fitter where appropriate.