I have ridden 42mm Pathfinder Pros for 2-3 years now for probably 10,000 miles on my gravel bike, and also on my touring bike, on 23 or 25mm internal width rims. They are GREAT! They hold air and sealant very well, are quite puncture resistant, they last thousands of miles, and are just a wonderful multi-surface tire. I cannot recommend them enough. On gravel I run 35 psi front, and 38 psi rear. But as a touring tire I run them up to 50 psi not only because if the added weight on the bike, but because it rounds the tires out and keeps me rolling on that smooth center strip with minimal resistance (while not sacrificing the float provided by the large tire).
Interestingly, I just picked up a set of these (end of Sept 2022) and the tire pressure now states 35-65psi on the tire sidewall. Even Specialized site doesn't reflect this (still states the 50-80), so maybe a very recent update to the tire? Enjoying it so far with the rides I have done (size 42c). Rolls pretty fast on roads and was great on some dry single track trails/gravel road. Thanks for the review.
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Hey, nice vid! you think these tyres will fit a road bike as 32mm?
Would the 38mm version be suited for road and cobbles? Looking for a fast, puncture resistant tire for paris-roubaix with gravelbike. A very difficult choice.. Thks!
It would be a good option for that. Depending on your goals, something wider might be a better overall choice, but would be slower on the paved sections.
I put a set of 700x38 Pathfinder Pro's on my Hybrid last fall - the PSI ratings on them are weird but they're fine to ride 40ish PSI.. Pump them up to 70 though and they're super fast on the road. Nice supple comfy ride - liked them much better than the GravelKing SK's on my Gravel Bike.
I found your review quite useful as I've been navigating reviews specific to gravel bike tires. I'm looking for a replacement to the stock Bontrager GR1s that came on my SL5 Checkpoint and have spent a considerable amount of time comparing different tires on the popular rolling resistance website. I'm looking for a tire that will spend 85% of it's time on paved rail trails and Iowa Highways (RAGBRAI rider), some crushed gravel occasionally, and possibly wade into riding the gravel here in Minnesota. The Pathfinder (700x42) is in my top 3 at the moment. Alongside of the Pirelli Cintuarto Gravel H (700x40) and the Gravelking SS (700x43). The S-Works Pathfinders are available in my area, +$15 over the standard PathFinder, $70. Any suggested tires that match my riding style to research? Thanks in advance!
FWIW, I've heard that the S-Works Pathfinder wears really fast, and there have been issues with tread de-lamination. I recently picked up a set of 45mm (there are other sizes) of the Schwalbe G-One RS. It seems to check many of the same boxes as this tire. Planning to make a video when I get enough time/miles on them. So far, so good.
I am looking forward to trying this tire after my current GK SS tires wear out. What chuck or air fill attachment did you use to adapt to the presta valve stem?
They are intended to be run tubeless, which is what I do. On gravel tubeless is highly preferred. Puncture wise they have been awesome, as in not punctures yet on either set.
Currently running Rene Herse 42mm Hurricane Ridge (which I love), but have been on the fence with giving these a try. What compressor inflator is that?
@@Mamilian went into a bike shop yesterday and the guy was great, answered all my questions, I'm going with Pathfinder Pro 700 x 38c with tan walls which should look great on my stealth black Specialized Sirrus 2.0 and give me some light off roading capability, without compromising tarmac performance too much
For riding gravel and road it’s a great tire. Only trouble I’ve had, is like this guy is saying, the rear will spin up on leaves going up hill sometimes or when wet….I haven’t had a puncture, and I rode a lot of rough fresh gravel this summer. For mostly recreational riding, I will buy again.
Hi great video. A question what is the fastest tire in your opinion? I have a Trek FX sport 5 gravel bike and I am looking for a fast low resistance road tires. Thank for answering. Be blessed.
Vitorria Corsa Speed 2.0 TLR is the fastest road tire, that I've ridden, and AFAIK, period. They aren't very durable though, so I'm on Conti GP 5000 TL. There are faster tires, but like the Speed 2.0, are compromised for daily road riding. If you're looking for something fast, but more gravelish, Challenge Strada Bianca Pro TLR are a fantastic option, but be prepared to wrestle with them the first time you mount them.
I ended watching your video by searching Pathfinder S-Works on YT! I loved these tires. I had them on my Diverge. Specialized just announced the new Pathfinder S-Works (they only come in 42) I just picked a pair. Can’t wait to try them out this weekend.
@@Mamilian Put it to the test on my ride yesterday. Gnarly gravel with 20% descend, I survived! They are also perfect for tarmac. I really recommend them. They will be my set of tires for awhile.
These usually pop around 30-35, but I don't track it that closely, just making sure I don't go over the rated number on the side of whatever tire I'm mounting. Rims do have a max pressure, but the tire will generally blow off way before you would hit it. Not that either would be desirable :).
I realise it’s an old video, but on the back of it I have put a couple of 47mm wide on my Grevil :-). Great ride on gravel. Haven’t tried them on tarmac, but they do appear to roll very well.
they run great on tarmac, but a bit noisy even on higher pressure. the issue with them in addition to the one pointed in the video - IF u run on a sandy surface on a tarmac setup - you are screwed. its just like riding on the ice unexpectedly. and at some point the side gravelish part is engaged and it sticks and turns you right back up. and the punch is heavy so you can go on the other side. weird experience overall. but yes, if you pay attention about what is under your wheels - great tires 10/10.
Durability has been great so far, but it might depend on the surface. Have put a lot of miles on mine and they still look almost new. I have heard that the S-Works version of this tire has some issues here.
why do people weigh tires? I suppose if you can’t look up the rolling resistance you can use weight as a proxy but its not a great proxy. A tire that is lighter but with even a little worse rolling resistance will be slower!
The easy answer is that weight is an easy thing to measure that matters to people that want to minimize weight. The more complicated answer is that weight is a useful indicator of things like puncture resistance (i.e. a heavier tire is generally more puncture resistant, and generally slower). Weight is just an indicators. It's very possible for a heavier tire to be faster due to compound differences, tread pattern, etc. Personally, I see any review of a cycling component that doesn't include the weight as incomplete. It's a detail that should be included. It's such a low effort thing to include, it makes me question the value of the reviewers insights. If they can't be bothered to weigh a tire, they probably don't share my goals, and aren't really testing the things I care about. I don't care how well a tire performs in bike packing scenarios, that's not important to me :). It's up to the viewer to decide whether that number is important to them or not. That said, I wouldn't choose a tire just based on the weight (obviously, given that I have two sizes of this tire :)). Choosing a gravel tire requires balancing several factors; having more information makes it easier to make an informed decision based on your preferences.
I think "easy thing to measure" sums it up. The problem is it is so unimportant it borders on irrelevant, especially with a gravel tire where other factors matter so much more. Go from a 32mm gravel tire to 40mm and worry about weight? No, you'll be *much* faster despite the weight. *shrug*, on the other hand I'm happy for my competitors to use weight as a consideration on tire choice! @@Mamilian
@@JackMott Fair enough, but I think you're missing the nuance in my earlier comment. Everything else equal, I would opt for the lighter tire. Because hills and acceleration feature generously in gravel racing. It seems bizarre to pretend that weight isn't a metric that matters, even a little. The physics of cycling is very clear that it does matter in specific circumstances. I can't remember ever seeing anyone claim that weight is the only metric that matters in a tire; even on a road tire. There probably are people who believe that, and that's fine. They are entitled to their preferences. Maybe they focus on hill climbs? I definitely didn't make that claim, so I'm not sure why you're digging in here. I do believe that weight is a factor in equipment selection, but it's not the most important one for the type of riding I do. That should be obvious to anyone who watched this video. Regarding your comment on 32mm vs 40mm. A 40mm is not always going to be faster than a 32mm. There are conditions where a 32mm will be the fastest tire, and courses where a 45mm (or 50mm) would be a better overall choice. Depends on what your goals are, what the course is like, and your tolerance for risk. If you're trying to make the point that choosing a tire ONLY based on weight isn't a great approach. We completely agree on that. It should be obvious that I think there's more to it, or I would have stopped after whipping out the scale :).
I really liked the 38c pathfinder s that came on my bike but in 2 months I had cut both sidewalls , so I have been trying some 40c nano's that I really like, but I may try the sworks 42 pathfinder next
FWIWI, I was planning to race on the S-Works this summer, but I've seen some disturbing reports about the durability of the tire and tread de-lamination that made me put that off.
I'm installing these tires on my Marlin 5 mountain bike it should be better since I don't ride in the mountains very often, and don't really need mtn bike tires in the city much, but it's my commuter bike. Should end up feeling like a road bike on steroids.
They've just announced the improved version; the s-works pathfinder 700x42 with a much lighter construction @ 425g, better dual rubber compound and with the same tread pattern. sorry mate.
Thanks for your comment. Definitely poor timing on my part to finally get around to publishing this, but I don't think the release of the $60 S-Works Pathfinder really changes anything WRT to these, except potentially make them cheaper in channel. The S-Works Pathfinder has a lower claimed (435g), and actual (447g), weight but until we see independent verification of the rolling and puncture resistance claims, these are just claims. Specialized wouldn't lie, would they? ;) Ultimately, as I said in the review these tires aren't the fastest, lightest, or most puncture resistant; where they shine is in the intersection of those numbers. It's quite possible that the new S-Works Pathfinder is better in every one of these areas, albeit at a slightly higher price point. Frankly, I hope it is, but none of that changes what the Pathfinder Pro is today.
the S-Works version is rather a different than a improved version. With S-Works you gain acceleration as they are weigh 100 grs less, but you sacrifice puncture resistance. If you´re heading for long distance gravel events e.g. Tuscanny Trail, Atlas Mountain Race, Orbit 360´s puncture resistance beats weight. If you need a racier Gravel tyre I´d recommend the Schwalbe G One RS / R - if you need more speed on tarmac go for the Conti GP5000s. But if you want to be somewhere in between and have one versatile set of tyres the Pathfinder Pro is imho the currently best available solution.
I bought a set of 700x38s last year. I love the ride and the grip.... BUT.... They are by far the worst tire I have ever had for puncture resistance. Haven't even ridden 5000km on them and in the last 3 months I've had 8 flats. I rotate my tires every 2000km to keep the wear even. I am very unlikely to buy these ever again... as far as I'm concerned their puncture resistance is non-existent.
Where are you riding? I have ~3 thousand miles of mixed surface (trail, gravel roads, chip seal, road, B roads, single track, etc) riding on these tires, haven't punctured yet. It's one of the things I like about them.
@@Mamilian City streets, some hard pack paths. I've had 1 flat from a hard hit on a pot hole, I cant blame the tire for that. 2 from glass working through the tire, 1 from a wire working trough, 3 unknown but I found a hole in the carcass but no debris and 1 where I couldn't find any cause for the flat. These tire by far have been the least reliable tires I have ever used for city riding.
@@jorgecoelho4599 Why not tubeless? If you're riding in places full of hazards like wires and glass, seems like tubeless is The Way. Especially with a tire that is designed to be run primarily tubeless.
I have ridden 42mm Pathfinder Pros for 2-3 years now for probably 10,000 miles on my gravel bike, and also on my touring bike, on 23 or 25mm internal width rims. They are GREAT! They hold air and sealant very well, are quite puncture resistant, they last thousands of miles, and are just a wonderful multi-surface tire. I cannot recommend them enough.
On gravel I run 35 psi front, and 38 psi rear. But as a touring tire I run them up to 50 psi not only because if the added weight on the bike, but because it rounds the tires out and keeps me rolling on that smooth center strip with minimal resistance (while not sacrificing the float provided by the large tire).
Thank you for the insight and real world experience shared. I WILL remember that as I just am mounting up a set.
Interestingly, I just picked up a set of these (end of Sept 2022) and the tire pressure now states 35-65psi on the tire sidewall. Even Specialized site doesn't reflect this (still states the 50-80), so maybe a very recent update to the tire? Enjoying it so far with the rides I have done (size 42c). Rolls pretty fast on roads and was great on some dry single track trails/gravel road. Thanks for the review.
Hey, nice vid! you think these tyres will fit a road bike as 32mm?
Would the 38mm version be suited for road and cobbles? Looking for a fast, puncture resistant tire for paris-roubaix with gravelbike. A very difficult choice.. Thks!
It would be a good option for that. Depending on your goals, something wider might be a better overall choice, but would be slower on the paved sections.
I put a set of 700x38 Pathfinder Pro's on my Hybrid last fall - the PSI ratings on them are weird but they're fine to ride 40ish PSI.. Pump them up to 70 though and they're super fast on the road. Nice supple comfy ride - liked them much better than the GravelKing SK's on my Gravel Bike.
C applies to the diameter description. The 38 and 42 are simply millimeters of width
Hi did you test the sworks version? Do you think will be more prone to flats?
Any other favorite gravel tire
Thanks a lot
I haven't used the S-Works version. Word has it they were having issues. My new fav tire is the Schwalbe G-One RS.
@@Mamilian oh RS its also in my list, 40? 45? Easy rolling but to easy flat?
Thanks again
@@gabrielmarias972 I have the 35 & 45 sizes. Generally race on the 45. Fast, comfortable, great all-purpose tire.
I found your review quite useful as I've been navigating reviews specific to gravel bike tires. I'm looking for a replacement to the stock Bontrager GR1s that came on my SL5 Checkpoint and have spent a considerable amount of time comparing different tires on the popular rolling resistance website. I'm looking for a tire that will spend 85% of it's time on paved rail trails and Iowa Highways (RAGBRAI rider), some crushed gravel occasionally, and possibly wade into riding the gravel here in Minnesota. The Pathfinder (700x42) is in my top 3 at the moment. Alongside of the Pirelli Cintuarto Gravel H (700x40) and the Gravelking SS (700x43). The S-Works Pathfinders are available in my area, +$15 over the standard PathFinder, $70. Any suggested tires that match my riding style to research? Thanks in advance!
FWIW, I've heard that the S-Works Pathfinder wears really fast, and there have been issues with tread de-lamination. I recently picked up a set of 45mm (there are other sizes) of the Schwalbe G-One RS. It seems to check many of the same boxes as this tire. Planning to make a video when I get enough time/miles on them. So far, so good.
Is there a lot of difference between the Sport and Pro version? I usually run tubes so I am not sure if the extra 50$ is worth the price!
Will these tires be OK for specialized turbo vado 4.0?
I am looking forward to trying this tire after my current GK SS tires wear out. What chuck or air fill attachment did you use to adapt to the presta valve stem?
I use a prestaflator.
What’s the presta inflator you are using and do you recommend? Thanks!
PrestaFlator Pro Digital. Had some issues with the first one I got, the OEM shipped me a replacement and it's been perfect. Very happy with it.
Hi there, thanks for the video. I guess you run the tires with a tube? or can you? happy with them puncture wise?
They are intended to be run tubeless, which is what I do. On gravel tubeless is highly preferred. Puncture wise they have been awesome, as in not punctures yet on either set.
Currently running Rene Herse 42mm Hurricane Ridge (which I love), but have been on the fence with giving these a try. What compressor inflator is that?
Prestaflator Pro Digital: th-cam.com/video/lJM3FYl5jlk/w-d-xo.html
presumably they're rated 80psi for better road biased rolling resistance? Would the 700 x 42c work with 21mm internal width rims though?
Should be fine: www.wtb.com/pages/tire-rim-fit-chart
@@Mamilian went into a bike shop yesterday and the guy was great, answered all my questions, I'm going with Pathfinder Pro 700 x 38c with tan walls which should look great on my stealth black Specialized Sirrus 2.0 and give me some light off roading capability, without compromising tarmac performance too much
I got 16mm internal widht and no problems running 42c
Hi , can you tell me the rim width that you mounted the 42 mm pathfinder ? Thanks .
It's this: th-cam.com/video/wfXcC29WYns/w-d-xo.html
@@Mamilian Thanks man , the information couldn´t be better . Kind regards .
For riding gravel and road it’s a great tire. Only trouble I’ve had, is like this guy is saying, the rear will spin up on leaves going up hill sometimes or when wet….I haven’t had a puncture, and I rode a lot of rough fresh gravel this summer. For mostly recreational riding, I will buy again.
Hey there nice vid. What Air valve are you using to inflate your tires?
Prestaflator Pro Digital
@@Mamilian thank you.
Hi great video. A question what is the fastest tire in your opinion? I have a Trek FX sport 5 gravel bike and I am looking for a fast low resistance road tires. Thank for answering. Be blessed.
Vitorria Corsa Speed 2.0 TLR is the fastest road tire, that I've ridden, and AFAIK, period. They aren't very durable though, so I'm on Conti GP 5000 TL. There are faster tires, but like the Speed 2.0, are compromised for daily road riding. If you're looking for something fast, but more gravelish, Challenge Strada Bianca Pro TLR are a fantastic option, but be prepared to wrestle with them the first time you mount them.
@@Mamilian thank you for the feedback. I will take a look at the tires. Be blessed
what would you say, in your opinion of course, is the fastest tire on cat.1~2 gravel?
I use Challenge Strada Bianca Pro TLR for that.
Have you tried the 47mm version of the tyre?
I have not. A friend was rolling them at a recent race, he loves them.
I ended watching your video by searching Pathfinder S-Works on YT! I loved these tires. I had them on my Diverge. Specialized just announced the new Pathfinder S-Works (they only come in 42) I just picked a pair. Can’t wait to try them out this weekend.
Let me know how you get on with the S-Works Pathfinder, they look like a solid improvement.
@@Mamilian will do! Also, Looks like they’re much lighter than the Pro’s.
@@Mamilian Put it to the test on my ride yesterday. Gnarly gravel with 20% descend, I survived! They are also perfect for tarmac. I really recommend them. They will be my set of tires for awhile.
How much psi you pump to get the pop? Do rims have max limit? Thank you
These usually pop around 30-35, but I don't track it that closely, just making sure I don't go over the rated number on the side of whatever tire I'm mounting. Rims do have a max pressure, but the tire will generally blow off way before you would hit it. Not that either would be desirable :).
I realise it’s an old video, but on the back of it I have put a couple of 47mm wide on my Grevil :-). Great ride on gravel. Haven’t tried them on tarmac, but they do appear to roll very well.
they run great on tarmac, but a bit noisy even on higher pressure.
the issue with them in addition to the one pointed in the video - IF u run on a sandy surface on a tarmac setup - you are screwed. its just like riding on the ice unexpectedly. and at some point the side gravelish part is engaged and it sticks and turns you right back up. and the punch is heavy so you can go on the other side. weird experience overall.
but yes, if you pay attention about what is under your wheels - great tires 10/10.
Hi, you have any idea how is the durability of this tire on the rear? It wears fast?
Durability has been great so far, but it might depend on the surface. Have put a lot of miles on mine and they still look almost new. I have heard that the S-Works version of this tire has some issues here.
I’m a heavier rider, about 190lbs roughly, and on my aspero I’ve done 2000+ miles and the rear is still in decent shape.
how do these tires do if there is sand on asphalt?
Would probably matter how much sand, and your tire pressure. I've only had issues with traction when riding on slick mud over a hard surface.
why do people weigh tires? I suppose if you can’t look up the rolling resistance you can use weight as a proxy but its not a great proxy. A tire that is lighter but with even a little worse rolling resistance will be slower!
The easy answer is that weight is an easy thing to measure that matters to people that want to minimize weight. The more complicated answer is that weight is a useful indicator of things like puncture resistance (i.e. a heavier tire is generally more puncture resistant, and generally slower). Weight is just an indicators. It's very possible for a heavier tire to be faster due to compound differences, tread pattern, etc. Personally, I see any review of a cycling component that doesn't include the weight as incomplete.
It's a detail that should be included. It's such a low effort thing to include, it makes me question the value of the reviewers insights. If they can't be bothered to weigh a tire, they probably don't share my goals, and aren't really testing the things I care about. I don't care how well a tire performs in bike packing scenarios, that's not important to me :).
It's up to the viewer to decide whether that number is important to them or not. That said, I wouldn't choose a tire just based on the weight (obviously, given that I have two sizes of this tire :)). Choosing a gravel tire requires balancing several factors; having more information makes it easier to make an informed decision based on your preferences.
I think "easy thing to measure" sums it up. The problem is it is so unimportant it borders on irrelevant, especially with a gravel tire where other factors matter so much more. Go from a 32mm gravel tire to 40mm and worry about weight? No, you'll be *much* faster despite the weight. *shrug*, on the other hand I'm happy for my competitors to use weight as a consideration on tire choice! @@Mamilian
@@JackMott Fair enough, but I think you're missing the nuance in my earlier comment. Everything else equal, I would opt for the lighter tire. Because hills and acceleration feature generously in gravel racing. It seems bizarre to pretend that weight isn't a metric that matters, even a little. The physics of cycling is very clear that it does matter in specific circumstances.
I can't remember ever seeing anyone claim that weight is the only metric that matters in a tire; even on a road tire. There probably are people who believe that, and that's fine. They are entitled to their preferences. Maybe they focus on hill climbs?
I definitely didn't make that claim, so I'm not sure why you're digging in here. I do believe that weight is a factor in equipment selection, but it's not the most important one for the type of riding I do. That should be obvious to anyone who watched this video.
Regarding your comment on 32mm vs 40mm. A 40mm is not always going to be faster than a 32mm. There are conditions where a 32mm will be the fastest tire, and courses where a 45mm (or 50mm) would be a better overall choice. Depends on what your goals are, what the course is like, and your tolerance for risk.
If you're trying to make the point that choosing a tire ONLY based on weight isn't a great approach. We completely agree on that. It should be obvious that I think there's more to it, or I would have stopped after whipping out the scale :).
I really liked the 38c pathfinder s that came on my bike but in 2 months I had cut both sidewalls , so I have been trying some 40c nano's that I really like, but I may try the sworks 42 pathfinder next
FWIWI, I was planning to race on the S-Works this summer, but I've seen some disturbing reports about the durability of the tire and tread de-lamination that made me put that off.
I've been looking at the travail canonball durable casing in 42c
I have these and can hear the change when the side sipes start contacting the road as pressure lowers.
can they be used tubeless?
Yes, tubeless (2Bliss) is the primary way to use these tires.
Great review
I'm installing these tires on my Marlin 5 mountain bike it should be better since I don't ride in the mountains very often, and don't really need mtn bike tires in the city much, but it's my commuter bike. Should end up feeling like a road bike on steroids.
They've just announced the improved version; the s-works pathfinder 700x42 with a much lighter construction @ 425g, better dual rubber compound and with the same tread pattern. sorry mate.
Thanks for your comment. Definitely poor timing on my part to finally get around to publishing this, but I don't think the release of the $60 S-Works Pathfinder really changes anything WRT to these, except potentially make them cheaper in channel.
The S-Works Pathfinder has a lower claimed (435g), and actual (447g), weight but until we see independent verification of the rolling and puncture resistance claims, these are just claims. Specialized wouldn't lie, would they? ;)
Ultimately, as I said in the review these tires aren't the fastest, lightest, or most puncture resistant; where they shine is in the intersection of those numbers. It's quite possible that the new S-Works Pathfinder is better in every one of these areas, albeit at a slightly higher price point. Frankly, I hope it is, but none of that changes what the Pathfinder Pro is today.
the S-Works version is rather a different than a improved version. With S-Works you gain acceleration as they are weigh 100 grs less, but you sacrifice puncture resistance. If you´re heading for long distance gravel events e.g. Tuscanny Trail, Atlas Mountain Race, Orbit 360´s puncture resistance beats weight. If you need a racier Gravel tyre I´d recommend the Schwalbe G One RS / R - if you need more speed on tarmac go for the Conti GP5000s. But if you want to be somewhere in between and have one versatile set of tyres the Pathfinder Pro is imho the currently best available solution.
Reviews I've seen say just get the normal version
I bought a set of 700x38s last year. I love the ride and the grip.... BUT.... They are by far the worst tire I have ever had for puncture resistance. Haven't even ridden 5000km on them and in the last 3 months I've had 8 flats. I rotate my tires every 2000km to keep the wear even. I am very unlikely to buy these ever again... as far as I'm concerned their puncture resistance is non-existent.
Where are you riding? I have ~3 thousand miles of mixed surface (trail, gravel roads, chip seal, road, B roads, single track, etc) riding on these tires, haven't punctured yet. It's one of the things I like about them.
@@Mamilian City streets, some hard pack paths. I've had 1 flat from a hard hit on a pot hole, I cant blame the tire for that. 2 from glass working through the tire, 1 from a wire working trough, 3 unknown but I found a hole in the carcass but no debris and 1 where I couldn't find any cause for the flat. These tire by far have been the least reliable tires I have ever used for city riding.
Tubeless?
@@Mamilian Tubed.
@@jorgecoelho4599 Why not tubeless? If you're riding in places full of hazards like wires and glass, seems like tubeless is The Way. Especially with a tire that is designed to be run primarily tubeless.
I use to ride my panaracer 60 psi