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Expert Advice

HOW TO GET THE CORRECT TYRE PRESSURE FOR BICYCLE TYRES

Increase comfort, grip and performance with the right tyre pressure

What is the correct tyre pressure for your bicycle? It actually depends on a variety of factors but don't worry. Our helpful guide to tyre pressure will help you on your way to smoother rides and fewer punctures.

Why getting the right tyre pressure is so important

Want to ride fast in comfort? The right tyre pressure is vital.

Hone in that magic psi for increased grip, lower rolling resistance and fewer punctures.

Read on to find out more about the conditions that affect ideal tyre pressure. Plus, we’ll tell you the tools you’ll need to get it right.

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How tyre pressure affects grip

Ever felt like you’re getting bounced about after you’ve inflated your tyres? It's probably because you over-inflated them.

Too much air decreases the surface area of the tyre in contact with the road or trail. A narrower contact area means more slippage and a harsher ride.

Dropping the pressure lets the tyre conform to the surface. But don’t go too low or you'll increase the risk of punctures.

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How tyre pressure affects rolling resistance

If your tyre pressure isn’t high enough, you’re increasing rolling resistance.

Rolling resistance is how much friction there is between your tyre and the surface it’s rolling on.

The more your tyre can deform, the more friction you create.

More friction means more rolling resistance. Too much means you’re wasting energy. You’ll also find it harder to get up to speed.

A higher psi means less rolling resistance. Until you go too high.

Over-inflating your tyre also increases rolling resistance. Why? A super-firm tyre bounces off potholes and bumps which slows you down.

Push your psi to the max and you might start your ride feeling faster. But loss of grip and increased vibration take their toll. Fatigue sets in sooner and you’ll have a slower, less enjoyable ride.

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How to find the correct tyre pressure for your bike

Have a look at the side wall of your tyres. You should spot the manufacturer’s recommended psi range. That’s your starting point.

For safety’s sake, don’t go above or below the recommended range.

You’ll have a wide range to play with. Here’s what to consider so you can dial it in.

Total weight?

We don’t just mean your weight. You’ll also need to factor in your bike and whatever luggage you’re taking.

More weight means more compression on your tyres. So, you’ll need more psi than you’d have on a fast and light Sunday spin.

If your combined weight is relatively low, your psi can be at the low end of the range.

Looking for marginal gains on the road? Try a few less psi on the front since the rear takes more load.

Tyre and wheel rim size

Did you go for 700c x 25? Or maybe even 700c x 28? Did you know the actual size may vary. It all depends on the rim size and tyre design.

Most brands design tyres with a 19mm internal rim width in mind. Got wider rims? Your tyres will end up wider than the advertised size.

So, on wider rims, you might need a lower psi.

Riding conditions

Ever heard that higher tyre pressure is faster? Whoever said that probably rides on a velodrome.

In real life, bumps, potholes, rocks and roots are no fun on a super-firm tyre. Unless you enjoy being rattled around by road buzz. But most of us just end up fatigued and slow.

The solution? Drop the pressure. But go too soft and you risk ‘pinch flats’ - annoying punctures where the inner tube gets caught in the rim. Especially risky on skinny tyres.

Riding on rough roads regularly? Wider tyres can run at lower pressure. So, it’s well worth switching up to a 28mm.

The weather

Rain on the forecast? Drop the pressure by 5 psi for more grip.

Feeling hot? Excess heat increases pressure in your tyre and your inner tube could explode. So, stay away from the top end of that psi range.

That also goes for rides with long descents if you’re on rim brakes. Why? Your breaks generate excess heat. And a burst tyre on a fast downhill is no fun at all.

The type of tyre

Zippy summer tyres are made with a higher number of thinner nylon or cotton threads. The outer rubber is generally thinner.

This keeps the weight down and lets them deform under pressure. This means you can run a higher psi.

For winter, you’ll need something a bit more durable. Winter tyres have puncture-proofing and thicker treads. They’re stiffer and heavier which means you can run a lower psi.

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What tools do I need to get the correct tyre pressure?

Don’t need pin-point accuracy? A track pump is the most practical and cost-effective option.

It’s easier to use than a hand pump. And the pressure gauge gives you an accurate read on psi.

Check your psi on the way out. Then forget about it and enjoy the ride.

But what if you’re really into marginal gains?

Slip a compact pressure gauge into a jersey pocket or saddle bag. Then adjust your pressure as you ride until you find the sweet spot.

If you’re getting scientific, you can even use a power meter to hone it in. Repeat a local climb at the same speed or power output.

Adjust the pressure until you find the psi that lets you ride at the top speed for a set power output. Or the lowest power output for a set speed. Up to you.

Probably best for a solo ride.

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How often should I inflate my bike tyres?

Ever had a few weeks off the bike to find the tyres have gone down?

Don’t worry. It’s normal to lose anything between one and 40 psi per week.

It doesn’t mean they’re damaged or punctured. But it does mean you should check your tyre pressure once a week. Or before every ride if you ride less often.

Why do bike tyres lose pressure when not used?

There are three main reasons. The first is the inner tube material.

Using regular black inner tubes? They’re most likely made from butyl.

Butyl is good at keeping large molecules like water inside. But oxygen can slowly escape.

For racing, you might try to save weight with latex inner tubes. They’re light because they’re so thin. They’ll lose air faster so check them on every ride.

Another cause of pressure loss is how you inflated your tyres. CO2 is a quick fix to get you home if you had a puncture. But not great in the long term.

CO2 acts as a solvent of butyl, meaning it breaks down the structure. Air can escape quicker than if you’d used a regular pump.

That’s why you should deflate your tyre as soon as you get home. Then re-inflate with air. Obviously.

The third way you can lose pressure is through your valves. Schraeder are especially leaky if you over or under-tighten them.

When dirt gets into your valves, you can also expect leaks. That applies to and Schraeder. A compelling reason to use valve caps we think.

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How to choose the right tubless tyre pressure

Lower pressures make for a more comfortable ride. And no inner-tube means no risk of pinch-flats. Tubeless tyres have a lot going for them.

But if you’ve made the switch, how do you find your perfect psi?

It’s not much different from finding your psi with clinchers.

Tubeless tyres come with a recommended psi range. Then you need to look at your combined weight, riding conditions and the type of tyre. Simple.

Don’t go too low or you’ll risk the tyre falling off the rim. And going too high risks the tyre blowing off the rim.

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