Bike Tire Pressure: How to Set it Correctly

By: Sophia Goulski

If you don't think the right tire pressure makes a huge difference in the control you have over your bike, think again. A difference in tire pressure can make an huge difference in control and feel.

If your tire pressure is too high, it means less of your tire exterior is in contact with the ground, which means less control of your bicycle. Conversely, tire pressure that is too low will give you erratic tires. It will also make you more likely to get pinch flats.

The right amount of tire pressure in a bicycle will contrast between rider to rider and different tire setups. The conditions of your trail and the type of terrain you're riding will also greatly impact what tire pressure you should be using in your tires.

The best tactic to find the best tire pressure is to find out what you feel is the correct pressure for normal conditions. Then you can fine-tune your pressure to accommodate different types of terrain and trails.

The first thing you should do is get a reliable pressure gauge, or you can also use a pump with a built-in pressure gauge. Then, use this same gauge or pump anytime you are making adjustments. Some gauges are more accurate than others, so if you use a different gauge each time, you won't get precise results.

I advise starting with pressure of 40 - 50 psi. That's for a tire with a tube. For a tubeless system, start with 30 - 40 psi. Also keep in mind that if you weigh more than an average rider, you should begin with more pressure. Once you have a base pressure, try riding with it for a while and get a feel for corners and turns.

Drop the pressure by 5 psi in each tire and get a feel for how this new pressure feels and how it compares to your prior pressure. You should notice some enhancement in stability, and if you don't, drop the pressure by another 5 psi.

You want to find the lowest pressure you can ride with without sacrificing pinch flat resistance. A pinch flat occurs when your tire rolls over something and then compresses to the point where the tire and the tube get pinched between the object and the rim on the wheel.

With tubeless tires, you can run with a lower tire pressure, as you don't have to worry about getting pinch flats. If you begin to dent your rims, burp air out along the bead, or feel the tire roll under the rim during hard cornering, you've taken the pressure much too low.

Once you've found a comfortable setting for your tire pressure, learn what your tire feels like when you squeeze it with your hands. If you know what this feels like, you can get a pressure level approximately close, which is practical if you don't have a gauge with you.

Article Source: https://www.collectibles-articles.com

Sophia enjoys biking and has a website all about the best cycling water bottle.

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