If you’re really concerned, try comparing it with a pump that you know will read true, like one at your local shop or an accurate digital tire pressure gauge. If you suspect yours is off, that is fine, as long as you know what to expect and are consistent in checking your tires before each ride. A lot of pumps will have built-in gauges. There is a chance these gauges are a bit inaccurate. Having an easy-to-read tire pressure gauge is key to setting up your tire pressure. Read on to learn about the variables that might lead you to add more PSI or take a little out. Heavier riders may prefer higher pressures and lighter riders may prefer lower pressures. These pressure suggestions are based on an average-sized male rider (about 160 pounds) riding moderate terrain. While they are a good starting point, those ranges are too broad and conservative for most riders. Most mountain bike tires are rated for 25-50 PSI. “You need to find the sweet spot for a tire and figure out where the high pressure doesn’t have any risk of blowing off the rim and the low pressure won’t burp or rip off the rim.” “Recommended tire pressure is about the intended use and the best range for that use,” says tire expert Johs Huseby, WTB’s Director of Global OEM Sales and Product Vision.
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(Pro tip: If you’re mounting a tire, align that pressure rating next to the valve for easy reference.) So where do you begin if you’re new to cycling and just got a road, mountain, gravel, or cyclocross bike? Conveniently, every bike tire has recommended PSI stamped into the rubber on the sidewall. Checking your tire pressure is the simplest and most important piece of regular maintenance you can perform. Tire pressure has a huge impact on how a bike performs. Higher PSI (pounds per square inch) makes the tire harder. Pneumatic tires on any vehicle are supported by pressurized air in an airtight chamber. But hopefully, riders of every ability level can learn a little more about the precious pressurized air that keeps us all rolling. This how-to guide is geared toward the latter group of cyclists, beginners. Or, you might be a little surprised to hear that bike tires need to be checked far more regularly than those on your car.
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It is the air in your tires.ĭepending on your experience level, you might be able to gauge your PSI with a quick pinch of the tire. Well, this story’s headline probably gave away the answer. But it is essential if you want to go ride. Here’s a riddle: Your bike has a component that costs nothing and weighs nothing.