Correctly inflated bike tires will enable you to remain safe throughout your pedaling adventures. Locate a PSI number found on the side of your tires. The PSI number indicates the amount of air the tires should hold, in pounds per square inch. The PSI number varies depending on the type of tires you put on your bike. Use a pressure gauge to guarantee that the tires of your bike remain at the proper level of inflation.
Significance
Check your tire pressure before setting out on your next ride. Under-inflated tires cause the bike to maneuver poorly around steep turns. Tires that do not have enough air can cause your metallic rim to make contact with the rough pavement. Improperly inflated tires will increase the amount of energy it requires to pedal your bicycle forward. Meanwhile, tires that contain too much air remain are prone to punctures.
Benefits
Properly inflating your bike tires will allow you to easily roll over irregularities in the riding terrain. The tire can absorb the impact of bumpy surfaces, which in turn increases your cycling comfort. Bike expert Sheldon Brown states that properly inflated tires will prevent your bike from hydroplaning while maneuvering across slick surfaces. Correctly inflated bike tires will increase your traction while riding across rough mountain biking terrains.
Types
Bicycle tires come in two basic designs. The conventional bicycle tire features an internal tube that inflates through an air valve. More advanced tires, often used in professional level mountain biking and road cycling, have no tubes at all. Utah Mountain Biking notes that tubeless tires have the benefit of requiring less air than conventional tires. The lower inflation pressure works best for mountain bikers, who often ride on sharp rocks and jagged terrain and require a larger contact patch with the surface to maintain control.
Size
The width of the tire correlates to the amount of air pressure your tires require. Your weight remains another determining factor to consider before inflating your tires. Brown observes that if you weigh 100 lbs. and have a tire width of 55 mm, or around 2 inches, inflate your tires to 45 psi. If you have a 55 mm tire and weigh less than 100 lbs., slightly decrease the amount of air pressure.
Considerations
Bicycle tires often display a maximum and minimum PSI number. Michelin Bicycle Tire recommends that, if you weigh more than 180 lbs., you inflate your bicycle tires to the maximum PSI number. If weigh less than 110 lbs., inflate your bicycle tires to the minimum PSI number.
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