Ensuring proper bicycle tire pressure is important for both casual and competitive cyclists. Tire inflation pressure affects both the handling of your bicycle and the lifespan of your tires. The ideal bicycle tire pressure varies depending on several factors, including: the type of bike tire, the weight of the rider, the conditions in which the bicycle will be used, and the rider's personal preferences as to how they want the bicycle to perform. Taking these factors into consideration, you should keep your bicycle tire pressure within the tire manufacturer's recommended range for inflation.
Tire Type
The ideal bicycle tire pressure depends, in part, on the type of tire. Ideal tire pressure varies depending on the terrain on which the tire is designed for use, the tire manufacturer, and the width of the tire. Generally, narrow, smooth-treaded tires require a higher tire pressure than wider, more rugged tires. According to a 2008 article published in "Bicycling" Magazine, the ideal tire pressure for road tires is typically 80 to 130 pounds-per-square-inch, or psi; while mountain bike tires generally require inflation pressure of 30 to to 50 psi; and ideal hybrid tire pressure usually ranges from 50 to 70 psi. You should never inflate your tires below or beyond the tire manufacturer's recommended range.
Rider Weight
To ensure maximum performance and durability of your bicycle tires, tire pressure should also be adjusted to the weight of the rider. In general, heavier riders should inflate their tires to a higher psi than lighter riders. According to Michelin Bicycle USA's website, for a medium-sized road tire with circumference dimensions of 700x23c, a 120-lbs. person should use a pressure of about 90 psi; whereas a 160-lbs. individual should inflate their tires to about 110 psi. According to Michelin, riders weighing less than 110 lbs. should inflate their tires to the minimum recommended pressure indicated on the tire sidewall, while someone who weighs over 180 lbs. should inflate their bike tires to the maximum recommended pressure on the tire wall.
Riding Conditions
Your ideal bicycle tire pressure may also vary somewhat depending on riding conditions, including the roughness and wetness of the terrain. The book "Road Bike Maintenance" by Guy Andrews recommends lowering your tire pressure by by 5 to 10 percent in wet conditions in order to maintain a stable grip on the terrain. Tires may also perform better with a lower psi on rough terrain, as opposed to smooth pavement. For example, according to "Bicycling" Magazine, road tires may feel best inflated to100 psi on brand-new pavement, but on a rough road they may perform better at 90 psi. Similarly, your mountain bike tires may perform better at 50 psi on the road, but at 38 psi on a single-track trail.
Preference
Personal preference also comes into account when determining your ideal bicycle tire pressure. You may prefer the increased comfort and traction achieved by inflating your tires to the lower end of their recommended psi, or you may like the faster ride offered by harder tires. While you should always stick within the manufacturer's recommended range for your tire to avoid getting a flat from an under-inflated tire or losing traction with the ground due to over-inflation, you can do some experimentation to find your ideal tire pressure based on your bicycle performance preferences.
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