The air in your bicycle's tires is something that should be of constant concern to any seasoned cyclist. Although bike tires pack much less air volume than care tires, they require much more air to remain properly inflated because that air is under much more pressure. Failure to monitor and adjust the air in your bicycle tires could lead to a number of problems --- which could strand you out in the middle of nowhere.
Significance
It's much easier to get a flat with a bike tire than a flat with a car tire. Changes in bike tire pressure can have a dramatic effect on how the tube and tire on a wheel respond to the ground below it, and this can create a number of perils, the Bicycle South website warns. These are even more likely to occur on uneven or rough terrains, where low-pressure tires are more susceptible to a number of risks.
Risks
Poorly inflated tires are more likely to suffer a puncture in the tube. They are also much more likely to receive a "snake-bite" puncture caused by the slack in the tire tube being pinched by the metal of a wheel. Low pressure in a tire can also cause unwanted wear on the sidewall of a tire, where the tire is least protected. Over time, this can lead to a sidewall blowout.
Inflating Your Tire
The first thing to do when inflating a tire is to determine the maximum tire pressure for your specific tire. Do this before riding, so the tire has not heated up during a ride and increased the pressure within. Manufacturers determine the pressure for their tires, the Sheldon Brown website explains, keeping, these numbers conservative to reduce the risk of a blowout. Unscrew the tube cap located on the wheel rim between the spokes. Attach an air pressure tube to the mouth of the tube and use a hand pump or air compressor to fill the air. Use a tire pressure gauge periodically to check the air pressure, and continue filling the tire until you are near maximum pressure.
Considerations
The optimal tire pressure for your bicycle often depends on how much weight you are carrying. Because this requires a little extra math, it is often left out of basic tire pressure explanations, and for the most part it entails no risks, although optimum pressure can improve your riding performance. The surface on which you're riding can also make some slight changes to the optimum tire pressure. If you want to inflate your tires more exactly, consult a load-bearing tire pressure chart or visit a bike specialist to determine the ideal air pressure for your tires and riding habits.
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