Determining the correct air pressure for your mountain bike tires can be the difference between an uncomfortable, bouncy ride and a comfortable controlled ride. Overinflated tires lead to less traction and control on the trail whereas under-inflated tires cause the rider to have to work harder and to deal with pinched flat tires. The goal is to find the tire pressure that best supports your weight on the terrain you are riding.
Step 1
Set your tire pressure. An average rider weighing 130 to 200 lbs can start with a tire pressure of 40 to 45 PSI (pounds per square inch). Heavier riders will want to start at 50 to 55 PSI. The tire gauge will read the PSI. Many pumps have a gauge attached making it easy to know where the PSI is while pumping the tire.
Step 2
Take your bike out on a test run. Be sure to ride in normal conditions on the type of trail you would typically ride on. Pay attention to how your bike reacts when you turn corners, go over rocks or down into dips.
Step 3
Pump the tires up to a higher PSI if your rims hit rocks or the ground. This means your tires are under-inflated and need more air or you risk getting a pinched flat tire and damaging it.
Step 4
Let out 3 to 5 PSI if you find yourself sliding during the turns and getting jostled around. This means your tires are overinflated. Ride again and repeat the above process until you find the tire pressure that gives you maximal traction with the least amount of air. This is your optimal mountain bike tire pressure.
Tips and Warnings
- Use the same tire pressure gauge for the entire process or you could find varying readings, causing you unneeded frustration. Tire pressure can change depending on the terrain. It is a good idea to carry a pump and tire pressure gauge to make adjustments on the go. The PSI recommendations are found on the tire itself. The higher number is for riding on the street and the lower number for the trails.
- If a tire is under-inflated you run the risk of getting a pinched flat tire. This is when the tube gets smashed between an object like a rock and the rim resulting in a punctured tube.
Things You'll Need
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tire pump
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