Applying some pressure

[liquidindian]

So, four weeks in, I notice my tyres aren't as solid as they were, and coincidentally, there's a footpump for sale in Lidl. Great!

The side of the tyre says to pump to 75psi. I attach the pump and pump it up to around 50... and start to get a bit wary. The tyre feels solid now, and it's getting a bit tough to keep pumping.

So, is it maybe a crap gauge and the tyre is now pumped up to the max, or is this normal and I should stop being a bairn worried about exploding tyres and keep pumping to 75psi?

 

[Paulus]

Tyres do feel really hard when they are fully inflated. Although the pump is from Lidl try pumping until you get to the correct pressure, but do not go over the max. as indicated on the tyre.

 

[John the Monkey]

What's the inflation range on your tyre?

Most have a min and max on the sidewall - Continentals come with a recommended pressure (95psi, in the case of my 25C Ultra Gators).

Sheldon Brown's site (bookmark it, it's a goldmine) has a good guide to the effects of under and over inflation here.

 

[RedBike]

It all depends on what tyres you have and where you're riding.

75psi is very high for a MTB tyre but it's too low for a narrow road slick tyre.

So, is it maybe a crap gauge and the tyre is now pumped up to the max, or is this normal and I should stop being a bairn worried about exploding tyres and keep pumping to 75psi?

Cheap pumps struggle to reach high pressures. 50psi could well be the pumps max. It sounds like you need a better pump.

 

[liquidindian]

It all depends on what tyres you have and where you're riding.

75psi is very high for a MTB tyre but it's too low for a narrow road slick tyre.


Cheap pumps struggle to reach high pressures. 50psi could well be the pumps max. It sounds like you need a better pump.

It's a... hybrid commuter bike, I think? One of these: http://www.raleigh.co.uk/b_details.aspx?id=2700

I probably could do with a better pump - but at three quid, I haven't really lost much. I might store it at work in case I get a puncture on the way in.

I certainly noticed the difference coming into work, seemed much easier and less effort.

Thanks for the advice and links!