Tyre pressure..
- Thread starter ray316
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snailracer
Über Member
This is not an easy question to answer because it depends on the road surface, the size and type of tyres you have on your bike, your tolerance for discomfort, etc.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html
Scroll down to the "Width and Pressure" and "Pressure Recommendations" sections.
guitarpete247
Just about surviving
- Location
- Leicestershire
I tend to go with what is written on the tyre. But I'm sure that my 15st 12lb will increase the pressure when I get on 
.
I always thought that if the pressure is too low you are liable to pinch (snakebite) pu*****es and high pressure with decrease rolling resistance. For the car the correct pressure give optimum ecomomy.
. I always thought that if the pressure is too low you are liable to pinch (snakebite) pu*****es and high pressure with decrease rolling resistance. For the car the correct pressure give optimum ecomomy.
i run mine at the max pressure stated on the tyre for the following reasons.
(a) the legal bods won't allow them to put the actual max pressure on (it is widely believed the tyre can take twice the pressure)
(b) i get less punctures (approx 4 on the road in 7 years, and a couple of slow ones that went down over night)
i was recently told by LBS that i shouldn't run them at max because it can split the tyre lengthways so I underinflated them as it is recommended by the Sheldon Brown website, and my LBS.
I had a p&ncture the first time i went out.
So, as I've never, in 7 years, had a vertical split on my tyre, I have gone back to max pressure and very happy with it thank you very much.
max pressure stated on the tyre is calculated without the added weight of you. so if you want to run at max pressure, you don't need to take into account your body weight.
(a) the legal bods won't allow them to put the actual max pressure on (it is widely believed the tyre can take twice the pressure)
(b) i get less punctures (approx 4 on the road in 7 years, and a couple of slow ones that went down over night)
i was recently told by LBS that i shouldn't run them at max because it can split the tyre lengthways so I underinflated them as it is recommended by the Sheldon Brown website, and my LBS.
I had a p&ncture the first time i went out.
So, as I've never, in 7 years, had a vertical split on my tyre, I have gone back to max pressure and very happy with it thank you very much.
max pressure stated on the tyre is calculated without the added weight of you. so if you want to run at max pressure, you don't need to take into account your body weight.
snailracer
Über Member
Aha, I detect myths!
Tyre pressure remains constant, regardless of the weight on the bike, even if that weight changes. Attach a pressure gauge to a tyre and jump on the bike - the pressure will not change.
The rider's weight is a consideration only in respect of pinch punctures, where the tyre bottoms out and the inner tube is pinched against the rim. So, a lightweight rider can run at lower tyre pressure than a heavier rider.
Running at a lower pressure slightly increases the risk of a "normal" puncture because the contact patch is slightly wider and will "sweep" more of the road. To reduce the chances of a "pinch" puncture occurring, rider weight and the road surface should be considered - i.e. a perfectly smooth surface should not generate pinch punctures.
guitarpete247
Just about surviving
- Location
- Leicestershire
Only way I can see is a pump with a pressure guage. I got one from Decathlon (can't see it on their site now).
Or, pump it up with a track pump, squeeze tyre and remember how it felt. I'm sure there must be a way similar to how to test if steak is done to your liking
.If you have a road bike and a hand pump, then you will never have enough pressure in your tyres.
If you have an off road bike and a hand pump, then you will never over-pressure your tyres.
In general, of course.
As snailracer says, it does depend on what sort of bike and what sort / size of tyres. In general, pump them until they do not give at all when you push your thumb into them, and that'll be enough. If they noticeably squash when you are riding on flat tarmac, you will need more pressure.
Most hand pumps will struggle to put in enough air, very few will be able to put in too much.
If you have an off road bike and a hand pump, then you will never over-pressure your tyres.
In general, of course.
As snailracer says, it does depend on what sort of bike and what sort / size of tyres. In general, pump them until they do not give at all when you push your thumb into them, and that'll be enough. If they noticeably squash when you are riding on flat tarmac, you will need more pressure.
Most hand pumps will struggle to put in enough air, very few will be able to put in too much.
Holdsworth
Guru
- Location
- Crewe, Cheshire
Simples, get a mini pump with a gauge and a foot to make it a mini track pump, easy to get to over 100 psi and see how much you've put in
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-road-morph-with-gauge-1/
totallyfixed
Veteran
- Location
- The only county without a McDonalds
Shows how naive I am, I thought everyone had a track pump. The tourer on bigger tyres runs at 80psi our road bikes between 110 &120 and the TT bikes between 120 and 160psi. We reduce the pressure slightly for very wet or icy days. But seriously, get yourself a track pump.
RecordAceFromNew
Swinging Member
- Location
- West London
+1.
Assuming the tyre manufacturer's recommendation is not exceeded, for "road" applications this table by the Rivendell folks looks pretty sensible to me. For "offroad" the answers are even more complicated.
asterix
Comrade Member
- Location
- Limoges or York
I was running my rear tyre at 105psi, but I'm now trying it on 95 (it's a 28c) for comfort. TBH I don't notice any change in speed or effort.
My audax bike had 23c tyres which when they wore out I replaced with 28c as I find 23c uncomfortable and also I think 28s will cope with potholes better. UK roads will only get worse it seems
Lidl's sold me a track pump for 6 euros. It's an odd design as the piston sits on the floor while you push the barrel up and down. It's extraordinarily effective despite its slightly flimsy build. It's so light you could carry it with you!
My audax bike had 23c tyres which when they wore out I replaced with 28c as I find 23c uncomfortable and also I think 28s will cope with potholes better. UK roads will only get worse it seems
Lidl's sold me a track pump for 6 euros. It's an odd design as the piston sits on the floor while you push the barrel up and down. It's extraordinarily effective despite its slightly flimsy build. It's so light you could carry it with you!
