Tyre pressures

[Twanger]

Now, I am not new to cycling, but I am new to pressure gauges and track pumps. And, obviously, pumping up my tyres properly. My new, cheap, track pump showed the pressure in my tyres, which I had thought was low but still useably so, to be about 40psi. So I pump it up to 100, and the tyre is rock hard. The recommended pressure for my tyre is 115-125.

Is rock hard what it should be? What is the danger of things going bang?

 

[tyred]

If the tyre is rated to 125 psi, then it should be safe at 100. Within reason, the harder the better as it will have more puncture resistance but if it's really hard, the ride will rattle your teeth out on anything rougher than a billiard table. 100psi sounds okay to me. Maybe 110psi on the back wheel as it carries most of your weight.

 

[amnezia]

Yes they should be rock hard. For commuting i use 110psi.

 

[Sittingduck]

Depends upon the type of bike / tyres / riding / surfaces etc. My road bike's tyres are 100 - 130 Psi and I'm currently running them at 120. Better to be towards the harder end of their capacity then too soft in my opinion but like I said, I think it depends upon the factors mentioned

SD

 

[Randochap]

Here's a rational guide to tyre pressure, that considers rider weight variability.

 

[Twanger]

Thanks for the comments and the last link.