Thread Killer
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,478
Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII, 23 3T Strada
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3179 Post(s)
Every rider needs enough tire pressure that the bike handles securely, feels right, and the tire doesn’t bottom out against the rim on typical impacts. All of that has to happen within the designated pressure range on tires, and where indicated, the pressure range of the rims.
There are various online charts which cross-reference rider weight and tire size to give suggested tire pressures, but depending on your needs, it may suffice to simply inflate to max indicated tire pressure, check when seated on the bike that there’s a bit of sidewall deformation (or sag, or tire drop), and if not, release pressure until there is.
If you’re experiencing handling issues, pinch flats, sidewall abrasion, or other issues like front wheel scrub in turns or heavy, sluggish acceleration, add air pressure to reduce sag, being mindful not to exceed indicated max pressure.