MTB tire pressure know-how for you
Maintaining the proper mtb tire pressure on your mountain bike is crucial for a safe and enjoyable ride. Not only can it affect the way your bike handles and performs, but it can also impact your comfort level and the lifespan of your tires. In this blog article, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of tire pressure for mountain biking, including how to determine the right pressure for your tires and how to properly inflate them.
How to measure the pressure in your tires
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that mtb tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Most mountain bike tires will have a recommended range of PSI printed on the sidewall, which is a good place to start. However, this range is just a guideline and may not necessarily be the ideal pressure for every rider or situation. Factors such as your weight, the terrain you’ll be riding on, and your personal preference can all influence the optimal tire pressure for your mountain bike.
A common mistake when setting mtb tire pressure
One common mistake that many riders make is inflating their tires to the maximum pressure recommended on the sidewall. While this may seem like the logical thing to do, it can actually result in a harsh, uncomfortable ride and decrease traction on the trails. On the other hand, running your tires too low can cause them to roll or fold over, leading to a loss of control and an increased risk of flats.
So, how do you determine the right tire pressure for your mountain bike? The best way is to experiment and find what works for you. Start by inflating your tires to the middle of the recommended range and take them for a ride. Pay attention to how the bike feels and whether you feel like you’re getting enough traction. If the ride feels too harsh or bouncy, try reducing the pressure by a few PSI. If the ride feels sluggish or you’re not getting enough grip, try increasing the pressure slightly. It may take a few tries to find the sweet spot, but it’s worth the effort to get it right.
How to inflate the the pressure of your tires
Once you’ve determined the optimal mtb tire pressure for your mountain bike, it’s important to properly inflate your tires to ensure they maintain the correct pressure. This can be done using a floor pump with a gauge or a hand pump with a pressure gauge. Make sure to check the pressure of your tires before every ride to ensure they are at the correct level. If you notice that your tire pressure is consistently low, it may be a sign that your tires are worn or that you have a slow leak. In this case, it’s a good idea to replace the tires or repair the leak.
And in conclusion 😉 …
In conclusion, proper mtb tire pressure is essential for a safe and enjoyable mountain biking experience. By experimenting with different pressures and properly inflating your tires, you can fine-tune your ride to suit your needs and preferences. Don’t be afraid to play around with tire pressure to find what works best for you, but always make sure to follow the recommended range printed on the sidewall and to regularly check your tire pressure before hitting the trails.
We recommend you download SAGLY, a mobile app to document, tune and compare your mountain bike settings. It also has a built in tire pressure calculation in the EASY SETUP GUIDE section. This will help you to find the right tire pressure based on your body and tire model.