The ultimate guide to having the right tire pressure

As summer approaches, when sunny days invite you to get out and enjoy the outdoors, many cyclists are preparing to bring out their faithful companion, the bicycle. Whether your mount has spent the winter hanging on the wall, hanging from a hook or simply placed on the ground, a crucial step is necessary before leaving for your first ride: inflating the tires. The question that keeps coming up: what air pressure is the right one for my tires?

Unfortunately, there is no universal answer to this question, but rest assured, we are here to guide you! Although each supplier indicates a minimum and maximum pressure to be respected on the sidewall of the tire, there are many other factors to take into consideration.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

Here are some factors to consider:

Your weight: A heavier rider will generally need to opt for a higher pressure in order to avoid the risk of pinching and maintain optimal rolling performance.

Terrain Type: On smooth roads, higher pressure can reduce rolling resistance, while on rocky and uneven trails, lower pressure can improve comfort and grip.

Weather Conditions: In rainy or wet or muddy conditions, reducing tire pressure slightly may improve grip.

Tire Type: Tubeless tires are typically inflated to a pressure 5 to 10 psi lower than tubed tires. Keep reading to learn more about tubeless tires!

ROAD BIKE

Tire pressure in a road bike is a crucial element that influences the rider's performance, comfort and safety. Generally, a pressure between 80 and 120 psi is recommended, but this varies depending on tire width and the factors listed above.

• 23mm tires: 100-120 psi
• 25mm tires: 80-100 psi
• 28mm tires: 70-90 psi

MYTHS OR REALITY

The higher the pressure, the better!

FAKE. At one time this belief was widespread among cyclists, but it is now obsolete. In fact, too much pressure can reduce comfort, grip and even increase rolling resistance on rough surfaces. It is important to adapt the tire pressure according to the type of terrain and the weight of the cyclist. If you are in doubt, start with the minimum pressure indicated on your tire.

GRAVEL BIKE

Gravel tires, generally wider than road tires, offer unparalleled versatility for exploring a variety of terrains. Their width allows the use of lower pressures while maintaining good performance and optimal shock absorption.

On gravel terrain, which can vary wildly from smooth dirt roads to rocky, rough trails, tire pressure plays a crucial role in rider comfort and traction. Additionally, weather conditions can greatly affect gravel bike road conditions, making the terrain muddy and requiring lower pressure for better grip.

In general, a tire pressure between 30 and 55 psi is recommended, but this also depends on the width of the tires:

• 35-38mm tires: 40-55 psi
• 40-45mm tires: 30-50 psi
• 45-50 mm tires: 25-40 psi

MYTHS OR REALITY

Lower pressure always means better comfort and traction on gravel terrain.

FAKE. Although lower pressure can generally provide better comfort and traction on rough surfaces, too low pressure can also increase the risk of pinch punctures and reduce rolling efficiency on smoother or harder sections.

ELECTRIC BIKE

Electric bikes, often heavier than their conventional counterparts and capable of reaching higher speeds. They therefore have specific needs in terms of tire pressure.

Pressure recommendations may vary depending on the type of e-bike (city, mountain, road, etc.) and tire width. Generally speaking, we recommend a tire pressure between 50 and 90 psi.

• City electric bike (35-45mm tires): 40-60 psi
• Electric mountain bike (2.1-2.8 inch tires): 20-35 psi
• Electric road bike (28-32mm tires): 70-90 psi

MYTHS OR REALITY

Putting the right pressure in my e-bike tires could help it extend the life of my battery.

TRUE. Indeed, tire pressure has a direct impact on the use of your electric bike's battery. For example, underinflated tires increase the contact patch between the tire and the ground, which increases rolling resistance. This requires more effort from the motor to maintain the same speed, thus consuming more battery power. By maintaining adequate pressure in your tires, you can extend the range of your electric bike and maximize its performance.

MOUNTAIN BIKE

Mountain biking offers an unparalleled diversity of terrain, from rocky, technical trails to smooth dirt trails. MTB tires, often wider, are designed to provide optimal traction and improved shock absorption, adapted to these varied conditions. As a result, your mountain bike's tire pressure will generally be the lowest among all types of bikes, except perhaps Fatbikes, if you have one.

Different riding styles, such as downhill or freeride, may require different pressures compared to more cross-country or trail-oriented riding styles.

Pressure recommendations vary depending on tire width and terrain type:

• 2.1-2.3 inch tires: 25-35 psi
• 2.4-2.6 inch tires: 20-30 psi
• 2.8-3.0 inch (and larger) tires: 15-25 psi

MYTHS OR REALITY

When cycling, the pressure of the front tire and that of the rear tire must be the same.

FAKE. In reality, it is often beneficial to adjust tire pressure differently depending on their position and specific role, especially when mountain biking. For example, the front tire typically carries more weight and experiences more driving force and traction, so it may benefit from slightly lower pressure than the rear wheel, which is primarily responsible for cornering and braking.

It is therefore recommended to opt for a 3-5 psi lower tire pressure for your front wheel, which can improve traction and control on technical mountain biking terrain.

FATBIKE

The fatbike is often the preferred choice for tackling extreme conditions such as snow, sand or muddy trails. The tires, with an impressive width ranging from 3.8 to 5 inches, are designed to provide better flotation on soft surfaces and improved grip.

Due to their large volume, fatbike tires can be inflated to very low pressures with little risk of pinching. Unlike other types of bike where air pressure is recommended based on tire dimensions, for the fatbike it is rather dictated by the type of terrain.

• Snow or sand: 5-10 psi
• Technical trails: 8-12 psi
• Hard roads and paths: 12-20 psi

TUBELESS TIRES (TUBELESS)

Tubeless tires, initially common in the road bike world, are now gaining popularity in all types of bikes. Opting for tubeless tires offers a multitude of benefits, including reduced risk of punctures, reduced bike weight, lower rolling resistance, and increased grip and control on the road or trail.

Designed to be mounted directly to the rim without a tube, tubeless tires are sealed tightly against the rim, trapping air inside without requiring a tube. This design offers several benefits, including the ability to ride at lower pressures, which improves traction, comfort and reduces the risk of pinching.

Here are general pressure ranges for different types of bikes and tubeless tire widths:

• Road: 60-80 psi (4.1-5.5 bar)
• MTB (All-Terrain Bike): 20-35 psi (1.4-2.4 bars)
• Gravel: 35-50 psi (2.4-3.4 bar)

MYTHS OR REALITY

I can't get a flat tire with a tubeless tire.

FAKE. Although tubeless tires significantly reduce the risk of punctures through the use of a liquid sealant and the absence of an inner tube, they do not guarantee complete immunity against punctures. Small punctures can be automatically sealed by the sealant, but larger punctures or assembly defects can still result in pressure loss. It is therefore important for cyclists to stay prepared for possible punctures by carrying a suitable repair kit and knowing how to carry out necessary repairs in the field.

IN SUMMARY

When wondering how much pressure to put in your tires, it's a good idea to start with the minimum recommended pressure on your tire and adjust it based on the various factors covered above, such as your weight, terrain type, and terrain. weather situation. Also be sure to monitor your tire pressure regularly to avoid any surprises during your ride.

It is also recommended to always carry a repair kit in case of a puncture. Here is what this kit should include:

• Multi-tool: Useful for removing the tire from the rim, compact and easy to carry, a must-have for any cyclist.
• Tube: If your tires have tubes or if your riding tubeless, make sure you have a spare tube, as well as adhesive patches for small punctures.
• Portable pump: Choose a transport hand pump, more efficient and easier to use than CO2 cartridges.
• Liquid Sealant: For tubeless tires, having liquid sealant can allow you to repair minor punctures in the field.

Finally, for those new to puncture repair, YouTube can be a valuable resource. Otherwise, don't hesitate to stop by the store where our team can give you a 101 course on repairing punctures or to find out the correct pressure for your tires.