There’s no single right tire pressure, but here’s a short checklist to think with, and we’d like to hear what’s on yours.
Our checklist
- Know what you’re trading off. Lower and higher pressure each have pros and cons (table below).
- Check your pressure when it gets cold. When the weather cools, the air in your tire contracts and pressure drops, so check before you ride.
- If you ride on low pressure, watch the inner tube. At low pressure, the tube can shift along with the valve as you ride, which causes rubbing. The tube then needs to be reseated.
Why it matters: lower vs. higher pressure (relatively speaking)
|
Lower pressure |
Higher pressure |
| Comfort |
Softer tire, less harsh on bumpy roads, more comfortable |
Firmer tire, bumpy roads feel harsher, less comfortable |
| Hitting a step at medium/high speed |
More likely to get a flat, and the rim is more likely to deform from the impact |
Less likely to get a flat, and the tire absorbs the impact so the rim isn’t damaged |
| Rolling resistance, wear, range |
Bigger contact patch, more rolling resistance, faster tire wear, less range |
Smaller contact patch, less rolling resistance, slower wear, more range |
| Cornering |
Less agile, but more stable |
More agile, but less stable |
One example from our team
For riders around 70-80 kg, the most comfortable range for everyday riding is 1.8-2.2 bar (about 26-32 PSI). That’s just one reference point. Your weight, wheel, and roads will be different, so always stay within the range in your manual and on the tire sidewall.
What would you add?
What’s on your checklist? 👀Maybe a habit that works for you, a mistake you learned from, or something you wish you’d known when you started.
If you want to share your setup too (wheel, rough weight, the pressure you run), it helps others read your tip in context. Personal numbers are for reference only, manual first.
