![]() Then reduce the tire pressure in increments of 5% and repeat the testing until you feel comfortable. Then mount the bike and ride around a little looking at the tire's shape and profile during use while feeling for the physical performing characteristics as discussed above. If your tires only state a maximum riding pressure, always start by inflating the tire to its maximum rated pressure, as this is a known safe PSI. ![]() Does your bike seem skittish in loose corners and bouncy on rough stretches? Perhaps try dropping your PSI a bit. Do you feel a harsh clunk when your wheel strikes a sharp rock? Your pressure might be too low. When you’re out riding, try to monitor the way your bike feels on bumpy terrain. Underinflating can also lead to the tire coming off the rim during hard cornering, as there is not enough air pressure internally to keep it mounted on the rim. ![]() Pinch flats occur when the tube becomes squeezed between the rim and tire casing by hitting a bump with an underinflated wheel. Not only does this damage the tire, it can also hurt the rim. If underinflated below the recommended PSI, the low pressure could cause pinch flats (Figure 3). If you overinflate above the recommended PSI, you run the risk of blowing the tube either while pumping or while riding due to sudden or constant impacts. It is very common for riders to have a lower PSI in their front tire as this wheel does most of the steering, while the rear tire is in charge of propelling the bike and takes most of the rider's weight. Also keep in mind that rear tires tend to carry more weight than those in front, so adjust accordingly. On the other hand, wider tires, lighter riders and smoother terrain require lower tire pressure. There's no hard and fast rule for this, so experiment with the tire pressure and see what feels best for you. Generally, narrow tires, heavier rider weight, and rougher terrain require a bit more PSI. Your aim when adjusting tire pressure is to find the sweet spot for the tire by figuring out how much of the maximum pressure optimizes your performance without feeling too hard and unforgiving, but not setting the pressure so low that you damage the tube/rim or allow the tire to come off the rim while riding. The recommended tire pressure noted above will vary based on tire width, and the rider's weight will impact the tire pressure accordingly-just sit on your bike’s saddle and watch how the tire compresses and deforms as more weight is applied. The key considerations when determining the right PSI for your bike are tire width, rider weight and terrain.
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