How to choose the pressure in bicycle tires

1. Collect the initial data

Weigh the whole system: yourself in gear, bike, water and luggage. Estimating only by body weight loses some of the load. Measure the actual width of the installed tires: it may differ from the figure on the sidewall.

Write down the type of bike, wheel size, camera or tubeless installation, coverage and ride conditions. The values for the front and rear wheels may differ. Do not tolerate the pressure of a friend, even if he has the same inscription on the tire.

The dependence on load and width explains technical FAQ Schwalbe. Compare recommendations only with similar introductory ones.

2. Find the acceptable range

Check the tire and rim limitations, the compatibility of a particular pair, and the installation requirements. If the maxima differ, observe a smaller one. Do not take the maximum pressure on the sidewall as recommended for daily driving.

For hookless, the list of approved tires and widths and the pressure limit from the wheel manufacturer are particularly important. Schwalbe specifies a 5 bar limit for road hookless, but a specific rim may require lower pressure. This is the ceiling for the corresponding system, not the inflation target. Source: Schwalbe's requirements for tubeless road wheels.

Installing a camera does not override hookless restrictions. If the pressure you need exceeds the allowed limits, first reconsider equipment compatibility and selection.

3. Get the initial calculation

1. Open FATRACING pressure calculator.
2. Select the type of bike and specify the weight of the system.
3. Enter the width of the front and rear tires, the size of the wheels and the type of installation.
4. Specify the coating and other conditions: speed, inflation temperature, and riding temperature.
5. Look at the recommendations for two wheels and check the units.

1 bar is approximately equal to 14.5 psi. If the pump is marked in a different system, do not transfer the number without recalculation. For example, 2 bars is about 29 psi, not 2 psi.

The calculator does not know the model of your rim and does not check its approval by the manufacturer. Be sure to compare the result with the restrictions found.

4. Check on a familiar route

Start with the calculation within the permitted limits. On a short familiar loop, evaluate the behavior without abrupt maneuvers. Change one parameter at a time and record the pressure with the same pressure gauge: so the comparison will be more useful.

Hard and shakes on small bumps

Check if the pressure for the load and cover is too high. Reduce in small steps only within the acceptable range.

The tire breaks down noticeably, the wheel breaks through to the rim

Stop and inspect the equipment. This is not a reason to continue the speed test. The pressure or volume of the tire may not be enough.

The air leaves without changing the settings

Look for a puncture, leak, or landing problem. Regular paging does not eliminate the cause.

5. Save your working setup

After changing tires, luggage or season, repeat the check. Measure the pressure before the trip, and not by feeling with your finger. Temperature and time after pumping affect the reading, so compare the same conditions.

For the race, choose the final setting on the test ride. In the starting town, it is not necessary to sharply reduce pressure for the first time on the advice of a neighbor. What else to check before the gravel start.