We’ve touched on it slightly, but let’s take a closer look at why tyre pressure matters. As you’ll see, there are lots of factors, and finding the right pressure is often a matter of balancing these out. Tubed set-up: Start at 30psi. If you’re a lighter rider, you may choose lower around 25psi but there’s a greater risk of punctures. Heavier riders and those using thin tyres (less than 2.2”) may want to go higher, anywhere up to 40psi.

Remember, tubeless tyres can be run at lower pressures than tubed tyres. So, if you’re finding you can’t go to a low enough pressure with your tubed set-up, consider switching. We have a guide to converting to a tubeless set-up here. To measure the tyre pressure in your tyre you’ll need a tyre pressure gauge, or a pump fitted with a pressure gauge. When connected to the valve on your bike’s tyre, you’ll see what pressure the tyre is currently inflated to. Tyre pressure by bike type General information As well as the tyre carcass type, you will also want to consider the tyre compound. Tyre compound refers to the blend of materials used to make the rubber – some will be softer than others. Having a great bike pump is one thing, but having a tire pressure gauge can give you an entirely new dimension of utility for when you’re maintaining your bike. A good cyclist will always keep their bicycle’s tires in top condition. So for you to have the best riding experience, it’s crucial for you to get accurate readings of the air pressure inside your bike. But where a high TPI tyre will be used over rougher terrain, a slight drop in pressure – always within the recommended levels – may help to reduce the risk of a puncture.To find your optimum tire pressureit’s important to find a balance that is as low as possible to provide traction, but high enough to provide support and puncture protection. NOTE: to be a proper tire pressure Jedi you need to know that not all tire pressure gauges are created equally and you are likely to see some variation with different gauges. The best thing to do is always use the same pump gauge for your own tires. Invest in a good quality floor pump and look after it. A good base setting will give you a great starting point, but for maximum performance we recommend further optimisation. Durability is one of the most famous features of the best pressure gauges for bikes. This gauge is made of brass and steel for extra sturdiness and excellent performance. It won’t break or bend as you use it on rough trails. It is also covered with protective rubber so you can rest assured that your bike gauge will be functional for long years. Despite being more accurate than an analogue device, digital tyre pressure gauges need batteries to function. It's worth carrying some spare batteries in the event your digital gauge loses power. Fortunately, you can still use valve adapters to make an otherwise incompatible tire gauge useful on your bike. Do note, however, that valve adapters may throw your readings off slightly. How Accurate Are Tire Pressure Gauges If you find you’re burping, pump your tyres up until you can corner hard without that telltale sound.

The right tyre pressure for you and your bike will provide a balance of comfort, grip, puncture protection and rolling speed. Steve Behr / Our MediaWhile analogue gauges deliver reliable readings, digital devices are often more accurate because they can often provide pressure readings to the decimal point. They're also easier to read, meaning you're less likely to take an incorrect measurement. Punctures– if you use inner tubes and the pressure is too low, you risk pinch flats. This happens when your wheel hits a sharp object, and the tube is pinched against the rim. It’s more likely to occur at lower pressures. A thinner tyre, on the other hand, might be run at a touch higher pressure to guard against punctures. With the additional suppleness that comes with a thinner carcass, it’ll still deliver the grip and comfort you want. The usage, the terrain you ride on, and the weather conditions are also parameters taken into account for the ideal pressure. Remember, if required, we advise you to consult the MICHELIN bicycle tyre pressure chart to convert these figures to PSI.

Tubeless tyres, on the other hand, have no inner tube, and instead, make the tyre itself airtight, so it can be mounted directly onto the wheel rim. The tyre is then filled with air through a valve in the rim. These differences in construction lead to different reactions to punctures; when a tubed tyre is punctured all the way to the inner tube, they begin to leak air which can be potentially dangerous and leads to flat tyres. Front v rear– many mountain bikers run higher pressures in the rear and slightly lower in the front. Running a lower pressure at the front improves traction and grip resulting in a more agile ride. The width of tyres will have an impact on the correct pressure. Here we have (from left to right) a 2.2in XC tyre, a 2.4in trail tyre and a 2.6in enduro tyre. Russell Burton / Immediate Media Before we delve deeper into all the factors at play, here is a rough starting point of suggested tyre pressures for a typical 80kg rider (including kit), riding a trail bike in typical UK conditions. These mountain bike tire pressure gauges are quite impressive. Not only will they help you enjoy your time on the mountain biking trail, but they will also help you save money in the long run. Properly inflated tires last for long and will keep your wheels in excellent condition.This is an excellent and precise pressure gauge that can deliver up to 100 PSI of pressure with maximum accuracy. It is what you need to maintain the condition of your tires and ensure that you have a safe ride. Well-inflated tires will better overcome obstacles and help you conquer any trail with no problems whatsoever. The most noticeable difference between analog and digital gauges is their display type. The latter uses digital displays that are much easier to read. Oftentimes, digital gauges can display psi levels up to the first decimal place, giving you a more precise idea of what your current pressure level is. The next key variable with the tyre is its carcass and this comes down to the construction. Quite often, tyre brands will supply the same tyre tread and width with a number of carcasses because different carcasses have pros and cons, depending on the intended use.