Bike Tyre Pressure Guide: How Much Air Should You Put In?
Published
Local Bike Mechanic — James Thornton, Staffordshire Moorlands & Cheshire East
Tyre pressure affects everything — comfort, grip, speed, and puncture resistance. Too low and you risk pinch flats; too high and you lose grip and comfort. Here's how to get it right.
Where to find the recommended pressure
Every tyre has a pressure range printed on the sidewall, usually in PSI (pounds per square inch) and sometimes BAR. Look for something like "60–100 PSI" or "4–7 BAR". Always stay within this range.
Recommended pressures by bike type
| Bike type | Tyre width | Pressure (PSI) |
|---|---|---|
| Road bike | 23–28mm | 80–120 PSI |
| Gravel bike | 35–45mm | 40–60 PSI |
| Hybrid / commuter | 32–42mm | 50–70 PSI |
| Mountain bike | 2.0–2.5" | 25–35 PSI |
| Kids' bike | Various | 30–40 PSI |
These are starting points. Adjust based on your weight, riding surface, and personal preference.
Factors that affect ideal pressure
- Rider weight: heavier riders need higher pressure to prevent pinch flats
- Road surface: rough roads and trails benefit from lower pressure for grip and comfort
- Weather: wet conditions benefit from slightly lower pressure for better grip
- Tyre width: wider tyres run at lower pressures than narrow ones
- Tubeless vs tubes: tubeless tyres can safely run 5–10 PSI lower
What happens with wrong pressure?
Too low
- Pinch flats: the tube gets pinched between tyre and rim on bumps
- Sluggish riding: more rolling resistance means more effort
- Rim damage: the rim can hit the ground through the tyre
- Poor handling: the tyre squirms and feels vague in corners
Too high
- Harsh ride: every bump transmits straight through to your hands and back
- Less grip: the tyre can't conform to the road surface
- Increased puncture risk: the tyre bounces off debris instead of absorbing it
- Blowout risk: exceeding the tyre's maximum can blow it off the rim
How often to check
- Before every ride — ideal, especially for road bikes
- Weekly — minimum for regular riders
- Monthly — absolute minimum for casual riders
All tyres lose air naturally — even without a puncture. Road bike tyres can lose 10–15 PSI per week. Mountain bike tyres lose less but still need regular top-ups.
What pump do you need?
- Track pump (floor pump): essential for home use. Has a pressure gauge and fills tyres quickly
- Mini pump: for emergencies on the road. Slow but portable
- CO2 inflator: fast roadside inflation but single-use cartridges
A decent track pump with a gauge costs £20–30 and is one of the best investments you can make for your bike.
Presta vs Schrader valves
Your bike has one of two valve types:
- Presta: thin, with a small locknut you unscrew before pumping. Common on road and higher-end bikes
- Schrader: same as a car tyre valve. Common on mountain bikes, hybrids, and kids' bikes
Most track pumps have a dual head that fits both. Check which type you have before buying tubes or a pump.
Tyre problems?
Puncture repairs from £15, tyre replacement from £15. We come to you with tubes, tyres, and a track pump.