| If you're planning to go mountain biking, one of the most | | | | does it run on the dirt track? Does it slide on the |
| basic things you need to be able to do is set your tire | | | | mountain? Does it ride smoothly around corners? Then |
| pressure correctly. A correctly inflated tire gives you | | | | try the same trail again after you've dropped the |
| better control and a smoother rise. If the tire pressure | | | | pressure by 5 psi in each tire. If you find the bike is |
| is too low, however, you're more likely to get a flat tire, | | | | more stable and the grip on the ground has improved, |
| as well as just having to work harder. A high tire | | | | then stick with that pressure. Otherwise, drop the tire |
| pressure makes the bike hard to control and gives you | | | | pressure a little further and try again. Be careful not to |
| a bumpy ride.Unfortunately there's no one tire pressure | | | | go too low, however, or you'll end up with flat tires. A |
| that you should use, because it varies according to | | | | tire goes flat if the tire compresses against an object |
| your personal preference, the condition of the tire, the | | | | and gets damaged.If you're using tubeless tires, you |
| type of terrain and the condition of the trail. If you have | | | | might want to start with a lower pressure, such as 30 |
| a good quality bicycle pump you can regulate your tire | | | | to 40 psi. With tubeless tires, occasional rim contact |
| pressure, and you also need an accurate gauge for | | | | isn't a problem and the risk of pinch flats is greatly |
| taking pressure readings.Start by inflating the tire to the | | | | reduced. So it's okay to run on much lower pressures. |
| manufacturer's specifications, and give it a test run. | | | | You still need to be careful not to dent the rims or burp |
| Then you can decide what adjustments are required. | | | | air out from the bead. If the pressure is too low, you'll |
| Always try and use the same pump and gauge, | | | | see the tire rolling out from under the rim on hard |
| because using different gauges may give you different | | | | corners.Check for rolling resistance when you're using |
| readings.It's often a good idea to start with the | | | | lower pressures. This extra rolling resistance means |
| pressure on the high side, so around 40-50 psi (3-3.5 | | | | you have to work harder, but it improves the level of |
| bar), then gradually lower the pressure a little at a time | | | | control and gives better climbing traction. |
| until you find the pressure that best suits your bike. If | | | | Cross-country racers want better efficiency rather |
| you're a heavier rider, or carrying extra weight, then | | | | than control, however.You can always resort to |
| you should also keep the tire pressure a little higher.As | | | | old-fashioned methods and give the tire a good |
| you're going on your test ride, carefully observe the | | | | squeeze. This is a good way of feeling the pressure |
| performance of the bike and the tire behavior. How | | | | and determining if air is required. |