How much should bicycle tires be inflated?

Question

the tire says 44-60 psi, but they already seem pretty tight at around 25. I'm using an automatic/car tire pump, so I'm kind of wary to fill them too much

Answer 1

When you put weight on the bike, the tires are going to bulge out at the bottom if underinflated, even though it might feel firm when you aren't sitting on the bike.

That bulging-out means more tire surface is touching the ground which increases friction, so it will require more effort from you to pedal.

Inflating the tire to the specified pressure will minimize the bulging out, which will make the bike easier to pedal.  Minimizing the bulging out will also prevent pinch flats.  Those are the two reasons why you should inflate the tires to the recommended pressures.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I would put in around 45 psi if I was riding on unpaved

paths.

If I was riding on a paved road, I would go up to 55 psi.

I use a 12 volt pump for my bike, they are cheap and

do a good job.

It plugs into the cig lighter jack.

Answer 3

Start at 25 and then sit on the bike.Look down,are your tires bending a bit?If so add some air to them as the air preassure will make pedaling easier.[less rolling resistance from a harder tire]

Every tire is different too.The actual composition of it may deem this preassure neccisary.

Remember,you can always take air out,but you need a pump to get it back in.

I never use less than 35-40 psi on a mountainbike tire.

I hope this can be of some help to you

Answer 4

First off, Don't do that ! Do NOT use a Car Pump to inflate your tire to blow it off. Buy a Metered Floor pump from Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart. It is only $18 !

The Automatic Pump is NOT showing you the right reading. Get the Floor pump. Since you said 44-60 psi, I am sure it is a Mountain Bike. It holds air for long. I don't know the tire quality. If expensive quality, you can go upto 55-60psi. If cheap brand, do not put more than 55psi. I put 120psi in my Road Bike using Floor Pump too!

Answer 5

make sure the guage is working properly,and that it is measured in psi,other than that unless the tyres are slowing you down,or making riding difficult dont worry about it.

i use a hand pump and as long as the tyres give a little when i'm sitting on it,but feel hard when i squeeze with my fingers,i know they will do the job.

Answer 6

1. get a floor pump! unlike your car pump, it's designed to fill bike tires.

2. as a rule, when riding trails, I'd say go lower, around 45 psi. on the road and bike paths, go higher, 55-60 psi. if you run a street slick on your MTB you may be able to go higher, to get a smoother ride on the road.

a road bike will go upwards of 130 psi. my tires are at 125..