Under Pressure: What Your Tire Pressure Says About You

Tire Pressure, seems to be as diverse as astrological signs. However, many people are not fully aware what it means to have different tire pressure or what they could change with just a couple pushes on the pump.

The Basics

Tubes

When you look at a tube it is going to give you its measurements, usually it says something like "700 x 20/28" Hopefully, everyone realizes this does not mean 700 x 0.7142... (math joke). 700 is the height of the tire and the width is 20 mm at the minimum and 28mm at the max. So, if your tire height/width is within the range the tube provides, you are ready to go.

Tires

Your tire has a size on it, as well as a pressure range. It will say something to the effect of "90 - 120." This is key for when you are pumping up your tires. Go past it regularly and you are asking for trouble. At the same time, going too low and it could be just as hazardous.

Valves

There are two types of valves that tubes come with, schraeder and presta. While Schraeder is familiar to everyone and a little more intuitive, presta's lock-nut design makes it perfect for higher pressure tires.
If you are not familiar with presta valves, read all about how to work with them, check out our post about it!

Why Change Up Your Tire Pressure?

So you understand the basics of everything you're inflating. Now what pressure do you prefer? Most people do not know more than one pressure and don't realize the difference in ride it can provide. The whole thing is a fairly easy thought process: More pressure --> stiffer tire --> less surface on the road --> less rolling resistance. Or the other way: Less pressure --> more tire flex --> more surface on the road --> cushier ride.
The only thing to remember in this thought process is that lower pressure does not always mean more traction.

Everybody's Different

Everybody has different muscle flexibility, fluctuating weight, riding styles and terrain. Don't let anybody tell you one tire pressure is better than another and don't be closed minded about trying a new number for a couple rides. You'll be surprised what a difference it makes!