Tyre Pressures

[swampyseifer]

50 psi would be about right for a mountain bike - 100+ psi is the reserve of road bikes.

Thank god you mentioned that, I was reading the thread and getting quite worried because I only pump mine to 35-ish psi!

IIRC my tyre says between 26-38...although I always pump to just above 40 as a friend suggested, because when you take the pump back off the valve a little bit of air will escape

 

[PpPete]

TMN, have you tried several different ones ? My Topeak is fine, but I've had cheaper ones that were pretty hard to push. Another brand I'd look for if still struggling is Lezyne, i've never tried their track pumps, but I just can't get over how easy their Road Drive mini pump is compared to my previous Topeak mini pump at the same pressure.

 

[HLaB]

For me, track pumps are such hard work they're almost impossible - even with my entire body weight on the handle and my feet off the floor! What's the secret?

A better track pump, my cheap Aldi/lidl ones can be like that as you approach 80-90psi but my better Ed Co Op one is a breeze over that.

 

[MacB]

Thanks for the replies - my track pump is indeed a crappy cheap one.

At least you didn't say, 'What's the secret? Put on a bit of weight?'

It does help mind, my youngest can't shift the Joe Blow II beyond about 80psi whereas I, on the other hand, find it no problem just by leaning on it.

 

[MacB]

I cannot believe some of you run 100Psi. I wouldn't of even thought that, I run mine at about 50!

Looks like I still have a LOT to learn.

Don't forget the tyre width matters, I quite often run around 50-60psi in 700x35 to 700x40 tyres and I'm heavy. As the tyre narrows it requires a higher level of pressure, so a 700x23 road tyre would go a lot higher.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I peer at the sidewall and pump it up to whatever the maximum it says on there, then I go ride and leave well alone. Unless I'm riding the mtb when, shortly after leaving the tarmac warm up, I will stop, dismount and oh-so-scientifically depress the valve for a count of Psssst-2-3-4 to stop the damn things from bouncing like a ball off every solid object I hit. Now I know there are presta pressure gauges I may invest.

 

[PpPete]

Thanks for the replies - my track pump is indeed a crappy cheap one.
At least you didn't say, 'What's the secret? Put on a bit of weight?'

Well you at least have the option of the "stand at side of road - play damsel in distress card"

 

[Cubist]

Unless I'm riding the mtb when, shortly after leaving the tarmac warm up, I will stop, dismount and oh-so-scientifically depress the valve for a count of Psssst-2-3-4 to stop the damn things from bouncing like a ball off every solid object I hit.

That's very scientific........ I have a habit of letting the air out 'till the tyre feels right. That counting thing sounds very organised

 

[GrumpyGregry]

That's very scientific........ I have a habit of letting the air out 'till the tyre feels right. That counting thing sounds very organised

as a good friend of mine says "it looks good.... in the car park"

 

[mr messy]

must admit to using the compressor, all that pumping to high pressure way too much effort

 

[Monsieur Remings]

I have a Blackburn mini-pump that reckons it can get to up to 160 psi...yeah right, more like 80 which is enough to get you home but useful for nowt else.

Track pump -110psi everytime you go for a ride. I got mine from Halfords and it beats the ridiculous effort required to get decent psi out of the mini Blackburn any day of the week.

 

[MattHB]

I put whatever the max rating is on the tyre in mine.

 

[Rob500]

I have a Blackburn mini-pump that reckons it can get to up to 160 psi...yeah right, more like 80 which is enough to get you home but useful for nowt else.

Track pump -110psi everytime you go for a ride. I got mine from Halfords and it beats the ridiculous effort required to get decent psi out of the mini Blackburn any day of the week.

Agree Monsieur. Track pump for the house. Mini / hand pump for when out to make sure you can get home

 

[HLaB]

My Topeak Micro Rocket claims it can do 160 psi, but I doubt even Popeye could get that; I usually only mange circa 60psi and that gets me home fine without any further pinches touch wood. I can get 80psi at the most but its not worth it 60ish has always got me home.