Reference
Tire Pressure Reference
The "right" pressure depends on tire width, rider weight, surface, and personal preference. Higher pressure = lower rolling resistance on smooth surfaces...
The “right” pressure depends on tire width, rider weight, surface, and personal preference. Higher pressure = lower rolling resistance on smooth surfaces but worse grip and harshness. Lower pressure = better traction and comfort, increased risk of pinch flats (tubed) or burping (tubeless).
Pressure printed on the tire sidewall is an absolute MAX, not a recommendation. Real-world pressures are usually well below.
Quick start: tubeless MTB #
| Rider weight | 2.3” tire | 2.5” tire | 2.6” tire |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 18–22 psi | 16–20 psi | 14–18 psi |
| 75 kg | 20–24 psi | 18–22 psi | 16–20 psi |
| 90 kg | 22–28 psi | 20–25 psi | 18–22 psi |
Front tire usually 1–2 psi lower than rear. Very rocky/aggressive terrain: add 2–4 psi to avoid rim strikes.
Quick start: tubeless gravel #
| Rider weight | 38c tire | 42c tire | 47c tire |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 32–38 psi | 28–34 psi | 24–30 psi |
| 75 kg | 36–42 psi | 32–38 psi | 28–34 psi |
| 90 kg | 40–48 psi | 36–44 psi | 32–40 psi |
Smoother surfaces (bike path, light gravel): toward higher end. Chunky / loose gravel: toward lower end for grip.
Quick start: road (tubed or tubeless) #
| Rider weight | 25c | 28c | 32c |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 75–85 psi | 65–75 psi | 55–65 psi |
| 75 kg | 85–95 psi | 75–85 psi | 65–75 psi |
| 90 kg | 95–105 psi | 85–95 psi | 75–85 psi |
Rough road surface? Drop 5 psi. Wet conditions? Drop 5 psi for grip.
City / commuter / hybrid #
Most marked sidewall pressures for commuter tires (35–50c) range 50–80 psi, often labeled. For comfort plus reasonable rolling: 55–65 psi for most commuter tires under typical loads. Heavily loaded (panniers, trailer): toward higher end.
General principles #
- Start at the calculated value, then ride and adjust. If it feels harsh: drop 2 psi. If it feels squirmy or you bottom on rims: add 2 psi.
- Track per bike — your sweet spot for a 38c gravel tire on smooth bike path is different from the same tire in a chunky forest.
- Re-check before every ride. Tubeless can lose 5–10 psi overnight; even tubes lose 1–2 psi/day.
- Pressure changes with temperature. A hot day adds maybe 5 psi to a tire pumped on a cool morning.
There are pressure calculators online (Silca, SRAM AXS app, Schwalbe) that go deeper into modeling system weight and surface — useful if you want to optimize.