How Often Are You Supposed to Check Tire Pressure?

How Often Are You Supposed to Check Tire Pressure?

2 minute read.

Yes, tires leak air! The most important thing to do is check your tire pressure before every ride - make it a habit, if you don't, your tire pressure is probably wrong before you even start your ride. ​
​For example, on new pavement, your tires might feel wonderful at 100 psi, but on a rough road, they might roll faster at 90 psi. In wet conditions, you may want to run your tires at 10 psi less for improved traction. If you're a mountain biker, keep in mind that your bike rolls smoothly on the road with 40 psi, it might feel even better on the the single track at 30 psi. ​

​Tire pressure is not a set in stone forget it thing. High tire pressure equals lower rolling resistance, because on a smooth surface, hard tires flex less and create a smaller contact patch. But no road is perfectly smooth (we wish it was). Properly inflated bike tires conform to bumps and absorbs shocks. Over inflated bike tires has a harsh impact to the rider which can cause sore wrists, hands and arms which causes rider discomfort. Use the recommended air pressure that is marked on the side of your tires but play with higher and lower pressure until it's just right! ​

Once you become an expert at tire pressure you'll be able to cop a feel and know if your tires need air or not. 

Having a Floor Pump with a gauge is the most accurate way to make sure your tires have the air pressure they need.

Dial Gauge

Piston 3 Floor Pump
Shop Pumps
Back to blog

Got questions? We'd love to chat!

Reach us Monday-Saturday 9-6 PST


Bicycle Warehouse, it's your world, ride it!

Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Find a Bicycle Warehouse Store Near You!

  • Why You NEED Another Bike, and Another, and Another…

    Why You NEED Another Bike, and Another, and Ano...

    No, this article is not some crafty ploy by your inner-child to justify adding an extra toy to the cart, nor does it aim to convince you that your current...

    Why You NEED Another Bike, and Another, and Ano...

    No, this article is not some crafty ploy by your inner-child to justify adding an extra toy to the cart, nor does it aim to convince you that your current...

  • Spring Maintenance Checklist for Road Bikes

    Spring Maintenance Checklist for Road Bikes

    Spring is a great time to get your road bike out of storage and start hitting the roads again. Even if you have been riding all winter, good for you,...

    Spring Maintenance Checklist for Road Bikes

    Spring is a great time to get your road bike out of storage and start hitting the roads again. Even if you have been riding all winter, good for you,...

  • E-bike laws

    Electric Bikes Federal & Local Laws

    Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular as a convenient and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation. As technology continues to improve and prices continue to decrease, more and...

    Electric Bikes Federal & Local Laws

    Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular as a convenient and environmentally-friendly mode of transportation. As technology continues to improve and prices continue to decrease, more and...

  • Beginner Mountain Bike Skills

    Beginner Mountain Bike Skills

    Mountain biking is a FUN, thrilling and challenging sport that requires a combination of physical fitness, technical skill, and mental focus. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, there...

    Beginner Mountain Bike Skills

    Mountain biking is a FUN, thrilling and challenging sport that requires a combination of physical fitness, technical skill, and mental focus. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, there...

1 of 4