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


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

  • Introducing the Specialized Stumpjumper 15 trail mountain bike

    Introducing the Specialized Stumpjumper 15

    The Specialized Stumpjumper 15: Your Ultimate Trail Companion When it comes to trail riding, the Specialized Stumpjumper series has been a staple in the mountain biking community for years. Renowned...

    Introducing the Specialized Stumpjumper 15

    The Specialized Stumpjumper 15: Your Ultimate Trail Companion When it comes to trail riding, the Specialized Stumpjumper series has been a staple in the mountain biking community for years. Renowned...

  • New Bike Day: San Diego Bike Shop

    New Bike Day: Unleashing the Thrill of Your Ult...

    Doug was looking for a bike that will provide him with comfortable yet hard exercise. He found it with the Specialized Sirrus 5.0 X.  Adrian picked up his brand new...

    New Bike Day: Unleashing the Thrill of Your Ult...

    Doug was looking for a bike that will provide him with comfortable yet hard exercise. He found it with the Specialized Sirrus 5.0 X.  Adrian picked up his brand new...

  • New Bike Day, San Diego and Temecula E-Bikes & Mountain Bikes

    Celebrating Fresh New Bikes, July 2024

    There’s something uniquely exhilarating about New Bike Day—it’s like a holiday for cycling enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting your cycling journey, getting a new bike is...

    Celebrating Fresh New Bikes, July 2024

    There’s something uniquely exhilarating about New Bike Day—it’s like a holiday for cycling enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting your cycling journey, getting a new bike is...

  • Giant Compact Road Bike Design

    Giant's Compact Road Bike Design

    The world's first Compact Road frame is introduced and ridden by the ONCE ProTour team. With a dramatically sloping toptube and a compact rear triangle, the new design increases rigidity,...

    Giant's Compact Road Bike Design

    The world's first Compact Road frame is introduced and ridden by the ONCE ProTour team. With a dramatically sloping toptube and a compact rear triangle, the new design increases rigidity,...

1 of 4