8 replies to this topic

[jcr]

what tyre presures should i have in front and back tyres please?

[nbuu]

0.3 in the back and 0.4 in the front, you can go a little lower if its really slippery, but then you gotta watch out for sharp edges etc.

[paul w]

7psi front 4psi rear, as a starting point.

[geeman]

When I was starting out I ask the same question to the top guy at that time ,his reply has stuck with me ever since. He said , " Press the valve stem until you hear air rushing back IN " I now know that 5 to 6 PSI in the front and 3 to 4 PSI in the rear is what most riders I ride with use .

[sectiononecleaner]

6 front 3-4 rear depends on conditions. No set rule really, go on what feels best for you.

[bigfoot]

nbuu, on Jun 12 2008, 04:34 PM, said:

0.3 in the back and 0.4 in the front, you can go a little lower if its really slippery, but then you gotta watch out for sharp edges etc.

I've often wondered about this. You hear people saying all the time that running with a low tyre pressure increases the risk of punctures. The point I'd like you to ponder is this. Is it easier to to burst a tightly blown up balloon or a very soft one. Rubber tends to gie when soft but punctures better when there is less give.

I run about 7 in the front and 3-4 in the back in almost all conditions except road work. My concern for running too low would be coming off the rim but I use Dunlops and they can be run flat without coming off the rim most of the time. I've seen me let the rear down to 1-2 psi in very slippery conditions. Never had a puncture yet.

Now I know I'm going to regret saying that.

[laser1]

I think the above point about sharp edges primarily refers to damaging the rim when running too low a tire pressure - at least it does in my case. If I go much below 4 psi, I better be really carefull - especially on a long rough loop with alot of sharp rocks.

[bigfoot]

I always carry a spare rim just in case. But carrying that means I have no space for a tube or turds.

[copemech]

Bigfoot makes me feel much better, as I have come to like the lower pressures, just need to use some care on the sharp rocks!

The front rims will bend rather easily!

Your pressures may change by a pound or more as the tires warm up!