about bicycle tire pressure. How much air should be pumped into your bicycle?
The role of air pressure in tires: It can make tires lighter while absorbing some small bumps on the ground. Of course, it is also strong enough for you to control and turn more conveniently. Tires are generally cylindrical in shape, with a height of about the same as the width.
Units of air pressure: Commonly used units internationally are bar, KPA, and PSI. The conversion relationship between them is: 1 BAR=102 KPA=14.5 PSI
What is the best tire pressure?
The best tire pressure allows the tire to bear weight without deforming too much, and the tire will not be too hard to prevent the riding feel from becoming rough and the traction from being poor. The tire will deform where it contacts the ground. These micro-deformations can allow it to adapt to irregular terrain, while making the riding posture more comfortable and the grip better.
Front and rear wheels: The weight borne by the front and rear wheels is different. Usually, the load ratio of the front and rear wheels on road vehicles is 45%-55%, and the front and rear tire pressure of more upright bicycles is about 30%-70%. So the front wheel is generally softer than the rear wheel. Typically, the front tire should be inflated to a pressure about 10% lower than the optimal pressure determined for the rear tire. For some people who often carry luggage on the front wheel, the tire pressure of the front wheel can be the same. For more casual upright riding, the tire pressure of the front wheel can be about 20% less than that of the rear wheel.
When the tire pressure is higher than the optimal pressure: Ride comfort will be significantly reduced. The energy consumed by pedaling to move forward will be partly wasted in small up and down bounces. Therefore, the speed on flat ground and climbing will be slightly reduced for the same effort. On extremely flat, good quality roads, the speed will be slightly increased compared to the optimal pressure.
When the tire pressure is lower than the optimal pressure: For the same effort, the bicycle will go slower. On rough roads (very bad roads, or off-road, snow, etc.), the ride will be a little more comfortable. The grip on rough roads (and the climbing speed) will be better (faster).
Even on rough roads, very wide tires, there is a limit. The rear tire can be inflated to 30% of the determined optimal pressure. The front tire up to 35% below. If it falls below this limit, there is a high risk of a tire blowout. |
