We’re happy to share everything you need to know about the correct tyre pressure and the different types of bicycle valves.
The right tyre pressure is essential for the performance and lifespan of your bicycle tyres and for safety during your ride. Its importance depends on various factors, such as the type of bike, the terrain you’re riding on, and the rider's weight. Below, we highlight the key benefits of maintaining the correct tyre pressure.
1. Optimal rolling resistance
If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyre becomes softer and deforms more while riding. This increases the contact area with the ground, leading to greater friction and higher rolling resistance, making cycling heavier and less efficient.
On the other hand, excessively high tyre pressure reduces cushioning, causing energy loss on uneven surfaces such as cobblestones or sandy paths.
2. Comfort and shock absorption
Tyre pressure significantly impacts the comfort of your ride. Lower pressure improves shock absorption, making it ideal for rough terrains. However, overly high pressure can result in a rigid ride, directly transferring vibrations to the frame.
3. Grip and safety
Proper tyre pressure ensures optimal grip. If the pressure is too low, there’s a risk of slipping, especially in corners or on slippery surfaces. Conversely, excessive pressure reduces the tyre’s contact with the road, increasing the chance of skidding.
4. Protection against damage
Too little pressure can cause "snakebite" punctures, where the inner tube is pinched between the rim and an obstacle. Excessive pressure, however, makes the tyre more vulnerable to sharp objects and the risk of a blowout.
Tyre pressure table
The ideal tyre pressure is usually indicated in bar or PSI on the side of the tyre. However, this is only a guideline, as factors such as body weight and, for MTB, weather conditions also play a significant role. In the tables below, you'll find more specific recommendations for tyre pressure based on the type of bike.
| Tyre pressure | |
| Tyre width | bar |
| 20 mm | 9 |
| 23 mm | 8 |
| 25 mm | 7 |
| 28 mm | 6 |
| 30 mm | 5.5 |
| 32 mm | 5 |
| 35 mm | 4.5 |
| 37 mm | 4.5 |
| 40 mm | 4 |
| 42 mm | 4 |
| 44 mm | 3.5 |
| 47 mm | 3.5 |
| 50 mm | 3 |
| 54 mm | 2.5 |
| 57 mm | 2.2 |
| 60 mm | 2 |
| Tyre pressure (bar) | Body weight (KG) | ||
| Tyre width | ± 60 | ± 85 | ± 110 |
| 25 mm | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 28 mm | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| 32 mm | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| 37 mm | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 40 mm | 3.5 | 4.5 | 6 |
| 47 mm | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 50 mm | 2.5 | 4 | 5 |
| 55 mm | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| 60 mm | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Tyre pressure (bar) | Tyre width | |||
| Body weight (KG) | 23 mm | 25 mm | 28 mm | 30 & 32 mm |
| <55 | 6.4 | 5.6 | 4.8 | 4 |
| 60 | 6.8 | 6 | 5.1 | 4.3 |
| 65 | 7.2 | 6.3 | 5.4 | 4.5 |
| 70 | 7.6 | 6.7 | 5.7 | 4.8 |
| 75 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| 80 | 8.4 | 7.4 | 6.3 | 5.3 |
| 85+ | 8.8 | 7.7 | 6.6 | 5.5 |
Mountain bike tyre 29 x 2.25 Inch
| Tyre pressure (bar) | Rim width | ||
| Body weight (KG) | 24 mm (dry/wet) | 26 mm (dry/wet) | 29 mm (dry/wet) |
| <50 | 1.2/1.2 | 1.3/1.2 | 1.2/1.1 |
| 50-60 | 1.3/1.2 | 1.3/1.2 | 1.3/1.2 |
| 60-70 | 1.4/1.3 | 1.4/1.3 | 1.4/1.2 |
| 70-80 | 1.5/1.4 | 1.5/1.3 | 1.5/1.3 |
| 80-90 | 1.6/1.5 | 1.6/1.4 | 1.6/1.3 |
| 90-100 | 1.7/1.6 | 1.7/1.5 | 1.7/1.4 |
| 100-110 | 1.8/1.7 | 1.8/1.6 | 1.8/1.5 |
| 110-120 | 1.9/1.8 | 1.9/1.7 | 1.8/1.6 |
| 120+ | 2.0/1.9 | 2.0/1.7 | 1.9/1.7 |
Mountain bike tyre 29 x 2.35 Inch
| Tyre pressure (bar) | Rim width | ||
| Body weight (KG) | 24 mm (dry/wet) | 26 mm (dry/wet) | 29 mm (dry/wet) |
| <55 | 1.3/1.1 | 1.2/1.1 | 1.2/1.1 |
| 50-60 | 1.4/1.1 | 1.3/1.2 | 1.3/1.2 |
| 60-70 | 1.4/1.2 | 1.4/1.3 | 1.4/1.2 |
| 70-80 | 1.5/1.3 | 1.5/1.3 | 1.5/1.3 |
| 80-90 | 1.6/1.4 | 1.6/1.4 | 1.6/1.3 |
| 90-100 | 1.7/1.5 | 1.7/1.5 | 1.7/1.4 |
| 100-110 | 1.7/1.6 | 1.8/1.6 | 1.8/1.5 |
| 110-120 | 1.8/1.7 | 1.9/1.7 | 1.8/1.6 |
| 120+ | 1.9/1.7 | 2.0/1.7 | 1.9/1.7 |
| Tyre pressure (bar) | Tyre width | ||
| Body weight (KG) | 37 mm | 40 mm | 45 mm |
| <50 | 2.1-2.3 | 1.9-2.1 | 1.6-1.8 |
| 50-60 | 2.3-2.5 | 2-2.2 | 1.7-1.9 |
| 60-70 | 2.4-2.6 | 2.1-2.4 | 1.8-2 |
| 70-80 | 2.6-2.8 | 2.2-2.5 | 1.9-2.2 |
| 80-90 | 2.8-3 | 2.4-2.7 | 2-2.3 |
For wider tyres, such as those on mountain bikes, lower pressure is maintained due to the larger contact surface and improved shock absorption. Regularly check your tyre pressure with a pump equipped with a pressure gauge.
The Lynx floor pumps with a pressure gauge
The different types of bicycle valves: Advantages, disadvantages, and uses
When inflating a bicycle tyre, it’s essential to know which type of valve the tyre has. Each valve type has its own characteristics, uses, and benefits. Here, we’ll tell you more about the three most common types of bicycle valves: Dunlop, Presta, and Schrader.
Dunlop (Woods)
The Dunlop valve, also known as the Woods valve, is the traditional valve type commonly found on city bikes and older models. The valve has a simple construction with a removable valve core that can easily be replaced.
Advantages:
- Easy to inflate with almost any bike pump.
- The valve core is replaceable and inexpensive.
- Suitable for use with lower tyre pressures.
Disadvantages:
- Less suitable for high tyre pressures, such as those on road bikes.
- Relatively fragile, as the removable valve core can leak or be lost.
- Less accurate for measuring tyre pressure.
Applications: The Dunlop valve is primarily used on city bikes, children's bikes, and older models. It’s a good choice for bikes that don’t need to be inflated to high pressures regularly.
Presta Valve (French)
The Presta valve, also known as the French valve of Sclaverand, is a narrow valve type commonly found on road bikes and high-performance bicycles. This valve has a threaded section and a closure mechanism that is manually opened and closed.
Advantages:
- Suitable for high tyre pressures, making it ideal for road bikes.
- Lighter in weight, which is beneficial for performance bikes.
- Narrow diameter, allowing for smaller valve openings in the rim.
Disadvantages:
- Requires a specific pump or an adapter.
- Less durable and more prone to damage.
- Requires some skill to inflate properly.
Applications: The Presta valve is primarily used on road bikes, gravel bikes, and some hybrid bikes. Due to its ability to withstand high pressure, it is the preferred choice for performance purposes.
Schrader Valve (Car)
The Schrader valve, also known as the car valve, is the same type of valve used in cars. It has a wide diameter and a spring-loaded closure, making it easy to inflate at petrol stations.
Advantages:
- Compatible with pumps at petrol stations and standard bike pumps.
- Robust and durable, able to withstand frequent use.
- Less prone to leakage.
Disadvantages:
- Larger diameter requires a wider valve opening, which may reduce the strength of the rim.
- Less suitable for high tyre pressures, such as those on road bikes.
- Slightly heavier than other valves.
Applications: The Schrader valve is commonly used on mountain bikes, e-bikes, and city bikes. Due to its durability, this valve is ideal for bikes that are heavily used or regularly left outdoors.
Conclusion
Choosing the right valve type depends on the type of bike and its intended use. For city bikes, the Dunlop valve is a simple and practical choice, while road cyclists and performance riders benefit more from the Presta valve. The Schrader valve, on the other hand, is a versatile and robust option for mountain bikes and e-bikes. By selecting the right valve, you ensure that your bike tyres perform optimally and are easy to maintain.
