22
Tire Pressure
WARNING:
Never inflate a tire beyond the maximum pressure marked on the
sidewall. Exceeding maximum pressure may blow the tire off the rim, causing
damage to the bike and injury to the rider and bystanders.
WARNING:
There is a safety risk in using gas station air hoses or other air com-
pressors. They are not made for bicycle tires. They move a large volume of air very
rapidly, and will raise the pressure in your tire very rapidly, which could cause the
tube to explode.
Tire pressure is given either as maximum pressure or as a pressure range. How a
tire performs under different terrain or weather conditions depends largely on tire
pressure. Inflating the tire to near its maximum recommended pressure gives the
lowest rolling resistance; but also produces the harshest ride. High pressures work
best on smooth, dry pavement. Very low pressures, at the bottom of the recom-
mended pressure range, give the best performance on smooth, slick terrain such as
hard-packed clay, and on deep, loose surfaces such as deep, dry sand. Tire pres-
sure that is too low for your weight and the riding conditions can cause a puncture
of the tube by allowing the tire to deform sufficiently to pinch the inner tube
between the rim and the riding surface.
CAUTION: Pencil type automotive tire gauges can be inaccurate and should not be
relied upon for consistent, accurate pressure readings. Instead, use a high quality
dial gauge
TECHNICAL
