I am wondering wether I should match the recommended PSI of both my tires (equalized) or if I should have the front tire slightly more deflated than the back or vice versa (offset). Are there occasions where front and back tire pressure is slightly and preferably modified, such as a pro cyclist preparing a road bike for a time trial in comparison to a mountain bike for difficult terrain.
6
-
2There is no real "rule" here. Generally the front and rear are identical and carrying roughly the same weight, suggesting that roughly the same pressure should be used. But one might adjust the pressures to affect handling in a variety of situations.– Daniel R HicksAug 24, 2018 at 23:39
-
I understand, are you able to provide an example situation?– aitíaAug 24, 2018 at 23:40
-
2One I can think of is when you tend to ride on certain surfaces that make you prone to sideways skids. Depending on the type of surface the skid tendency may be increased by higher pressure, or may be increased by lower pressure. And, while it depends to a degree on the style of riding (and of the rider), there may be a preference for the rear tire to slide first or (less likely) the front. So tire pressures may be adjusted to achieve the desired behavior.– Daniel R HicksAug 24, 2018 at 23:59
-
3Your weight distribution on a bike is around 40% front and 60% rear. This changes to more on the rear if you have a carrier/backpack/panniers or prefer a very upright seating position. It can be equal if you are riding very low and forward, in a triathlon posture but off the saddle, aka an attack position. But its unlikely to have more weight on the front than the rear EXCEPT for when you're doing a hard stop. At this time you could have over 100% of your weight on the front wheel. So, that's something to consider.– Criggie ♦Aug 25, 2018 at 1:13
-
1There is some discussion here janheine.wordpress.com/2018/06/11/…– pseyfertAug 25, 2018 at 14:22
|
Show 1 more comment
3 Answers
Because there's (usually) more weight on your rear wheel than your front, you want to run your rear tire at higher pressure to get an equal amount of "drop" (tire deformation) on both of them. One theory is that you should aim for 15% vertical deformation. Here's a calculator that can help.
Tires usually have a inflation pressure range, or maximum pressure specification rather than ab absolute recommended pressure. The pressure you should be using depends on how much you weigh, the surfaces you are riding on and your preference for ride comfort.
Unfortunately there is no way to definitely determine what you tire optimum tire pressure should be, but you can experiment with different pressures.
Similarly there does not seem to be any definite guidance for different front and rear pressure other than the front should be a little lower because most riders have a rear weight distribution bias.
Personally, I ride a drop bar bike with a moderately relaxed position so I run the front about 10-15% lower than the rear.
answered Aug 25, 2018 at 11:37
I always put near maximum pressure for the rear tire, because it will support most of the weight of me and my bike. For the front tire, I put slightly less pressure. This will improve handling because less pressure will make the tire can dampening the rough terrain.
