Bike Knowledge #1

Bike Knowledge will be a recurring post that shares some of our bike knowledge to the general public. A majority of the posts will attempt to stay away from anything too technical, rather mainly focusing on what bike owners everywhere should know.

Bike Knowledge #1: A bicycle wheel consists of the rim, a tube, and tire. The amount of air in the tube is what determines your tire pressure and is rated in pounds per square inch (PSI). Keeping both tires pumped up to the recommended pressure is key to good bike performance. Proper pressure will maximize speed, efficiency, and create less wear on the tire. Low inflation can also result in flats caused by the tube being pinched in between the tire and rim.

Every tire will have a recommended inflation pressure that is printed on the side of the tire. Most tires have a range, such as 40-65 PSI. Running a tire at the lower end of recommended pressure will result in a softer ride, whereas running the pressure at the higher end will result in a more harsh, but faster ride. Keeping it in between the recommended pressure is usually a good compromise for most riders. TIRES SHOULD BE INFLATED ONCE EVERY WEEK TO ENSURE PROPER INFLATION. Below is a list of general pressure ratings for various bikes.

Cruiser Bicycles: 30-40 PSI
Hybrid Bicycles: 40-65/85 PSI
Road Bicycles: 80-120 PSI

Thanks for reading and check back for Bike Knowledge #2 which will feature information about when and what a bike tune-up should entail.