MTB Tire Pressure Calculator (Simple)

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Mountain Bike Tire Pressure Guideline Chart

Weight (lbs)	Weight (kg)	TD: 26in TW: 2.2-2.3in	TD: 26in TW: 2.4-2.6in	TD: 27.5in TW: 2.2-2.3in	TD: 27.5in TW: 2.4-2.6in	TD: 29in TW: 2.2-2.3in	TD: 29in TW: 2.4-2.6in
100	45	24psi	21psi	21psi	20psi	21psi	19psi
110	50	25psi	22psi	22psi	21psi	22psi	20psi
120	54	26psi	23psi	23psi	22psi	23psi	21psi
130	59	27psi	24psi	24psi	23psi	24psi	22psi
140	64	28psi	25psi	25psi	24psi	25psi	23psi
150	68	29psi	26psi	26psi	25psi	26psi	24psi
160	73	30psi	27psi	27psi	26psi	27psi	25psi
170	77	31psi	28psi	28psi	27psi	28psi	26psi
180	82	32psi	29psi	29psi	28psi	29psi	27psi
190	86	33psi	30psi	30psi	29psi	30psi	28psi
200	91	34psi	31psi	31psi	30psi	31psi	29psi
210	95	35psi	32psi	32psi	31psi	32psi	30psi
220	100	36psi	33psi	33psi	32psi	33psi	31psi
230	104	37psi	34psi	34psi	33psi	34psi	32psi
240	109	38psi	35psi	35psi	34psi	35psi	33psi

HOW TO USE:

1. Enter your rider weight in either kilograms or pounds in the “Rider Weight” field. Use the “+” and “-” buttons to adjust the value if needed.
2. Enter the diameter of your tire in inches in the “Tyre Diameter” field. Use the “+” and “-” buttons to adjust the value if needed. Note: only diameters between 10 and 29 inches are accepted.
3. Enter the width of your tire in inches in the “Tire Width” field. Use the “+” and “-” buttons to adjust the value if needed. Note: only a tire width between 1 and 4 inches, in increments of 0.1, is accepted.
4. Select the type of terrain you plan to ride on from the “Terrain” drop-down menu. Choose between Hardpack, Loose Over Hardpack, Loose Dry, or Loose Wet.
5. Once all the fields are filled out, click the “Calculate” button.
6. The recommended pressure for the rear tire will be displayed in the “Rear tire” result field, and the recommended pressure for the front tire will be displayed in the “Front Tire” result field.
7. Adjust your pressure accordingly, either by using a pump with a built-in pressure gauge or by using a separate gauge.
8. Test ride your bike and make any necessary adjustments to the tire pressure to suit your riding style and conditions.

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Why Tire Pressure Matters

Traction

The right tire pressure can provide better traction on different terrain types. A tire with too much pressure will bounce and slide more easily, while a tire with too little pressure will feel sluggish and unresponsive.

Comfort

Lower pressure can offer a smoother ride, especially on rough terrain. The extra cushioning from a lower tire pressure can absorb more bumps and vibrations, reducing fatigue and making for a more enjoyable ride.

Control

The right tire pressure can improve your control and handling on the bike. With the right pressure, you can take corners more confidently and handle technical sections with more ease.

Durability

Proper tire pressure can extend the life of your tires. Overinflated tires can wear out the center of the tread more quickly, while underinflated tires can cause excessive wear on the sides of the tread.

Efficiency

The right tire pressure can also improve your efficiency on the bike. Overinflated tires can cause more rolling resistance, making it harder to maintain speed, while underinflated tires can cause more drag, requiring more effort to pedal.

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Understanding the Factors that Affect Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is affected by several factors, including:

Temperature

Pressure increases as the temperature rises and decreases as the temperature drops.

Altitude

As altitude increases, air pressure decreases, which affects pressure.

Riding style

Aggressive riding can cause tires to heat up and increase in pressure, while a more relaxed style can keep pressure levels stable.

Weight

The weight of the rider and gear affects tire pressures. Heavier riders will need more pressure, while lighter riders will need less.

Tire size and type

Different tire sizes and types have different pressure requirements, so it’s important to refer to the tire manufacturers’ guidelines.

Rim width

The tire width of the rim can affect the tire’s shape and how it sits on the rim, which can impact pressure requirements.

Tubeless vs. tubed

Tubeless tires can typically run at lower pressures than tubed tires, but still need to be within manufacturer guidelines.

*Not included in the current version of the mountain bike tire pressure calculator

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Checking Tire Pressure

1. Not checking pressure often enough: It’s important to check your tire pressure at least once a month to ensure they are properly inflated.
2. Relying on visual inspection alone: You cannot tell if your tires are properly inflated just by looking at them. Always use a tire pressure gauge to get an accurate reading.
3. Not following the manufacturer’s recommendations: Always check your bike’s manual or the sidewall of your tires to know the recommended tire pressure.
4. Failing to adjust for temperature: Tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature changes, so it’s important to adjust accordingly.
5. Over-inflating or under-inflating the tires: Both over-inflating and under-inflating can lead to problems such as poor handling and decreased tire life.
6. Failing to inspect for damage: Check your tires for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or bulges, which can affect tire pressures and safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my tire pressure?

It is recommended to check your tire pressure before every ride.

Tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature changes and with time, so it is important to make sure your tires are properly inflated every time you ride.

What is the right tire pressure for my mountain bike?

The right tire pressure for your mountain bike depends on a number of factors, including your weight, the terrain you will be riding on, and the type of tires you have.

As a general rule, most mountain bike tires should be inflated to between 25 and 35 psi. However, it is important to check the recommended tire pressure for your specific bike and tires, as this can vary.

What happens if I ride with too low or too high tire pressure?

If your tire pressure is too low, you may experience slower and more difficult riding, as well as an increased risk of flats and damage to your rims.

If your tire pressure is too high, you may experience a harsher ride and decreased traction, which can make it more difficult to control your bike and increase the risk of accidents.

Can I use a car tire pressure gauge on my mountain bike tires?

Yes, you can use a car tire pressure gauge on your mountain bike tires.

However, it is important to make sure the gauge can accurately measure the low-pressure levels that mountain bike tires typically require.

How do I know if my tires need more air?

If your tires feel noticeably soft or squishy when you press on them, they may need more air.

You may also notice slower and more difficult riding, or hear a hissing sound coming from your tires. It is important to check your pressure regularly to avoid riding with underinflated tires.

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Disclaimer:

The MTB Tire Pressure Calculator has certain limitations and is intended to serve as a reference tool for end-users. It is important to adhere to the guidelines set forth by the ETRTO, which recommends a maximum tire pressure of 72.5 psi / 5 bar for Tubeless Straight Sidewall (TSS) or ‘Hookless’ type rims. This tool should be utilized solely as a resource, and it is important to note that no warranty or guarantee is provided.

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