Tire pressure on gravel roads

[Catrin]

I need to do a little hard riding on the Jamis to break the seals on the rear suspension so lbs can customize it for my weight. They said gravel roads would do the job - and out in my corn fields there are some gravel roads that I've never been able to ride As wet as everything is that is my only option anyway - and they said road riding won't do it.

Should I lower the tire pressure any for gravel roads? Last week I ran the full 65 pounds pressure - but that was for pavement. I suspect these roads don't have fresh gravel on them - though I do want to look at them to make certain any flooding has subsided.

[Becky]

65?!? Way too much, IMO. I don't know too many riders who run even the minimum pressure listed on the side of the tire. My squishy bike's tires are rated for 35-60, and I don't think I've had more than 30 psi in there.

Too much pressure means less traction, as a rock-hard tire can't deform around obstacles for grip, and instead bounces off them. It's uncomfortable too. A too-soft tire runs the risk of pinch flats and feels like pedalling in wet cement.

The goal is to find the tire pressure that allows you a comfortable ride with plenty of traction, while not being so low that it causes/contributes to pinch flats. The right pressure varies by tire, bike, weight, and conditions.

I would start with the pressure on the high side, and let air out a little at a time until you find the pressure that works for your bike, your riding style, and the conditions. Carry a pump and don't be afraid to experiment

[Catrin]

I only had it so high because I was on total pavement for that ride. My favorite pump with a gauge doesn't seem to be made for schrader valves, though it has two heads so surely Am taking Ms. MG (the Jamis) to the LBS tomorrow so will take pump to and ask them about it. It was HARD to find one with a gauge!

[Becky]

Ahhh ok. The pavement part makes more sense. Off-road, you'll definitely want less.

As for the whole gauge thing, I pump up at home with my gauge-equipped floor pump and note my starting pressure. Then I let air off as I ride until I find nirvana, and check my final pressure when I get home.

If your pump has two heads, it must be able to do both presta and schrader valves. Do you have a link or a picture?

[Catrin]

It is this Crank Brother pump...

I may have figured it out, one of the "caps" at one end does appear to unscrew - that might be how I can use it for the schrader valve. My other bikes all have presta.

OOOOOH I see it now! There are little "symbols" for the two kinds of valve, one by each end. I've no idea why I couldn't make it work but I am quite sure it was user error - will try it again I would much prefer it be my error than to learn that I can't use my $30 pump on my mountain bike!

[Aggie_Ama]

For gravel on a mountain bike with tubes, I would stick around 30. For hard pack I would go up to 35. With tubes I had to run a higher pressure. But you don't want to pinch flat on tubes, so bottom line 30 or so. You need a firm tire but a little bit of squish in them for traction. Hope that makes sense, it will once you ride a little more. And since your LBS may know the exact trail ask them what they think as well.

[spokewench]

I need to do a little hard riding on the Jamis to break the seals on the rear suspension so lbs can customize it for my weight. They said gravel roads would do the job - and out in my corn fields there are some gravel roads that I've never been able to ride As wet as everything is that is my only option anyway - and they said road riding won't do it.

Should I lower the tire pressure any for gravel roads? Last week I ran the full 65 pounds pressure - but that was for pavement. I suspect these roads don't have fresh gravel on them - though I do want to look at them to make certain any flooding has subsided.

I think you are new to riding in the dirt, arent you? For rocky stuff where I ride here in Flag, I never ride with more than 35 in the front, 40 in the rear. I weigh 125 pounds. This will give you a softer ride; I do not think that you are trying to go fast per se, just ride the bike for the lbs and get the feel of it. The harder more air in your tires, the more they slide. I suspect that you would like a more stable feel for some of your first rides, so I would opt for no more than 45 on a dirt road for you.

[limewave]

You know what's funny, I have never, ever, put air in my mountain bike tires or checked the pressure.

Maybe I should start doin' that.

[Aggie_Ama]

You know what's funny, I have never, ever, put air in my mountain bike tires or checked the pressure.

Maybe I should start doin' that.

I am beginning to feel OCD. I check my pressure ever ride, adjust it for terrain. Less technical, usually a firmer pressure. Less pressure for the rocky/loose trails. My husband is super OCD and checks his fork/shock pressure every ride. Lube chain every ride but we live in a dust bowl.

[Catrin]

I am beginning to feel OCD. I check my pressure ever ride, adjust it for terrain. Less technical, usually a firmer pressure. Less pressure for the rocky/loose trails. My husband is super OCD and checks his fork/shock pressure every ride. Lube chain every ride but we live in a dust bowl.

It was drilled into my head to check my tire pressure for every road ride, and I do! Granted, I've no mountain bike experience yet, but it seems to me that if it is helpful to do this for road riding, that it doubly applies to off-road riding.

[jessmarimba]

Haha...I almost never check my tire pressure - since they're big ol' fat mtb tires I can look and feel pretty quickly if they aren't high enough. But to kind of answer your question, I run mine at 40 (I think they're rated 40-65?) and I ride road and bike path. I'd definitely stay lower for loose rock or sandy trails.

[Catrin]

I think you are new to riding in the dirt, arent you? .... I do not think that you are trying to go fast per se, just ride the bike for the lbs and get the feel of it...

Yes, and am looking forward to it very much! I had hoped to do this before my Reno trip, but that means a treat will be awaiting me upon my return

[hebe]

The harder more air in your tires, the more they slide..

So true. I take a right turn off my favourite bridleway onto another path. The builders have just gritted the junction with very big loose gritty pebbles and my poor bike struggles every time unless I remember to take it dead slow. Both of my bikes have 60psi at the moment, but I've been riding mainly on-road(ish).

[ridebikeme]

Ahh tire pressure , as many have already mentioned it is such an individual thing. Like Shefly mentioned, LOTS of roots and rocks here in this part of the country. I weigh about 130 and generally use between 25-30 PSI, if it seems to be more hardpack then I will add more.

Glad to hear that you are getting your new bike out Catrin! If you are ever in the Richmond area, try riding on the Earlham campus. They own about 400 wooded acres, and the only people out there are the deer and people walking their dogs.

Have fun with the new bike!



http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

[Catrin]

Ahh tire pressure , as many have already mentioned it is such an individual thing. Like Shefly mentioned, LOTS of roots and rocks here in this part of the country. I weigh about 130 and generally use between 25-30 PSI, if it seems to be more hardpack then I will add more.

Glad to hear that you are getting your new bike out Catrin! If you are ever in the Richmond area, try riding on the Earlham campus. They own about 400 wooded acres, and the only people out there are the deer and people walking their dogs.

Have fun with the new bike!



http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

Thanks for the tip! I wanted to get it out today but I do not want to be rushes the first time I take it off pavement - so just got in a short road ride before the rail comes in. Taking the Jamis out next weekend will be a reward after attending a 5 day conference