Tire Pressure

[Jordyne]

I'm 5'6'' and weigh about 115. My tires say to inflate to 120 but my LBS said 110 is better. They are 700x23. I'm doing some reading now and it seems like 110 is even too much?

What do you think?

[goldfinch]

I weigh 105 and I inflate at the minimum pressure. It really helps with comfort.

[Owlie]

I weigh 130-135 and I only inflate mine to 105-110 or so, slightly lower on the front tire.

[Hi Ho Silver]

I'm 5'6'' and weigh about 115. My tires say to inflate to 120 but my LBS said 110 is better. They are 700x23. I'm doing some reading now and it seems like 110 is even too much?

What do you think?

I weigh about 125 lbs and I inflate my 700x23 tires to 90 psi (front) and 110 psi (rear). Given that you weigh less than me, you could go even lower, like 85 (front) and 105 (rear).

My process for determining the best pressure for me is to start with lower pressures and to gradually increase the pressures every week until I notice a decrease in comfort. Then I experiment a little up or down from the last pressures I used that were comfy.

Although it might seem that really high pressures are best for performance, they often lead to discomfort, which ultimately decreases performance.

[OakLeaf]

I'm around 120# and I really notice the increased rolling resistance if I go below 110 PSI. I might go a little bit lower (like maybe 105#) if I plan to be riding on super rough roads, but those are also the roads where pinch flats are more likely. It's plenty comfortable on all but the worst of them.

[Kathi]

I use Michelin Pro Race 650c tires. On the package there is advice for tire pressure based on riders weight. For riders under 111 lbs (50 kg) the recommendation is 6 bar, about 88 psi. Under 133 lbs (60 kg) around 100 psi or not quite 7 bar. I'm 105 lbs and have been using 88 psi for 6 years without an issue. If the LBS adds any more air I'm miserable.

I don't know if there is difference for 700c tires or other brands. It would be nice if every tire company had guidelines like this.

[spokewench]

If you pump your tires to low pressures, your opportunity for flats increases that is why you should pump your road tires to somewhere near minimum for the tire every time. If you want a little more cush and little less rolling resistance then take out 5-8 pounds of pressure. You will get a little more comfort, but it will be harder to pedal with less pressure. It is a trade off.

[Crankin]

I use 110-120, even though I only weigh 104. I really don't feel any difference when there's say, only 90 in there and i always hope that having a high psi will keep me from flats, which it mostly has. The tires are rated up to 120 and I prefer to keep it that way.