BIKE AND KIT
Setting mountain-bike tyre pressure
Establish pressure from rider, tyre, rim and terrain variables, then adjust carefully using measured results.
Reviewed · General UK planning guidance · Check current operator and manufacturer information
Build a baseline
Front and rear often need different pressure.
- Consider total system mass, tyre volume and casing, rim width, inserts and tubed or tubeless setup.
- Start conservatively within manufacturer limits.
- Use the same reliable gauge to make comparisons.
Test one change
Use familiar terrain below your limit.
- Too low can cause squirm, burping and rim strikes.
- Too high can reduce grip and increase deflection or harshness.
- Change in small increments and record front and rear separately.
Recheck conditions
Temperature and elevation affect pressure.
- Measure before each ride and after major weather changes.
- Inspect casing and rims after impacts or pressure loss.
- Do not use pressure changes to disguise damaged tyres or wheels.
Useful official guidance
Rules, conditions and services change. Use these sources and the relevant venue’s current information before relying on a plan.
Spot something that needs updating? Tell us about a correction.