Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.


Tire pressure question
#1
ok I know this is a really dumb question with a very sensible answer. I am just a little bit confused about pumping up tire with my floor pump that has psi gauge on it. I know to pump it to 120psi, but when not pumping it settles at a reading of about 60. Am I supposed to pump so the needle peaks at 120, but is going to settle much lower when not pumping? Or is my gauge supposed to read 120 when not actually pumping? I hope this makes sense.<br />
Thanks

  Reply
#2
When your pushing down on the pump handle the pressure might spike and then settle back down. What happens is the pressure inside the pump goes way up, but as the air flows into the tire it goes down to what is now in the tire.
The pressure in the tire should be what shows after the gauge drops back down to a stable reading.
120 is pretty high. I assume that is what shows as the "max pressure" on your tire? On skinny racing tires, you probably don't want to ever go below 80-90. But you don't necessarily have to be at the max. Higher pressure means higher speed but harsher ride. Generally put about 5 psi more in the rear than the front as it has more weight on it.

  Reply
#3
cool. thanks

  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Post-Ride Nutrition
Today 02:06 AM
🚴‍♂️ Saddle Up for the Belgian Waffle Ri...
Today 02:03 AM
Pre Ride Food Intake
Today 12:14 AM
SAVA Explorer 6061?
Yesterday 03:31 PM
braking by reversing the pedals
Yesterday 01:00 PM
Zwift v Spin v Wahoo
04-01-2025 05:59 PM
Have you Ever Tried an Electric Bike?
04-01-2025 05:07 PM
Good Morning from SW Ohio
04-01-2025 07:32 AM
(So California) PV Dr to be closed to bi...
03-31-2025 09:14 PM
Tubeless vs. tubes: What are the pros an...
03-31-2025 08:28 AM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. GirishH
22 posts
no avatar 2. Flowrider
19 posts
no avatar 3. meamoantonio
12 posts
no avatar 4. Jake1
11 posts
no avatar 5. SPINMAN
8 posts