How To Check Your Bike Tire Pressure Even Without A Tire Gauge

Air pressure in bicycle tires is important for the safety of riders. Tires that are too soft lead to dangerous compression punctures. Regularly checking the air pressure is the best way to avoid it. The accurate way to measure it is to use an air pressure gauge; on the other hand, it is possible to determine pressure without a gauge.

Tires usually have the recommended psi labeled on them; however, it is sometimes inaccurate. The width of the tire affects the volume of air pressure needed; for instance, road bikes typically have thinner tires inflated to higher pressures than those found on mountain bikes. Regular checking surprisingly optimizes riding performance and increases the life of the tire.

Accordingly is it important to keep in mind what causes changes in air pressure? Of course, temperature affects the air pressure and causes a 10-degree increase. It is best not to ride the brakes to end this. Equally important are the conditions the people riding their bikes in. In general, harder tires are best, especially with heavier loads.

The riding surface is also a factor, and smooth surfaces require harder tires; however, bumpy surfaces are better with softer tires. In wet or icy conditions, reducing air pressure increases the tire surface on the ground for a safer ride.

Bicycles have different types of valves which require certain gauges or the need for an adapter. For example, valves are Woods, Presta, or Schrader. Similarly, gauges come in different styles from digital to pencil or side mounting.

Pumps also have air pressure gauges; however, tests show they are off from 10 psi to even 90 psi when compared to independent gauges. Still all gauges work in basically the same way. First, look for the recommended psi labeled on the tire for a starting point. With this in mind, remember the recommended psi is not always accurate.

Next, remove the valve cap and attach the valve stem pressing down until hissing stops. Soon the air pressure pushes a small bar on the bottom, and the pointer moves on the dial face for this reason. Either the pointer reads the air pressure measurement, or it displays it on a screen if digital. Tires that are too hard need air let out, and in contrast, tires that are too soft need air pumped into them.

In relation to checking air pressure with a gauge, pinching the tire from the sides is a good way to practice determining air pressure without a gauge. Of course, pinching the tire with regular use of a gauge is good practice. Also, when using an air pressure gauge on a pump, stroke it a few times to open the valve, therefore, it reads the pressure in the tire and not the pump.

Bikers do not always have a gauge handy and should know alternative practices for testing air pressure. Pinching the sidewalls is one way, specifically when done regularly with a gauge for comparison. Bikers learn to determine pressure for their purposes and are familiar with how their tires feel at different pressures.

Also, a bike rolled through a puddle and onto a dry surface leaves tread marks revealing the amount of contact with the ground. These other ways are not optimal; however, they work well if needed. Observe the splay of the tires, especially if the bike thuds more than normal on bumps.

A tire rolled over a curb also determines the pressure in regard to deformation on the sides. Similarly, the weight of the bike when leaned on one tire shows bulges at the point of contact. Bicycle tires should bulge a little, however too much means the tire is low.

To summarize, the air pressure in bike tires affects the ride and performance of the tire. The accurate way to measure air pressure is with a gauge; however, there are ways to determine it without a gauge. The air pressure creates a cushion between the rim and ground for the hardest expected impact.

In addition, the conditions for the ride are considered. At any rate, regularly checking the air pressure properly with a gauge is the best practice. At least it is a cheap way to improve the ride and extend the life of the tires.