Correct bicycle tyre pressure: The quick fix for easier, faster cycling

Bikes with under-inflated tyres make us wince. After all, maintaining the correct tyre pressure is a cheap, quick and easy task that not only makes your bike more efficient, but improves its handling.

Whether you're an old hand at checking tyre pressures every few days, or have yet to get into the habit, a track pump makes the job a doddle.

We're fans of the Topeak JoeBlow. With a steel barrel, and connectors for Presta, Schrader and Dunlop valves, this robust floor pump can inflate tyres to well over 100psi with ease. We like the fact spares for this model are readily available as with long-term intensive use, we've found the head can eventually wear and stop sealing properly with the tyre valve. However, it's a minor gripe. We've used the Topeak JoeBlow at events, as well as the pump for our office bikes, for many years without complaint.

What is the correct pressure for my bicycle tyres?

There's no shame in being puzzled about bicycle tyres pressures. After all, the correct pressure can alter radically between tyres. For example, the narrow tyres of a road bike require 80 - 130 psi (pounds per square inch); mountain bike tyres being used off-road, 25 to 35 psi; and hybrid tyres anything between 40 to 70 psi.

Track pumps also make a good general-purpose household tool as they're perfect for inflating footballs, not to mention being powerful enough to top-up car tyres. And if you get your bike out of the shed only to discover it's suffered a slow puncture, they make the repair a breeze.

New to fixing flats? Our three-minute guide shows you how to mend a punctured bicycle tyre without breaking a sweat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRqbDamDLT0

Win a JoeBlow track pump

If you'd like to be in with a chance of winning a Topeak JoeBlow Sport III track pump, simply leave us a message below and we'll pick a name next week.

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