Tire Air Pressure: It's More Than PSI

What's the Best Air Pressure to Use for the Terrain?

Published in the May 2018 Issue July 2018 Feature Adam Lukoic

TRAIL RIDING

Consider a PSI somewhere in the middle. Trail conditions and the type of terrain (muddy, rocky or sandy) vary from region to region. So it is difficult to say that a certain PSI

(higher/lower) works best for trail riding. Something to keep in mind when determining what PSI to use for the trail riding is your speed.

Will you be blazing down the trail at high speed or will you be out sightseeing at lower speeds? If speed is your thing, lean towards a higher PSI. Running the max or near PSI will typically give you the best performance and protection from pinch flats or sidewall punctures. At lower speeds you will more than likely be ok with a lower PSI, something closer to the PSI recommended in the owner’s manual. A lower PSI can help with ride comfort by providing a softer feel on the trail. However, keep in mind that running a lower PSI can potential-ly reduce the overall load-rating and ply-rating of the tire.

 

DESERT RIDING

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