![]() As with everything, it is finding the balance which is key. The general rule is a firmer tire will roll faster but be a harsher ride where low pressure tires will be slower rolling but more forgiving. PSI recommendations found on sidewall Traction vs rolling speed and flat tires For kids around 100 lbs, we run anywhere from 14-18 PSI depending on terrain. For example, for kids under 50 lbs, we will run 8-10 PSI on their 2.2 inch mountain bike tires. ![]() These suggestions are just a starting place and are dependent on the weight of the child and width of the tire. Neighborhood/gravel/dirt path: 1.5-2.0 inch wide= 20-50 PSI ![]() Mountain biking: 2.1-2.5 inch wide= 8-20 PSI (even lower for the really light kids on 16 inch bikes) For kids, we often find ourselves outside these suggested ranges on the low side due to lower rider weights. Somewhere in between lies most kids pedal bikes tires made for riding around the neighborhood and light gravel/dirt path use. Kids mountain bike tires will have lower recommended pressure and kids road racing bicycle tires will have higher suggested pressure. the narrower the tire, the higher the pressure Bicycle Tire pressure suggestionsĪll bicycle tires have a suggested range of pressure that can be found on the sidewall of the tire. On the other hand, narrower road tires have much less volume so they need more PSI to prevent bottoming out and pinch flats. Because wider tires mountain bike tires have more air volume, it is possible to ride them at lower pressures, increasing both comfort and traction on the trail. Tires require a certain amount of air pressure to prevent them from bottoming out on the rim. ![]() the wider the tires, the lower the pressure Tire width and tire pressure It is simple and probably the most effective way to create the best performance for your child’s bicycle. For bicycles, the tubes and tires are just woven rubber and air will leak over time so it is important to check tire pressure regularly. separate gauge insures accuracyĪll pneumatic tires like car tires and bicycle tires are pressurized by an “air-tight” chamber, be it a tube or sealed tubeless tire. Alternatively and recommended, you can get a separate pressure gauge at a reasonable price. Most quality bicycle pumps have gauges which read in PSI but pump gauges are often inaccurate. This gives us a number which we can use as reference for how much or little air is in the tire. PSI or “pounds per square inch” is simply the measure of pressure resulting from a force of one pound-force applied to an area of one square inch. You may have heard this acronym being tossed around conversations around how much air to inflate a bicycle tire with. And to be honest, we use a pressure gauge almost every ride when it comes to mountain biking as small differences when trail riding make a huge difference for the kids. With experience you can often get by “feeling” tire pressure with a quick squeeze but this guide is geared towards getting the best performance. A parents’ guide to why kids bike tire pressure matters and how road vs trail riding is different.
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