tyre pressure for mixed terrain rides

chrisw12

I've got a very interesting commute planned for tomorrow. 17 miles as fast as I can on the road to work. I can't be late and I need as much sleep as possible, so I'm thinking tyres pumped up to max recomended.

On my way home, I've gpt to climb a big hill on the road (about 20 mins) then I have 45 mins of downhill fun on some rocky but not too demanding trails.

I know my tyre pressures for roads, but I'm new to this off road lark, so what do I do just before I hit the trails? Do I reduce the pressure?


Oh and anyone else have such a great journey to and from work?

sloboy

I think I can state with great authority "It depends"

For hard off road surfaces, on a 2.1" tyre and at about 12st, I pick about 40psi. For rocky surfaces, a bit softer. For narrower tyres a bit harder.

I've often thought I ride my tyres a bit hard though, so don't take my word for it !

Pagem

go to max pressure allowed by your tyre for the road section, then prior to the rough stuff just let a bit out.

perhaps inflate to aound 35psi and literally get a feel for what this is like by squeezing the tyre with your thumb - prior to your ride. when the time comes to drop the pressure later on (having pumped up to your desired road pressure) you can let some of the air out and guesstimate 35psi by how it feels.