Image: The Pros Closet. Kenda places red and yellow marks on the sidewalls of its tires to enable to best possible match-mounting of the tire/wheel assembly. For a start, it helps if you know how much air pressure is in your bicycle tires. On the road, on the trail or on the racetrack, you can count on Kenda quality. For over 50 years, our trusted products have been relied on by the towable trailer, utility, RV . In general, 55-60% of a riders weight sits over the bikes rear wheel. If you ever wonder, what should bike tire pressure be? each manufacturer prints a recommended bike tire psi on the sidewall. For consistency, it is recommended that the same gauge, independent or integrated into a pump, be used each time tires are inflated. The good news is, fat bike tires can operate fine with tire pressure that is typically considered low for other bikes and vehicles. The inside of the tire must be free of foreign material. When the pressure is too low, the ride might be softer, but the tread may not meet the road uniformly. We will define broad ranges for individuals weighing 120 -200lb, adjust up or down for your weight, and the other variables. Various factors influence how much air pressure to use in bike tires, including tire width and diameter, bike weight, rider and cargo weight, weather conditions, terrain, and tubeless tires. The way a tire is made has a bearing on tire comfort and affects how much PSI you need. Unbalanced tire and wheel assemblies can potentially lead to tirefailure. An unbalanced tire is usually detectable by vibrations in the steering wheel at higher speeds. The alternative metric measurement you may see is Bar. Every bike owner should have a floor pump regardless of the type of bike he owns. Contact Kenda or consult your owners manual for more information. Our tires are engineered for performance and value across a wide range of interests and applications. By continuing to use this site you consent to our use of cookies. Mountain bikes have wider tires than road bikes, with widths that overlap in range with gravel and CX bikes. Due to Covid-19, current production times may vary and retail location hours may have changed. Stopping distance:Properly inflated tires maximize tread contact with the pavement, and traction along with it. If the tire feels squishy, then its underinflated; hard as a rock, overinflated. Kenda. If a rim/wheel has a different maximum air pressure than a tubeless tire, ALWAYS defer to the lower of the two pressures. The maximum load rating of your tires is marked on the tire sidewall. Riders in drier climates should check sealant levels in their tires more frequently. The table below displays recommended pressures for a variety of tires at two rider (plus bike) weights. If tires will not seat or experience rapid air pressure loss over the course of a short period (minutes to a few hours), it is likely that either the rim strip or the tubeless valvehas been compromised or damaged. In theory, at least, any puncture is automatically sealed and you can continue on your ride. However, the conventional wisdom of pumping up tires to a rock-hard 120-130 PSI has been debunked. However, a tire pumped to a high pressure on rough surfaces incurs suspension losses. This can result in sudden tire failure. Depending on the pump you use, youll have to either screw the pump head on or push it on and secure it with a cam lever. Using a tire pressure gauge is fairly easy. Tires designated as front wheel fitment should only be mounted in the front position. The harder the ground is, the higher the PSI will be. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. It is by far the mostimportant function of tire maintenance you can perform. It is crucial that tire and wheel assemblies be balanced properly before use. Tires on road bikes have traditionally been pumped up to very high pressures, dating back to when they were insanely skinny at 20mm. This will allow therider to get used to the feel of the tires and their performance characteristics. When fitting a new tire on a wheel/rim requiring a tube, a new tube should be installed at the same time. To learn more, visit our Cookie Policy. When fitting a new tire on a wheel/rim requiring a tube, a new tube should be installed at the same time. Again, high pressure may cause punctures if the rider is on a trail with roots. Kenda recommends that you do not mix either of these, as it is unsafe. Below, we have created a fat bike tire pressure chart so that you can get a better idea. Get the peace of mind that comes from Dexstar steel wheels. Checking your tire pressure at least once a month is recommended. Kenda Tire suggests following the manufacture recommended guidelines on width of rim tape and thickness. At best, a tire that's underinflated for the load at hand will suffer the problems detailed above. Be sure that all of your valves have suitable valve caps. All Rights Reserved. In these situations, it is recommended that the tire be removed from the rim, inspected for damage and cleaned of old sealant. Tire pressure directly affects ride comfort because a softer tire absorbs vibration from the riding surface. To learn more, visit ourCookie Policy. The size and width of a tire change the total volume. As a result, Kenda Tire recommends that riders check the tire pressure with a pressure gauge before every ride. Maximum PSI in road tires can go to 140 PSI and above, though few would ride them at those pressures. Dont exceed that when you go to pump air into the tire. Running lower pressure increases bicycle rolling resistance and traction because more tire surface is in contact with the ground, absorbing more vibration from impacts. Mountain bike tire pressure is the most complex because of the number of variables, including tire widths (2.1 2.8), disciplines (XC, Trail, Enduro, DH), terrains, and MTB wheel sizes. Aspect Ratio 2-digit number that gives the approximate sidewall height. If you pump your tires to the max and go riding in extreme heat, they may end up overinflated. The table below displays recommended pressures for a variety of tires at two rider (plus bike) weights. However, if you go too low, you risk pinch punctures. This will allow therider to get used to the feel of the tires and their performance characteristics. If you have old tires and dont see the range, it may have worn off, so check the tire model on the manufacturers website. Kenda Tires | Automotive | Tire 101 Tire 101 TIRE DESCRIPTION 1. Kenda wins awards at the Taipei Cycle Show. One bar is equal to 100 kPa (kilopascal). See above for specific ranges based on MTB tire width. Kenda does not recommend repairing tubes. For pavement, I would start with 10 PSI and drop air from there (never press into your tire more than 15 PSI). Always match the tire speedrating to your motorcycle requirement. For fresh snow or packed snow trails, I would use 1-4 PSI. They are easier to use but ineffective for high psi. Under inflated tirescan result in tire failure. Choosing the perfect type 1996 - 2023 Bikexchange.com: Cycling Guides & Bicycle Reviews. You can find the OE recommended tire pressure on the placard that is usually located in the drivers side door jam. It totally depends on the vehicle when it comes to a specific bike tire pressure. Due to pressurization, the liquid can pass through the inner liner and into the casing plies. Fat bikes are designed to ride on hard surfaces like dirt and snow, so you dont need to air them up much more than other bikes. Fat bikes are designed to ride on hard surfaces like dirt and snow, so you don't need to air them up much more than other bikes. PSI (pounds per square inch) is the unit youll normally see written on the side of bike tires. This year, 16 riders, both pre-qualified and wild card winners, took part in mountain biking's undoubtedly most renowned freeride event. #RideKenda#KendaTiresDesigned for your journey. Rider preferences and terrain are the two primary considerations; performance is not significant for commuter or hybrid riders. Let us do the work for you to decrease your installation time. Each tire has a psi range indicated by the manufacturer, which riders should stay within, but either side of this range will produce different results. So, many riders use a higher PSI on bumpy terrain to avoid punctures or tire damage. When youve pumped the tire up, remove the pump head from the valve vertically to avoid damaging the valve. Tires which are loaded beyond their maximum allowable loads for the particular application will build up excessive heat that may result in sudden tire destruction. Is Traveling With a Tire Pump Recommended? Likewise, mixing radials and non-radials can also cause the same issues. Bike tire pressure significantly influences how your bicycle feels and performs on the road or trail. Of course, the chief benefit of tubeless tires is that you can run low tire pressures and the risk of punctures is inherently mitigated. It indicates the level of pressure and stress (caused by air) in a pressurized tube such as a bike or car tire. A nominal ideal tire pressure, then, takes the nature of riding surfaces into account throughout a whole ride. Always start with a cold tire. Running higher pressure decreases rolling resistance and traction, typically increasing speed (on smooth surfaces). Contact Kendafor more information. A common aim with these calculations is to create a 15% drop in tire height based on the metrics you supply. Experiment with a lower psi to find the gravel bicycle tire pressure for better rolling speed, grip, and comfort on heavy gravel paths and mountain trails. Do not exceed these ratings. That is why measuring and keeping track of your low tire pressure is extremely important. Americana Tire and Wheel (ATW) is a Kenda Group company. Extra heat generated in the tire can cause it to fail even if it had held up under a lighter load. Unbalanced tire and wheel assemblies can potentially lead to tirefailure. Kenda recommends consulting sealant manufacturers or your local bike shop for recommendations based on your location and usage. A special 4-ply construction and a sub-tread puncture breaker result in a load capacity of 150kg/tire and an increase to overall durability. A hand pump might work for a narrow tire, but if it doesnt have the strength or power that you need, then an electric or manual pump should be used instead. The last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. Most experts say that they are supposed to last 2000-3000 miles. Under dosing could negatively influence sealant efficacy, and over dosing could negatively effect ride performance. Speed ratings are recognized by the Industry Standards Organization (ISO). Uniformity Method (red mark) Regular rotation helps extend the life of your tires and improve performance because each tire carries a different amount of weight, making them wear at different rates. The higher end of the ranges should provide adequate comfort and grip, boosting rolling speed if you mainly ride light gravel paths and roads. Typically, the higher the number the wider the tire. Is this the best way to do things? And youll know if your bike is good to go or needs more air. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate to manufacturers specifications. Rider and bike weight also play a part, as this affects hysteresis losses and the likelihood of punctures. Makesure to check the size marking on the tube to be sure it matches your tire size. It measures from sidewall to sidewall. Itll also alert you to problems like slow punctures or faulty valves. Tire size and width greatly influence how much pressure you should run. The best way to find out whats right for you though is through experimentation. It is by far the mostimportant function of tire maintenance you can perform. A better way by far to check tire pressure is to use a digital tire pressure gauge. When new tubeless tires are mounted, have new valves of the correct type installed. All these bikes are ridden on rougher surfaces, which is why tubeless tires are common in off-road riding. Kenda places red and yellow marks on the sidewalls of its tires to enable to best possible match-mounting of the tire/wheel assembly. Bent or cracked wheels/rims should be replaced immediately. The suspension gains of low psi reduce bouncing by absorbing the energy of impacts, allowing riders to maintain momentum. Shop. Tire Pressures & Tire Inspection. 3. All tires will wear out faster when subjected to high speeds as well as hard cornering, rapid starts, sudden stops, frequent driving on roads which are in poor condition, and off road use. Old tubes become stretched and if anold tube is fitted within a new tire, it can crease and fail due to thinning of the tube rubber. We use cookies to deliver the best possible experience on our website. So, while riders can ride with less pressure in their fat bike tires (around 12-14 psi), they wont get much grip on surfaces like asphalt or gravel. This is rarely the case. Contact Kenda or consult your owners manual for more information. Kenda does notrecommend ANY type of tire modification. Here a the MTB tire pressure ranges in terms of tire width: 2.1 = 18 -26psi 2.25 = 17 - 25psi 2.35 = 16 - 31psi 2.4 = 16 - 31psi 2.5 = 15 - 30psi 2.6 = 14 - 23psi 2.8 = 14 - 22psi Road Bike Tire Pressure Road bike psi varies a lot in terms of the total number. All Rights Reserved. Expectations vs. RealityContinue, Your email address will not be published. Never exceed the maximum listed inflation pressure on a tire, either during inflation or in use. See why Kenda is the right choice. Tire pressure should be checked when they are cold driven less than a kilometer. When selecting Kenda tires for your motorcycle be sure they meet the requirements of the motorcycle, your intended use, match up with yourwheels/rims, have proper speed rating and load carrying capacity. Always match the tire speedrating to your motorcycle requirement. 4. By continuing to use this site you consent to our use of cookies. Use a pump or a CO2 inflator. If a rider experiences a frequent number of flats, this can also be an indicator of low levels of sealant in the tire. How Can a Person Tell if they Have the Perfect Tire Pressure? How Long Does It Take To Bike A Mile? Excellent choice for heavier/larger models Front and rear tread patterns designed for all weather riding Bias/belted casing design, front and rear, for improved handling and high load carrying capacity If you have a spare tube with you its always best to plan ahead! Instead, faulty tires should be replaced with comparable new tires. For a fat bike, you need a floor pump that measures the pressure accurately. Contact your Kenda tire dealer to ensure proper tire to wheel installationand balancing. The weather has a direct effect on PSI. Menu ; Close ; Find a bike shop. Make sure not to over inflate as this will wear down both the tires and rims faster because it puts more stress on them. Kenda does not recommend repairing tubes. You can look down on the tire from above, too. Do not fit Kenda tubes in radial motorcycle tires. Contact Kenda for more information. Roads with holes and rocks or other objects can damage tires and cause misalignment of your vehicle. Where will Kenda take you? Check the tire placard and the owners manual supplied by the manufacturer of your vehicle for further recommendations on trailer towing. Clincher vs Tubular vs Tubeless Tires All Differences Explained. Even in perfect riding conditions, a tire that is too soft and squirmy does not corner well and may risk the sidewall collapsing, potentially causing an accident. Sealants - Every brand of sealant has their own strengths. Outside, you can use a frame pump or a mini pump. The sidewalls are flexible and there are usually two layers of casing rather than three. It probably wont hurt your speed, either, as the lower pressure helps soak up the impedance of a trail. Very low tire pressure can be dangerous for you and your loved vehicle. Make sure to replace tires before they reach their tread wear indicator bars (1/32 tread depth remaining). It shouldnt yield much. Adjust the psi higher or lower (within the manufacturers range) based on your weight. Kids wheel sizes and weight vary greatly, so take these estimates lightly and consult the manufacturers recommendations. Do not fit Kenda tubes in radial motorcycle tires. If you use it on softer snow, low PSI is okay. Therefore, a narrower tire pumped to crazy pressures is not necessarily faster, even though thats what was considered to be true for a long time. It does not take too much time. While the sizes are similar to hybrid bikes, gravel riders run lower psi to boost comfort and performance on rough terrain. Bike tire pressure can be either measured in bars or PSI, but the latter is more common. The wider the tire, the more air volume and less air pressure it requires. Additionally, run a lower bicycle tire PSI in wet weather to improve grip or very bumpy terrain (cobblestones) for comfort. Remember a new tire has very different performance characteristicsthan a used tire of the same make/model. Even without air loss, sealant levels should be checked every few months. The question what pressure should bike tires be? is complex, but using an appropriate tire pressure is a fast, cost-free way to optimize your bikes performance. Mixing new and used front and rear tires, and visa versa, can cause instability and unpredictable handling. Some tires can take much higher PSI than others and some people have trouble with certain numbers. In reality, its hard to overinflate a high-pressure tire with smaller pumps, but keep the max PSI in mind. For pavement, I would start with 10 PSI and drop air from there (never press into your tire more than 15 PSI). Usea slightly lower pressure (5%-10%) in the front tire to account for this. The factors that determine appropriate tire pressure in any given situation include tire width, rider and bike weight, conditions and terrain, and whether the tires are tubeless or not. Air pressure gives the tire its shape and decides how much the tire flexes as you ride. Its low tire pressure and fatter tires make it a perfect ride for snowy and sandy terrains. A bike tire pressure calculator is the most accurate way to determine psi, but weve given some estimate ranges below. The best way to put air in fat bike tires is with an air compressor. All tires lose air pressure overtime. Kenda Tires Shop Online Find a Tire News Events Tire Tech Casing Technology Rubber Compounds Compound Structure Tubeless Tires Glossary Warranty Information Videos FAQ Find a bike shop Find a Tire View all bicycle tires Recent News Brett Rheeder Wins Red Bull Rampage Oct 22, 2022 Athlete News Excessive tread wear can result in tire failure. Kenda also does not condone the use of liquid sealants as a tire repair device. This information is used to contact consumers if a tire defect requires a recall. This will allow therider to get used to the feel of the tires and their performance characteristics. Conversely, on mixed terrain days or regular hardpack riding, increase the psi to reduce rolling resistance and improve speed. Unbalanced tire and wheel assemblies can potentially lead to tirefailure. Always check your tire pressure when the tires are cold and inspect for your tires wear and possible damage before each ride. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured. Many people run MTB tires at a low PSI relative to their max, though on rougher trails this invites the possibility of pinch flats or worse. Likewise, tires designated for rear wheel fitment shouldonly be mounted in the rear position. How Does a Riders Weight Change Tire Pressure? On smoother trails, youll gain a lot of comfort with a lower PSI, and if you pick the sweet spot you might get more speed as well. Some very popular and tested to be good floor pumps are-. That will dictate the pressure of the tires. Contact Kenda or consult your owners manual for more information. This makes you faster. Tire Width3-digit number that gives the approximate tire width in mm. Plus, get caught up on all our news, events, community involvement and so much more. Do keep in mind that to measure low tire pressure, a fat bike tire pressure gauge that can accurately read heavier tires is recommended. Makesure to check the size marking on the tube to be sure it matches your tire size. If you add heavier loads or another passenger to your motorcycle, a higher tire pressureis required. Stopping with improperly inflated tires takes more distance to stop the vehicle in an emergency situation. For example, the numbers 2212 mean the 22nd week of 2012. A great all weather tire for tons of applications. Mixing new and used front and rear tires, and visa versa, can cause instability and unpredictable handling. Speed ratings are recognized by the Industry Standards Organization (ISO). As we touched on in the introduction, tire psi significantly influences traction, rolling speed, and comfort. Contact Kenda and consult your owners manual for more information. Makesure to check the size marking on the tube to be sure it matches your tire size. As long as the trail isnt too gnarly, this is a risk worth taking. Need a wheel that can withstand really heavy loads? Kenda does not recommend installing your own tires or tubes. However, dont go below the recommended range, or pinch punctures occur. Replacement Golf Cart Tires with a 18x8.50-8 Tire Size. There is a 1-8 PSI range for snow, but depending on the snow, your exact PSI will be different. A common aim with these calculations is to create a 15% drop in tire height based on the metrics you supply. The other numbers in the middle are used at the manufacturer's discretion as a code. Check out our FREE tools and discover everything you need to know about tires Kids tire pressure should always trend toward the low end of the range printed on the tire wall. It is not uncommon for tire pressure to drop below preferred or even safe operating levels over time. When calculating your load capacity, take intoaccount the weight of the motorcycle, the weight of any additional luggage or gear, and whether you carry passengers. Likewise, mixing radials and non-radials can also cause the same issues. In addition, many commuters carry cargo requiring an extra 2-4psi per 10lbs of cargo. 1-8 PSI is maintained for soft conditions such as snow or sand, 12-15 PSI range is followed for riding on a trail, and 20-25 PSI is range is followed for uses in the urban area. The highest PSI range recommended for tires on a fat bike is 20-25 for use in urban terrain. Kenda recommends that you do not mix either of these, as it is unsafe. Casing Technology; Rubber Compounds; Compound Structure; Tubeless Tires; Glossary; Warranty Information; Videos; FAQ Back Size. If the tire pressure gets extremely low, it could even lead to an accident. That lets you run a slightly lower PSI without running much risk of pinch flats, at least on a road bike. Want to know 26 bike for what height? What do I do? But as we mentioned previously there are many factors that can have an impact on the tires PSI limit. By continuing to use this site you consent to our use of cookies. Copyright 2023 Kenda Tires. Answer with Tips! It does not matter if it a TLR tire with liquid sealants or a UST tire paired with a UST rim. The simplest way to check tire pressure, albeit unsatisfactorily, is to give the tire a press with your thumb or finger.