Why different front and rear pressures?

More weight sits on the rear wheel (roughly 55/45 split), so the rear tyre needs about 10% more pressure than the front for optimal grip and comfort.

Is higher pressure always faster?

No. Research shows that on real roads, lower pressures can be faster because the tyre absorbs bumps instead of bouncing. The old "hard tyres are fast" advice is outdated.

How does tyre width affect pressure?

Wider tyres need less pressure for the same load. A 28 mm tyre at 80 psi provides similar performance to a 25 mm at 95 psi, but with more comfort.

Should I use tubeless?

Tubeless allows running 5-10 psi lower than clincher for the same performance, improving comfort and grip. It also reduces puncture risk.

BikeCalcs

Tyre Pressure Calculator — Optimal PSI for Your Setup

Calculate optimal tyre pressure based on rider weight, tyre width and terrain.

Rider Weight

Bike Weight

Tyre Width

Terrain

How We Calculate This

Pressure Calculation

The calculator uses total system weight and tyre width to determine base pressure, then adjusts for terrain type and front/rear weight distribution.

Wider tyres use lower pressures. Gravel and off-road conditions use significantly lower pressures. The front tyre runs about 10% less than the rear.

Maximum pressure is capped based on tyre width to stay within safe limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2025-02-20

All calculations are estimates. Always verify results and consult a professional bike fitter where appropriate.