Tire (tyre) Pressure?

[dfwilson]

What tire pressure, front and rear, should I run for different conditions. I weigh 13.5 Stone (230 lbs). I don't want to have a pinch flat but I want as much traction as possible. The conditions I ride range from my concrete patio, in which I place cement blocks, wooden crates, and, what ever else I can find to practice on, to ravines with grass, sand, and, roots. Thanks for any suggestions.

Amateur Section Crash Test Dummy

[olly g]

i suggest bout 7-9 on rock dependin g on weather conditions, and 5-7 on mud/grass depending on conditions, the drier the higher.

cheers from olly

[t-shock 250]

4 PSI in the back, 6 PSI in the front, all conditions, certainly no higher than 4 though as you will start to lose grip.

[sparky]

i agree with t-shock 250 for normal going. i usually drop each down a pound when its really muddy.

Edited January 12, 2004 by sparky

[nigel dabster]

Many variables here, but as the top guys run around 4/5 psi in the rear and hit large rock steps in 3rd that would be fine for you. 5 in a michelin shouldn't give any trouble at all and good traction for a 13stoner.

[dfwilson]

Thanks all, for the info. I have been running 7psi front and 6psi back. I will be brave and lower the pressure.

[clarkp]

dfwilson - here in TX I run 5 in the front and 4 in the back for most conditions (soft sandy loam, leaves, some rocks, etc.). On the granite west of Austin (Katemcy Rocks) and up in Tishomingo, OK this past weekend we were running 7 in front and 6 in back - I heard of no pinch flats or cut sidewalls. I weigh 180 lb.

[ridgrunr]

In the rocks I run 7 front and 5 rear

In the mud I run 6 front and 4 rear (I don't go less than that cause you never know when you'll hit one of those rim busting rocks down in that mud. Then as soon as you set up for the mud, they'll throw in a rock section on the loop.

Depends on the tires you run too.

The IRC's seem to have have a stiffer side wall and tolerate the low pressures better than the Michelins. I prefer the Michelins in the rocks and IRC's in the mud.

[jtt]

I've run as low as 3 psi in the rear on mine, and I'm 200lbs! This is in unusual conditions with slime covered rocks, but never had any problems even running that low...oh, and this is with Michelins.

Normally I run 5-6 in front and 4-5 in the rear.

[jrsunt]

Not giving any of my secrets away!!

[rev`er]

i went round the last trial with a puncture on a tubed tyre!! 0psi for 2 laps of 18 including rocks, quarry, loads of burns.... but it was amazing grip on the hill climbs and moor run but not so good when riding back on the forest track, i normally ride 4-5 psi back and 6-7 psi in front, i dont normally adjust the front as it doesnt make much difference!

REV`er

[dfwilson]

Not giving any of my secrets away!! 

Of course not you might be embarrased to say how much pressure it takes to keep a Montesa afloat.

[scratcher]

Im 20 stone...wat pressures should i be runnin 4rt. Soft clay underneath leaves n roots some road work

[jonnyc21]

1 hour ago, scratcher said:

Im 20 stone...wat pressures should i be runnin 4rt. Soft clay underneath leaves n roots some road work

As stated above pro-riders like Bou and Raga are splitting at pressures like 4 rear and 5 front without issues.

so, unless your trail riding and high speeds or riding very jagged rocks you should be fine at a psi of 4 rear and 5 front.

if your concerned maybe 4.5 rear and 5.5 to 6 front but I bet you would feel the difference in traction at that pressure.  And I wouldn't go more that 5 rear and 6.5 front...

[scratcher]

Thanks Jonny. I was just concerned because o my weight on the rear tyre..at 20 stone...Bou n Ragga are guys around 12 stone..im nearly twice their weight. N im not doin sections. Its mainly trail riding with an odd wee play..