Optimum Bicycle Tire Pressure

Don't be silly! Finding the right tire pressure for the way you ride isn't rocket science. Take to memory these descriptions to help you make a good decision when choosing your bicycle tire pressure:

• High pressure is best for rocky, high-speed courses
• Lower pressure is best when riding on slower, softer courses

*Road tires have a higher pressure than off-road bikes. Low pressure on the road causes glass and dirt to stick to your tires and will eventually cause a flat.

Tublular vs. Clincher Tires

Know your tires. There are two types of bicycle tires – tubular and clincher:

Clincher tires are the normal type of tire, with a separate inner tube. The tire has a woven fabric casing with either metal or folding fabric beads.

Tubular tires, on the other hand, are used mainly for racing. They have no beads and the two edges of the carcass are sewn together with the inner tube inside (they fit only on special rims, held on by cement).

Folding Tires

Performance and convenience are key! Investing in folding tires can make your biking life easier. Folding tires offer many advantages in the cycling world:

• Lighter than other tires, they provide improved climbing and acceleration
• Small enough to travel with, it's easy to carry as a spare
• Easily stretched, they're simpler to take off and install

Putting Air in Your Bicycle Tires

Take care of your bike and yourself! Checking your air pressure and putting air in your tires is something you should do before every ride. Don't rely on squeezing the tire; always use bicycle tire gauge.

*If you're riding in warm weather, its best to drop the pressure by 10 PSI to prevent heat flats and avoid using gas station hoses—their compressors blast too much air into bicycle tires at too fast a rate and can cause a blow-out.

Flat Tire Repair Kit

When bicycling, it's inevitable that someday, you'll get a flat tire. Caused by heat, damage, wear and tear, and bad road conditions, a flat can come at any time—no matter what the weather or the importance of your plans.

By keeping as flat repair kit in your seat pack, you'll be ready for the worst and able to get back on the road or trail in no time flat. There are lots of different types of repair kits available, and almost all of them will do the trick.