Gravel Bike Tire Pressure: Finding the Right Balance

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, understanding the factors that influence gravel bike tire pressure can help you determine the best pressure and riding style for your bike and the terrain you intend to ride.

Before we dive into specific tire pressures, it's important to understand the factors that influence tire pressure for gravel bikes. These factors include:

The weight of the rider affects how much pressure is needed to support the bike and to maintain proper handling. 

Narrow rims will have more lateral flex than wider tires when rounding corners. 

26”, 650b, 650c, 700c are all sizes you may encounter. Generally speaking, the smaller wheel sizes run a slightly higher pressure.  

The width of the tire impacts how much surface area is in contact with the ground, which can impact grip and rolling resistance. 

Inner tubes can result in pinch-flats when the rim of the wheel impacts with a hard surface. Tubeless setups all but eliminate this risk. We’ve written a guide for gravel tires which explains some of the key differences between some of the popular tire brands. 

The type of terrain you're riding on can also impact the ideal tire pressure. For example, softer surfaces like mud or sand may require lower pressure for better traction, while harder surfaces like pavement may require a high pressure for efficiency. 

Your preferred riding style, whether it's more aggressive or more leisurely, can also impact the ideal tire pressure. 

To find the ideal tire pressure for your gravel bike, consider the factors listed above, and then experiment with different pressures until you find the right balance for your needs. Here are some general guidelines to get you started:

• Start with the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure, which is usually listed on the sidewall of the tire. This will give you a range. 
• Adjust the pressure based on your weight. Most online charts range from around 90 lbs to 250 lbs. If you’re at the bottom end of the scale, start near the bottom of your tire pressure range, and if you’re closer to the top, start nearer the top of the pressure range.
•  Consider the terrain you'll be riding on. For loose or slippery surfaces like mud or gravel, you may want to lower the pressure by 5-10 PSI (Pound-force per square inch) for better traction. For harder surfaces like tarmac, you may want to increase the pressure by 5-10 PSI for better rolling efficiency.
•  Fine-tune the pressure based on your riding style. If you prefer a more aggressive riding style, you may want to run slightly lower pressure for better grip and control. If you prefer a more leisurely riding style, you may want to run slightly higher pressure for better efficiency and comfort.
•  Bear in mind that you will probably want to run slightly lower pressure on the front than the rear. This is to give optimal traction on the front wheel with slightly better rolling resistance at the rear.

If you want a more precise way to calculate the ideal tire pressure for your gravel bike, there are some gravel bike tire pressure calculators available online. These calculators take into account your weight, wheel size, rim & tire width, and riding style to provide a recommended pressure range. To use the calculator, simply enter your weight, tire size, surface, speed and riding style, and the calculator will provide recommended pressures for both the front and rear tires. 

Checking your tire pressure is an essential part of maintaining your gravel bike's performance and safety. Here's how to check your tire pressure:

• Get a tire pressure gauge. There are many types of gauges available, including digital, analog, and dial gauges. Some pumps even have a built-in gauge.
• Use the methods listed above to find your ideal pressure. Remember, the pressure will vary from ride to ride depending on the conditions and the surface, and on how fast you plan to ride.
• Use the gauge to measure the pressure: Remove the cap from the valve stem and press the gauge onto the valve stem. You should hear a hissing sound as air escapes from the tire and enters the gauge. Once the gauge has stopped moving, take a reading.
• Adjust the pressure as needed: If the pressure is too high or too low, use a pump with a pressure gauge to add or remove air until the pressure matches your target pressure.

Here are some tips to help you get the correct tire pressure reading:

• Check tire pressure when the tires are cool: Tire pressure can change as the tires heat up during riding, so it's best to check tire pressure when the tires are cool.
• Check tire pressure regularly: Tire pressure can decrease over time, even if there are no visible punctures or leaks. Make it a habit to check your tire pressure before every ride or at least once a week.
• Use a high-quality tire pressure gauge: A cheap or inaccurate gauge can give you false readings, so invest in a high-quality gauge that is accurate and easy to use.
• Check both tires: Don't forget to check the pressure on both tires, as the front and rear tires may require different pressures.

By following these tips and checking your tire pressure regularly, you can ensure that your gravel bike is performing at its best for all conditions. Check out our guide to setting up your gravel bike for more tips on how to get the most out of your gravel bike.