Overinflated tires?

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2009-06-24 10:51 AM

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Member
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South Jersey
Subject: Overinflated tires?

Every time I ride my bike, I check the air pressure in my tires.  It seems they always need a little air so I fill them up to 110 -115 psi , as I was instructed to by my bike shop. 

Lately I've noticed that I'm having a hard time getting the front tire back onto the bike (I take the front tire off for transportation, back tire stays on but there doesn't seem to be problems with that one)  and that the brakes are often rubbing the tire... almost like there's too much air in the tire. 

Does anyone know whats going on with my bike? Does it have anything to do with the fact that its warmer outside now then when I first started riding in March? Should i be inflating them with less air now? Should I even need to be pumping them up every ride? I ride the bike about 2-3 times a week (generally 15-30 miles) and according to my gauge, they need more air each time.

I'm embarrased that I'm so clueless about this!

2009-06-24 10:55 AM
in reply to: #2239601

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Champion
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, Minnesota
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Subject: RE: Overinflated tires?

First of all, it can be tight squeezing the tire through the brakes. The brakes have a release that you can use to loosen them, just make sure to tighten again when the tire is in.  I always do this and only occasionally forgot to tighten it again.  It becomes apparent the first time you brake   Once on, is there sufficient clearance between the brake and the rim of the wheel? 

If you're riding consistently, pumping every other time is probably okay.  It seems like it needs more air because it loses a little each time you put the inflator on.   What do the tire sidewall say for recommended PSI?  I just have never seen 110-115.   I assume the bike shop is giving you good advice, was just curious.

The air will expand in the heat, so pumping before you ride is ideal.  If you pump in the morning then ride later on, I would got a bit lower in the summer.  Not sure how much lower, though.  It's easier to just pump then ride.





(brakelever.jpg)



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2009-06-24 10:59 AM
in reply to: #2239601

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Modesto, California
Subject: RE: Overinflated tires?
115-120 is common for air pressure. It depends on what you like, higher pressure is preffered for racing but it depends on the road conditions,weather and riders weight,lower pressuere does offer better comfort for the rider. Experiment either way, but definately always check before you ride.
2009-06-24 11:04 AM
in reply to: #2239601

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Extreme Veteran
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5002525
Austin, TX
Subject: RE: Overinflated tires?
How much pressure you should put in tires is largely determined by your weight and road conditions.  However, if you don't want to mess with figuring all that out (most people don't), 110-115 is probably fine.

As previously mentioned, be sure to loosen the brake before removing/installing the wheel.  If you still can't get the wheel mounted correctly, you may be using too wide of a tire for your bike or need to re-adjust your brake clearance.

Here's a pic showing the brake being loosened (flipping the lever up)


If your brake is rubbing your tire when you are riding, fix that right away!  Either the wheel is not mounted correctly in the fork or the brake pads need adjustment.
2009-06-24 12:38 PM
in reply to: #2239601

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Member
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South Jersey
Subject: RE: Overinflated tires?
Thanks for the ideas!

I do have the brake lever open when i'm putting the tire in. After fiddling with the tire for a while I'm always able to get it to spin freely before taking it for a ride, so I'm thinking maybe my issue is a combination of two suggestions: 1. warmer weather (I usually pump my tires when I wake up- usually an hour or two before I ride) and 2. the fact that I simply just dont get the wheel correctly in the fork to begin with.

My max psi listed on my tire walls is 120, and while I normally fill them up to 110-115, maybe I'll try a little less now.  Thank you for everyone's insight!
2009-06-24 2:20 PM
in reply to: #2239601

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Master
1420
1000100100100100
Victoria, BC
Subject: RE: Overinflated tires?
I take my front tire off for transport too - and often my front brakes rub the tire when I put the tire back on. I finally realized that it was likely from my brakes being jostled/bumped when going into and coming out of my tiny little car ... once I started watching the way I was handling my bike and how it was resting in the trunk - it stopped being a problem. I was pretty rough with it - now I'm more careful. ;-)

2009-06-24 5:02 PM
in reply to: #2239601

New user
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Subject: RE: Overinflated tires?
this may be a dumb Q? but when people say adjust for weight, you mean higher psi for us "heavier folk"?  I'm a Clyde, svelte 245, I fill to exactly the 120psi my tires recommends. I dont' think I'd want to go much higher than that....
2009-06-24 5:06 PM
in reply to: #2239601

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Expert
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100025
lake forest, California
Subject: RE: Overinflated tires?

I ride with my tire pressure @ 140 psi which is what my tires are rated for

2009-06-24 5:21 PM
in reply to: #2239601

Master
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Subject: RE: Overinflated tires?
I think it has to do more with the tire. On one of the bikes here, you have to squeeze the wheel back through the brakes. On my roadie, it goes right in. No big deal.

Also, the entire brake assembly can move so when you get the wheel back on, close the lever, spin it and see if it rubs. If it does you can move the entire brake assembly (it pivots around it's center bolt) so it doesn't rub.
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