What is Tire Pressure?
Tire pressure refers to the amount of air inside the tube of your tire of your ebike. It’s measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Correct tire pressure ensures that your tires perform optimally, providing better handling, increased efficiency, and a smoother ride.
Why is Tire Pressure Important?
Proper tire pressure is crucial because it affects your riding experience, saftey and the longevity of your tires. Under-inflated tires can lead to poor handling, increased tire wear, and a higher chance of flats. Over-inflated tires, on the other hand, can make your ride uncomfortable and reduce traction, which may cause you to not ride as much!
How to Check Tire Pressure
To check tire pressure, you’ll need a tire pressure gauge. Follow these steps:
1. Locate the valve on your tire.
2. Remove the valve cap.
3. Press the gauge onto the valve and read the pressure.
4. Compare the reading with the recommended PSI found on the tire sidewall or your eBike’s manual.
5. Add or release air as necessary.
6. Alternatively, if you don’t have a tire pressure gauge you can just squeeze, put pressure on the tire or just sit on your ebike to see if tire looks underinflated and squishy (in this case it will need air) or if it feels like a rock (in this case you may need to take a little air out).
Checking tire pressure regularly ensures you’re always riding at optimum PSI.
Types of Bicycle Tube Valves
It’s also important to know the different types of valves a bicycle tube might have. This is a useful topic, as understanding the differences is vital when it comes to maintenance and replacements.
When it comes to bicycle tubes, you’ll most commonly encounter two types of valves: Schrader valves and Presta valves. Understanding these types is crucial for ensuring you have the right equipment and proper inflation technique.
Schrader Valves
Schrader valves are the same type you’ll find on car tires. They’re wider than Presta valves and have a small pin in the center that needs to be pressed to let air in or out.
Usage: Commonly found on mountain bikes and less expensive bikes.
Pros:
- Widely compatible with most hand or foot air pumps and those found at gas stations.
- Durable and less prone to damage.
Cons:
- Slightly heavier, although that is not an issue with an ebike. It’s more of a big deal for elite cyclists on super light carbon fiber framed bikes that are trying to gain every advantage. Think Tour de France where the weight of a water bottle is an issue when climbing a 4000 meter mountain.
- Wider diameter means a larger hole in the rim, which may affect rim strength. This again is really only an issue for road cyclists as the tire width on road bikes is very thin so they can go super fast with less resistance. Putting a big fat hole for the tube valve in the rim can weaken the wheel’s structure.
Presta Valves
Presta valves are narrower and have a lock nut on top that you need to unscrew before inflating the tire. They are usually found on higher-end road bikes, gravel bikes and many European ebikes like Gazelle or Moustache.
Usage: Preferred choice for performance road bikes and some high-end mountain bikes.
Pros:
- Lightweight and thinner, ideal for lightweight rims.
- Can handle higher air pressure, which is often needed for road biking.
Cons:
- Requires a compatible pump (many better quality foot pumps come with both Schader and Presta compatibility) or an adapter (which we stock and sell) for hand pumps and air pumps at gas stations.
- More delicate and can be bent or damaged easily if not handled carefully.
Dunlop (Woods) Valve
Less common in Canada or the USA, primarily seen on bikes in Europe and Asia.
Usage: Less frequently encountered but shares characteristics with both Schrader and Presta valves.
Pros:
- Easier to inflate compared to Presta in some regions where compatible pumps are more common.
Cons:
- Can be harder to find replacements and spare parts. NOTE: Hamilton Electric Bikes doe not sell or stock tubes that have a Dunlope value
Valve Adaptors
It’s beneficial to carry a valve adaptor, especially if you ride in areas where access to certain types of pumps may be limited. A Presta-to-Schrader adaptor is especially handy for road cyclists or those with Gazelle or Moustache ebikes who might need to use a regular air pump or one at a gas station.
Choosing the Right Valve
Your choice of valve largely depends on the type of bike you have and personal preference:
- Road Bikes: Presta valves, due to their ability to handle higher pressures.
- Mountain and Hybrid Bikes: Schrader valves for their ease of use and durability.
Understanding these different valves ensures proper maintenance of your bike and helps you select the right equipment for smooth and hassle-free rides.
Seasonal and Riding Type Adjustments
Tire pressure isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it aspect of bike maintenance. It changes with the seasons and different types of riding. During colder months, the pressure can drop, requiring you to add air. Conversely, tire pressure can increase in hot weather, so adjustments might be necessary. A great example of this is if you have blow up paddle boards or a blow up pink flamingo you take to the beach or for your pool. If you keep them in the garage over the winter they will deflate considerably. You may even think they have a whole in them. But as soon as the hot weather hits, they miraculously seem to blow back up again.
For various types of riding:
- Road Riding: Higher pressure for lower rolling resistance.
- Off-road/Trail Riding: Lower pressure for better traction and comfort.
eBike vs. Acoustic Bike Tire Pressure
When it comes to tire pressure, there isn’t a significant difference between an eBike and an acoustic (non-electric) bike. However, eBikes tend to be heavier, so slightly higher pressure might be beneficial to support the additional weight and ensure optimal performance.
How Our Shop Can Help
At Hamilton Electric Bikes, we understand that every rider is unique. Our expert staff can help you determine the best tire pressure for your specific riding style, weight, and tire size.
We offer:
- Customized recommendations based on your riding type and preferences.
- Regular maintenance services to ensure your eBike is always in top condition.
- A range of high-quality tire pressure gauges, pumps, C02 cartridges, valve adaptors and tube repair kits to keep you self-sufficient on the road.
Maintaining the right tire pressure is pivotal for an enjoyable and safe riding experience. Whether you’re an urban commuter or a trail adventurer, we’re here to help you ride smarter and safer. Visit us at Hamilton Electric Bikes for personalized advice and professional support.
PRO TIP:
It’s not good for your bike to ride on a flat tire. It can cause damage to the spokes, rim, and tire. Always carry a tube repair kit and an extra tube, especially on longer rides or in remote locations. Get a friend, google it or let us show you how to change both your front and back tires, just in case you get stuck!