Is your bicycle tire pressure okay? Check the tire pressure before commuting to work or taking your kids to and from school.

August 11, 2024

Check before commuting by bicycle! Is the tire pressure OK? Tire management tips to protect your family

Introduction
The importance of air pressure
How to check tire pressure
How to choose an air pump
Preventing and dealing with punctures
Measures to prevent bicycle accidents
Daily tire maintenance schedule
summary
References

Introduction

Many people use bicycles as an important means of transportation in their daily lives, for commuting to work, picking up and dropping off children, etc. However, behind the convenience of bicycles comes the constant need for safety. In particular, tire pressure is an important factor that directly impacts the performance and safety of bicycles.

Incorrect air pressure not only increases the risk of punctures, but also makes it difficult to maintain balance while riding, which may lead to an accident.

In this article, we'll explain the importance of tire pressure, how to check for proper tire pressure, and how to prevent flat tires. Be sure to read this article to keep your family safe.

The importance of air pressure

Whether or not the air pressure in your bicycle tires is properly maintained has a significant impact on your riding performance and safety. Below, we will explain the main effects of air pressure.

Improved driving performance

Maintaining the correct air pressure optimises the tire's contact patch and reduces rolling resistance.

This allows for a smoother ride with lighter pedaling , which is especially noticeable on long commutes or routes with lots of hills.

Improved fuel economy

If the air pressure is not correct, the tire will deform, increasing rolling resistance and wasting extra energy.

Maintaining the correct air pressure will enable you to pedal more efficiently, reduce energy consumption, and enable you to ride for longer periods of time .

Extending tire life

Low air pressure puts excessive stress on the sidewall of the tire, causing premature wear and tear. Conversely, excessive air pressure hardens the tire tread, reducing the contact area with the road and causing uneven wear. Maintaining the correct air pressure can extend the life of your tires.

Preventing bicycle accidents

If your tires are not properly inflated, they can easily become unbalanced while driving, increasing the risk of an accident . Low tire pressure also increases the risk of a flat tire.

Regular tire pressure checks are essential to maintaining a safe drive.

How to check tire pressure

Checking tire pressure is a very important part of bicycle maintenance. Regular checks are essential to maintain the correct tire pressure. Here we explain the difference between manual and electric tire pumps, how to use a tire pressure gauge, and the recommended tire pressure.

Manual vs. Electric Pump

There are two main ways to pump air: manual and electric. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each and choose the method that suits you best.

Advantages and disadvantages of manual pumps

Manual pumps are cost-effective and highly portable. They are easy to carry and use on the go. However, they require physical strength to pump air, and can take a long time, especially for high-pressure tires.

The advantages and disadvantages of electric air pumps

Electric pumps have the advantage of being time-saving and accurate, making them particularly easy to inflate even high-pressure tires and allowing you to precisely adjust the air pressure, but they are expensive and require a power source.

How to use an air pressure gauge

A tire pressure gauge is an important tool for accurately measuring tire pressure. Below we will explain how to do it correctly.

How to measure accurately

1. Remove the tire valve cap.
2. Press the air pressure gauge firmly against the valve.
3. Check the air pressure displayed on the meter.
4. Add air if necessary and measure again.
5. Once measurement is complete, replace the valve cap.

Specific air pressure guidelines

The proper tire pressure is printed on the sidewall of the tire.

A general guideline is 100-120 psi for road bikes, 60-80 psi for cross bikes, and 30-50 psi for mountain bikes.

It's important to find the right air pressure for your bike and check it regularly.

How to choose an air pump

There are a few points to consider when choosing an air pump.

We provide a guide to help you choose the best inflator for your needs and budget.

Features of manual air pump

Manual air pumps are cost-effective and easy to carry.
It can be used at home as well as easily on the go, making it a useful item for emergency preparedness.

However, it takes some physical effort to inflate the tires, and high-pressure tires can take time.

Features of electric air pump

The big advantage of an electric tire pump is time saving and accuracy.
It makes it easy to inflate even high pressure tires and allows you to precisely adjust the air pressure.

It is ideal for those who frequently maintain their bicycles or who own multiple bicycles. However, the disadvantage is that it is a little expensive. Considering that it is an easy way to ensure safety, I think it is a good buy in the long run.

PANP RIDE series

Preventing and dealing with punctures

A flat tire is an inevitable problem, but you can reduce the risk by taking preventative measures. Here we explain the situations in which you are more likely to get a flat tire and what you can do to prevent it.

Situations that make it easy to get a flat tire and how to deal with them

Punctures are most likely to occur in the following situations:

Be aware of road conditions: avoid areas with broken glass or sharp stones.
Regularly check your tires: Detect wear or damage to your tires early and replace them if necessary.

How to use a puncture repair kit

Learn how to use a puncture repair kit as a first aid measure in an emergency.

First aid in emergencies

1. Move your bicycle to a safe location.
2. Remove the tire and locate the puncture.
3. Clean the puncture and apply a patch.
4. Inflate the patch to make sure it adheres properly.
5. Reinstall the tire and inflate it to the correct pressure.

Measures to prevent bicycle accidents

Bicycle accidents are preventable: regular maintenance and following basic rules for safe riding can significantly reduce the risk of an accident.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Each part of your bicycle wears out and deteriorates with use. By inspecting it regularly and replacing parts as necessary, you can prevent problems while riding. In particular, always check the condition of your tires, brakes, and chain.

Basic rules for safe driving

To maintain a safe ride, it is important to follow some basic rules:

Wear a helmet: Protect your head and prevent serious accidents.
Use lights when riding at night: Let others know you are there and increase your visibility.

Daily tire maintenance schedule

Regular tire maintenance can improve your cycling safety. We recommend creating a weekly and monthly checklist and getting the whole family involved.

Weekly Checklist

Here are some things to check each week:

Checking tire pressure
Checking the effectiveness of the brakes
Chain condition and lubrication

Monthly Checklist

Here are some things to check each month:

Checking tire wear
Brake pad condition and replacement
Check the overall tightness of the bolts and nuts

Making safety inspections a habit for the whole family

By making safety inspections a habit for the whole family, you can teach your children the importance of bicycle maintenance. By carrying out regular inspections, you can ensure the safety of the whole family.

summary

Checking your bicycle's air pressure is an essential task for maintaining a safe ride.

Maintaining proper tire pressure improves driving performance, improves fuel economy and extends the life of your tires.

Regular tire pressure checks can also help prevent bicycle accidents.

To ensure the safety of your family, be sure to take care of your tires on a daily basis.

References

Here you'll find some useful links and resources, including product reviews of recommended pumps and specialized bike maintenance sites for more information.