Mountain Bike Tire Pressure Calculator

Calculate the optimal tire pressure for your MTB based on the tire width and terrain type.

KG
mm
Recommended Tire Pressures

0.0PSI

Front Tire Pressure

0.0PSI

Rear Tire Pressure

Adjust according to personal preference and manufacturer's guidelines.

About the Mountain Bike Tire Pressure Calculator

Learn more about the calculator and its creator

Jonas

Jonas

I have been a cyclist for over 10 years and I built this calculator to help cyclists like you and me with training and racing.

How to Calculate Your Bicycle Tire Pressure

The Bike Tire Pressure Calculator uses a combination of factors to estimate the appropriate tire pressure for your bicycle. Here's how it works:

The Formula to Calculate Tire Pressure

The calculator uses the following base formula to determine the tire pressure:

Base Pressure = (Weight × Distribution × PressureFactor) / (TireWidth / 25) Where: Weight = Total weight of rider and bike (in kg) Distribution = Weight distribution (0.45 for front, 0.55 for rear) PressureFactor = 2.25 (a constant factor for pressure calculation) TireWidth = Width of the tire (in mm)

Input Parameters

  • 1

    Total Weight

    The combined weight of the rider and the bike (in kg or lb).

  • 2

    Tire Width

    The width of your bicycle tires (in mm).

  • 3

    Terrain Type

    The type of surface you'll be riding on (e.g., Smooth Pavement, Rough Road, Gravel, Mountain Trail).

  • 4

    Weather Condition

    The expected weather conditions (Dry or Wet).

  • 5

    Tire Type

    The type of tire you're using (Clincher, Tubeless, or Tubular).

Calculation Process

  • 1

    Calculate Base Pressure

    Apply the base formula to calculate initial front and rear pressures.

  • 2

    Apply Terrain Adjustment

    Adjust pressure based on terrain type (e.g., -5 PSI for Rough Road, -10 PSI for Gravel).

  • 3

    Apply Weather Adjustment

    Reduce pressure by 5 PSI for wet conditions.

  • 4

    Apply Tire Type Adjustment

    Adjust pressure based on tire type (e.g., -5 PSI for Tubeless, +5 PSI for Tubular).

  • 5

    Set Minimum Pressure

    Ensure the calculated pressure is not below 30 PSI for safety reasons.

Output

The tire pressure calculator provides two main outputs to find the right pressure:

  • 1

    Front Tire Pressure

    The recommended pressure for the front tire in PSI or Bar.

  • 2

    Rear Tire Pressure

    The recommended pressure for the rear tire in PSI or Bar. The rear tire has a higher optimal tire pressure than the front tire.

Important Notes

  • 1

    Estimate Only

    This calculation provides an estimate about the right pressure and should be used as a starting point.

  • 2

    Manufacturer Guidelines for Maximum Tire Pressure

    Always refer to your tire manufacturer's guidelines for the recommended tire pressure range. Especially have a look at the maximum pressure of your tire.

  • 3

    Manufacturer Guidelines for Rim Pressure Rating

    Always refer to your manufacturer's guidelines for the maximum rim pressure rating.

  • 4

    Personal Preference

    Adjust the pressure based on your comfort and riding style while taking the maximum tire pressure recommendations of the manufacturer into account.

  • 5

    Regular Checks

    Check your tire pressure regularly, as it can change due to temperature and small leaks. Especially the rear tire is often prone to more tire wear when the wheel stops spinning under breaking and a flat spot forms.

Use this pressure calculator as a helpful tool in determining your bike's tire pressure, but always consider your specific riding conditions and personal preferences for the best results.

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