Fix it yourself
Bike tyre pressure guide
Soft tyres are the single biggest cause of punctures we see. Checking pressure once a week takes five minutes and makes the bike faster and safer.
5 minEasy
You'll need
Tools
- A track pump with a pressure gauge
- Your tyre size — printed on the sidewall
Step by step
How to do it
- Find your rangeThe safe minimum and maximum are printed on the tyre sidewall. Always stay within it.
- Typical pressuresRoad bikes (25–32mm tyres): roughly 70–100 psi. Hybrids and commuters: roughly 50–70 psi. Mountain bikes: roughly 25–35 psi. Kids' bikes: check the sidewall, usually 30–50 psi.
- Know your valvePresta (thin, with a locknut to undo), Schrader (car-type) or Dunlop (older bikes). Set the pump head to match.
- Adjust for youHeavier riders or loaded bikes need the upper end; a little lower gives more grip on wet winter roads.
- Check weeklyTubes lose air slowly even without a puncture — thin road tubes especially.
Not going to plan?
Bring it in instead if…
- A tyre keeps losing air
- You can't get the pump to work on your valve
- The tyre has bulges, cuts or cracks
- The tread is worn flat or through
We can sort it
Tyres & puncturesDrop in Monday–Friday 8:45am–5:45pm or Saturday 9am–4pm at 13 Lansdowne Mews, Hove — or book a collection within 5 miles.
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