How to Determine Air Pressure for Mountain Bike Tires

Because mountain bike tires need to be more durable and capable of traveling over rough terrain and of absorbing impacts from roots, rocks and short drops, they provide a wider footprint on the ground. Monitoring and maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial to proper operation as well as preventing damage.

Things You'll Need

  • Tire Gauge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position the bike so that it is properly supported and will not fall over while checking the tire pressure. As many mountain bikes do not have kick stands, consider using a bike maintenance stand, which will secure the bike above the ground for ease of maintenance. Also consider using bungee, or small shock cords, to anchor the bike to a sturdy object.

    • 2

      Rotate the tires so that the tire valve may be easily accessed. Checking the tire pressure will be much easier if the tire pressure valve is located to the sides or at the bottom of the wheel.

    • 3

      Remove the tire pressure valve by unscrewing the small cap. Turn the cap to the left or counter clockwise to remove the cap from the stem.

    • 4

      Position the tire gauge on the valve stem and press downward. Use a firm grip and apply pressure to hold the gauge on the valve. This action causes the small valve in the core of the valve stem to depress, allowing air to escape from the tire through the gauge and resulting in a pressure reading.

    • 5

      Read the gauge to determine the pressure. Depending on the type and manufacture, the gauge may provide readings in one of several methods. Traditional gauges use a sliding gauge that extends as the air passes through the gauge. The point at which the gauge stops next to the bottom of the instrument indicates tire pressure. Other gauges contain technology that interprets and "announces" the tire pressure. Others feature a display screen that gives the reading of the tire pressure.