boise mountain biking

Did You Know… Tire Pressure is the Real MVP?

Ever wonder if your tire pressure could be the key to a smoother, more fun ride? This guide breaks down why tire pressure matters, how to adjust it for different trails, and offers tips to find your perfect setup. It’s all about experimenting and finding what works for you!

Myles Davis

14 Nov 2024 • 5 min read

Look, I’ll be the first to admit I’m no expert. I’m Myles, your local Filthy Casual MTB rider, here to share the stuff I’ve learned through trial, error, and chatting up other riders. When it comes to mountain biking, one of the best tricks up your sleeve is dialing in your tire pressure. Seriously. Getting it right can totally change how your bike rides, and it will help you build confidence to ticker with your bike.

Why Tire Pressure Matters

It’s not just air in the tires; it’s your traction, your control, your comfort.

You want higher pressure? That will give you less rolling resistance, so you might pick up a bit more speed on smoother trails or at the bike park. But, on the flip side, it can feel like skating over gravel instead of digging into the dirt.

Want more grip? Drop that pressure down a little! Lower PSI lets those tires grip and hug the trail on roots, rocks, and loose dirt, which can really save you on more technical terrain.

For me, checking my tire pressure has become a pre-ride habit. Knowing where my PSI is helps me feel confident, so I’m not second-guessing if a weird bounce is a slow leak or just the trail. A little peace of mind before I roll out! Lately I've been experimenting with lower tire pressure. I have not found a perfect setting, but just letting myself play around with lower pressures on different trails has really helped me build my confidence on the trail.

Digital Gauges are recommended if you want to get accurate readings.

Tips from the Local Crew

I recently asked around about tire pressure, and let me tell you, there’s no single answer. Here are a few responses that I got from local riders:

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"Normally I run 22 PSI when riding trails. 30 PSI if I'm riding the Greenbelt. I check it once a week minimum but usually every ride."

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“I run 20 PSI on Boise’s trails but go up for jumps.”

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"27 PSI in rear, 24 PSI in front and check it before every ride, if its really sandy soft will reduce the rear to 25 PSI"

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"Generally around Boise, 20 PSI, will drop in low traction situations, will raise for jump park. I check every ride."

Everyone’s got a different setup based on rider weight, their style, the type of trail, and even the weather. The real takeaway? There’s no magic PSI number.

You’ve gotta experiment to see what works best for you—that’s half the fun! Dial in a PSI that suits your riding style, your favorite section of trail, and whatever the conditions are throwing at you that day. Don’t be afraid to mix it up until you find something that feels just right.

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Seasonal PSI Tweaks

Fall and winter are coming, and that chill in the air can actually drop your tire pressure a bit. So if you’re running 20 PSI in the summer, you might find it’s around 18 when things cool down. This can be a good thing for extra grip, but it’s worth double-checking so you’re not surprised by low tire pressure mid-ride. Try adjusting your PSI up by a couple of points to account for the cold, and see if it feels right for your ride style.

Quick Note for New Riders

If you’re new to mountain biking, don’t sweat all this too much! A good starting point is around 25 PSI, but that’ll depend on your weight and bike setup. If you’re looking for more precise recommendations, try downloading a tire pressure app.
Mostly, though, just have fun! Play around with your tire pressure, see what feels best, and remember this is a totally “to each their own” kind of topic.

As long as you’re riding, you’re doing it right!

Forever two wheels!

-Myles

Bonus Content for Members

Hey there! For those of you who've joined the Filthy Casual MTB community, I’ve added some extra goodies below. It's just my way of saying thanks for the support! Not a member yet? No worries, you’re still getting a full blog, but if you ever want a little extra, feel free to join the crew!

Members-Only Tip: Dialing in Tire Pressure with Precision

If you’re ready to get nerdy about your PSI, using a digital gauge is a total game-changer. I personally use one I grabbed on Amazon, and it’s perfect for locking in that precise pressure I’m after. My foot pump helps me top off quickly, but when it comes to accuracy, nothing beats the digital gauge.

Here I wanted to show you how difficult it can be to get an accurate reading on the bike pump.

The reason I don’t rely on the bike pump gauge alone is that they’re often off by up to 5-10 PSI, plus or minus! So if you want to really fine-tune, it’s helpful to know exactly where you’re at. There are even apps that let you input your bike specs to calculate suggested settings—great if you want to get super detailed. That’s a little hardcore for me, but it’s good to know those tools are out there if you feel like experimenting.

Another trick is to tailor your pressure to the trail. Lately, I’ve been practicing jumps out at Eagle Bike Park, and I’ve found that I prefer a higher PSI around 28 for a bit more pop and stability. My advice: don’t be afraid to play around with it - have I made that point clear yet? ;)

Try bringing your pump and digital gauge along, especially if you’re sessioning a specific feature. Do a few passes, adjust, and see if you feel a difference with a little more or a little less pressure. Be flexible and give yourself time to experiment—finding your sweet spot is part of the fun.

Thanks for reading, and remember: the best part of mountain biking is having fun, so don’t stress too much about the numbers—just get out there and ride!