Posted at: Sep 28, 2020
Managing air pressure on a road bike is known as "the basics." We have compiled a list of how to select and inflate air pressure for road bicycles, which is similar to but slightly different from that of city bicycles.
Table of contents
Sponsored Link
Road bikes are specialized sport bicycles that are designed to be ridden long distances at high speeds. Components and frames are a major factor in road bikes being able to travel long distances and at high speeds, but “slender, high-pressure tires” are also a major factor.
High pressure reduces the footprint between the tire and the road surface to achieve high speeds. When air pressure is reduced, the tire collapses, increasing the surface area of the road surface and increasing resistance, making it difficult to ride at high speeds.
In terms of long-distance riding, the minimum requirement is “no punctures. Even just a thin road bike tire will induce a puncture, such as a rim strike, if the air pressure drops. It is not possible to ride long distances on a bicycle that gets a puncture.
This is why it is said that “maintaining air pressure is the most basic of basics” for road bikes.
The method of inflating a road bike is basically the same as that of a regular city bike. However, compared to city bicycles and minivelos, road bikes have special parts.
You need an inflator that is compatible with these two points.
| Type | Valve | Pneumatic |
|---|---|---|
| Road bike | French type | about 8-8.5bar |
| City cycle | English style | about 3-4bar |
| Electric bicycles | English | about 3-4bar |
Most road bicycle inflators are French valves. Since French valves are not compatible with the English valves used on city bicycles, the same inflators used on city bicycles cannot be used to inflate them.
Occasionally, connection adapters are available, but they may not inflate high-pressure road bike tires properly (they may come off when the pressure is high enough to try to inflate them), so try to select an inflator for French valves (such as for both English and French valves).
In order to maintain proper air pressure in road bike tires, an inflator with an air pressure system is essential.
The reason why air pressure is important for road bikes is that without proper air pressure, the following risks can occur
An inflator with a pressure gauge costs $10 to $20 more than a regular one, but since you will be using it for a long time, choose one from a solid manufacturer such as Topeak or Panaracer.
Road bike tire pressure varies depending on the type of tire.
Usually, the air pressure is indicated on the circumference of the tire, so use that as a reference to inflate the tire. A good rule of thumb is to use about 80-90% of the pressure on the specs.
The best frequency for inflating a road bike is “every time you ride”. High-pressure tires will depressurize without any action, so at the very least, check the air pressure every time you ride. Decreased air pressure can lead to punctures, such as hitting the rim.
If it is too much trouble to check the tire pressure with an air pressure gauge every time you ride, at least try to push the tire from the top. If the tire is so “tickly” that you can’t push it, it has some air pressure.
Even if you commute to work and “it’s hard to inflate every day,” you should inflate your tires at least once a week.
If you ride every day, you will feel discomfort when the tire is depressurized (bounce from the ground or discomfort at the start of a ride), so inflating the tire as soon as you feel discomfort will help prevent a flat tire.
You can get some sense of this if you have inflated your own road bike tires many times, but you cannot tell for sure by just pushing and checking by hand. You can tell that it is low by pushing, but at the risk of over-inflation and parsing the tube, you should use an inflator with a proper pressure gauge or purchase an air pressure gauge.
Adjusting air pressure is such a delicate process that even professional bicycle stores use inflators with pressure gauges when inflating road bike tires.
If you are worried about managing air pressure, you may want to ask your local bicycle shop to do it for you in the beginning. Many bicycle shops will inflate your bicycle for free. However, some may not have French-style & air pressure gauges, so check with the store. A bicycle shop that handles road bikes is a sure bet.
Bicycle shops are also a business, so if you are going to buy bicycle items, make sure to buy from a bicycle shop that is grateful to you.
Sponsored Link
How to lighten heavy mechanical brakes.
The weight of the brakes not only affects the braking power, but also creates a significant impact on fatigue during the ride. In this article, we'll take a look at how mechanical brakes work and how you can lighten the weight of heavy brakes.
Preventing Bicycle Chain from Falling Off - Tips and Tricks
A common problem with road bikes, hybrid bikes, and other bicycles with a front shifting function is the chain falling off. Here are some tips on how to prevent the chain from falling off.
Bicycle Mechanical Problems in Cycling
Trouble is bound to occur when cycling long distances on a bicycle. In this issue, we have compiled a list of mechanical problems that can occur while cycling.
How to prevent crotch gap in women on road bikes
One of the major concerns of women who ride road bikes is crotch sores. Women's delicate zones are sensitive and can cause more pain and discomfort than men. In this article, we have compiled a list of ways to prevent crotch sores in women.
Road Bike Maintenance for Beginners at Home
We have compiled a list of road bike maintenance that even beginners can start with tools they have at home. The menu emphasizes maintaining road bike performance and early detection of problems.
Hex Wrench Sizes for Road Bike Maintenance
For those who will be servicing their road bikes, we have compiled a list of hex wrench sizes that are commonly used for road bike maintenance and that you should have available.
Bicycle Tool Sets: Pros, Cons, and Buying Guide
A "bicycle tool set" is a set of tools necessary for bicycle maintenance and is reasonably priced. The following is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of buying a bicycle tool set and points to keep in mind when buying one.
Summary of tools needed to replace sprockets
Replacing sprockets is an affordable upgrade, such as upgrading gears or customizing gear ratio changes. We have compiled a list of tools needed for sprocket replacement.
Essential Special Tools for Installing and Servicing Shimano Hollowtech 2
Hollowtech 2" is the standard adopted by the latest Shimano front cranks. We have compiled a list of special tools required for installation and maintenance of "Hollowtech 2", which is unavoidable when upgrading to higher grade front cranks.
It is surprisingly difficult to remember where to do bicycle greasing. In this article, we summarize the role of bicycle grease and how and where to use it.
Wire Types and Differences for Road Bikes, MTB, and Hybrid Bikes
This is a summary of the types and differences of wires for MTB and hybrid bikes for road bikes. The interchangeability of each, and how the wires affect your riding.
How to choose and inflate a road bike inflator
Managing air pressure on a road bike is known as "the basics." We have compiled a list of how to select and inflate air pressure for road bicycles, which is similar to but slightly different from that of city bicycles.
TPU Inner Tube: Features, Pros, and Cons for Road Bikes and MTB
TPU inner tubes are gaining attention as the third force in bicycle tires. We summarize its features, advantages and disadvantages of using it on Road bikes and MTBs, and major manufacturers.
Shimano Mechanical Brake Levers for MTB and Hybrid Bike
Shimano mechanical brake levers are now few and far between. The following is a summary of the current model lineup, specifications, and compatible components.
Summary of electric components for MTB
This section summarizes the types of electric components for MTB and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
MTB Dropper Seatposts: Types and Considerations
The dropper seat post is becoming a "must-have" part for MTB. Here we summarize the lineup, specifications, and features of dropper seatposts for MTB from major manufacturers, as well as a comparison of each manufacturer and points to consider when choosing a dropper seatpost.
SRAM Component Grades and Compatibility Summary for MTB
This section summarizes the grades, features, and compatibility of SRAM's Eagle series of components for MTB, as well as the electric component AXS and the latest component, Eagle Transmission.
Choosing SRAM MTB Sprockets: Compatibility and Key Considerations
SRAM components are being increasingly adopted in entry-grade MTB. In this issue, we summarize SRAM's sprockets for MTB and points to consider when choosing one.
12-speed sprockets for MTB compatible with Shimano Free Hub(HG spline)
We have put together a 12-speed sprocket that is not part of Shimano's 12-speed lineup for MTB. With this one, it is possible to convert to 12-speed with a conventional Shimano Free Hub (HG spline) without upgrading the wheels.
MTB suspension fork interchangeability standard! You definitely want to check when replacing.
When it comes to serious MTB customization, suspension fork upgrades are the way to go. However, there are various standards for MTB suspension forks, and if you choose the wrong one, it may not work at all.
Shimano MTB sprocket and wheel compatibility summary
This section summarizes the compatibility of Shimano's sprockets and wheels (free bodies) for MTB, which are a mixture of old and new standards, the latest Micro Spline and the previous HG spline, and what to look out for when purchasing.
MTB End Standards: What to Consider When Buying
Detailed explanation of MTB end standards! What is the boost standard? What is the end width that fits your MTB, points to keep in mind when buying an MTB, etc.
MTB wheel standards and how to choose one without fail.
The following is an overview of MTB wheel standards, their compatibility, and how to choose the right wheel for you.
What is a Tire Insert? Advantages and Disadvantages
This section summarizes what tire inserts are and the advantages and disadvantages of using them, which have been attracting attention along with the spread of tubeless tires and have recently been used in professional road racing.
Shimano disc brake pad types and compatibility
This section summarizes the types of Shimano disc brake pads, the differences between models, and compatible brake calipers.
TPI, Compound, Tread? Understanding Bicycle Tire Specifications
When looking for items to upgrade your road, MTB, or gravel bike tires, technical terms such as TPI, compound, and pattern appear in the descriptions. At first glance, tire specifications may seem difficult to understand, but if you keep only the important details in mind, your tire selection will be enhanced.
Torque Wrench: Advantages and Disadvantages of Torque Management
A torque wrench is a useful tool to have if you want to properly maintain your road bike or MTB. The following is a summary of what a torque wrench is and the advantages and disadvantages of torque management.
Perfect Guide: How to Raise Tubeless Tire Bead
Bead raising is an essential task with tubeless tires. However, there are times when it is easy to raise the bead, and other times when it does not raise at all despite your best efforts. In this issue, we will introduce a method to raise the bead of a tubeless tire that will not raise, considering the cause.
Bicycle Disc Rotor Distortion: Causes and Correction
If you hear a strange "shuffling" noise coming from the disc rotor area of your disc brake bicycle, it could be disc rotor distortion. This section summarizes why disc rotor distortion occurs and how to correct the distortion.
Tubeless Booster and Air Pumps with Booster: Pros and Cons, how to choose
The booster simplifies bead raising, which is the most difficult part of tubeless installation. We have compiled a list of air pumps with booster(boost functions) that are reassuring to have one.
Hookless Rim: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Considerations
Many "hookless rim" wheels are lightweight and cost-effective. What is hookless? We have compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages of hookless, as well as points to keep in mind when choosing.
What is the ASTM standard for bicycle wheels?
What is the ASTM standard for bicycle wheels? We have compiled a list of points to note when choosing a wheel.