A well-inflated tyre is worth its weight in gold. Whether you cycle to work every day, pedal for miles on your racing bike or go on a cycling holiday with full bags: the right tyre pressure makes your ride more comfortable, safer and more efficient. But how much bar should your bike tyre really have? In this blog, we will explain it to you.
Why is the right pressure so important?
Tyre pressure determines how your bike performs on the road. Tyres that are too soft add resistance, cause unnecessary wear and increase the risk of punctures. Tyres that are too hard provide less comfort and can be dangerous on slippery or wet surfaces. The right pressure:
- Increases driving comfort
- Reduces the risk of punctures
- Reduces wear
- Optimises grip and control
How much pressure should your tyres have?
You might think there's one standard tyre pressure that works for everyone. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. How much air you should pump into your tyres depends on a few key factors:
- The type of bike you ride
- Your body weight
- The terrain you ride on (asphalt, gravel, forest paths...)
- The type of tyres you use (for example: tubeless or not)
Luckily, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’ve put together a handy overview with average pressure guidelines per bike type. These are great starting points. Not sure where to begin? Aim for the middle of the recommended range and adjust based on how your ride feels.
| Bike Type | Reccommended Pressure |
| City Bike | 3.5-4.5 bar |
| Road Bike | 6-8 bar |
| Gravel Bike | 2.5-4 bar |
| Mountain Bike | 1.5-2.5 bar |
| E-bike | 4-5 bar |
| Kids' Bike | 2-3.5 bar |
Tip: Check the sidewall of your tyre. It always lists the minimum and maximum pressure. Use that as your guide!
How to check your tyre pressure
Maybe you usually go by feel: give the side of the tyre a squeeze, and if it feels firm, you’re good to go… right? Sounds familiar, but it’s not always accurate. What feels firm might actually be too soft. And you’ll notice that while riding: more rolling resistance, a higher risk of punctures and faster tyre wear.
The fix is simple: use a tyre pump with a pressure gauge. That way, you know exactly how many bars are in your tyres, no guesswork needed. And it’s really easy to do: remove the valve cap, connect the pump, inflate to the right pressure, and you’re done.
At CUBE Stores, we offer reliable pumps that are easy to use and read, like:
- ACID Floor Pump Race: a solid floor pump with a clear pressure gauge
- ACID Pump Race Flex HP: compatible with multiple valve types
Don’t worry it’s a quick job. Just remove the cap, attach the pump, and inflate. Riding with a Presta valve (the narrow one found on road or gravel bikes)? Make sure to unscrew the little top part of the valve before pumping. It may take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Adjust your tyre pressure to match your ride
The recommended pressure is a helpful starting point, but it’s not set in stone. It’s worth tweaking it based on your situation, especially if any of the following sound familiar:
- Going on a cycling holiday with fully loaded bags or kids on board? Pump your tyres a bit harder to handle the extra weight.
- Riding in the rain or over slippery surfaces? Let a little air out of your tyres for better grip, especially on road or gravel bikes, you’ll feel the difference straight away.
- Heavier or lighter rider than average? Adjust accordingly: more weight = more pressure, less weight = slightly softer tyres.
In short: don’t just go by the book, do what works for your ride. A few bars more or less can make all the difference between a bumpy slog and a smooth, comfortable ride.
How often should you check your tyre pressure?
More often than you might think! Even when your bike is sitting still, tyres naturally lose air over time. Use these rough guidelines:
- Weekly: for road or gravel tyres
- Every 2 weeks: for city bikes and e-bikes
- Before every long ride: always double-check
The effect of temperature
Did you know that the weather affects your tyre pressure? Cold temperatures cause the air in your tyres to contract, lowering the pressure. Keep this in mind during colder months — it’s an easy fix that makes a big difference.
Get the most out of your ride
Whether you’re commuting on your CUBE e-bike, heading off-road on your gravel bike or pushing the pace on your road bike, the right tyre pressure is where every good ride begins. Take a few minutes, grab your pump, and top up your tyres before you roll out.
Need some help or looking for a new pump? Visit our store or explore our full range of tyre pumps online.