Gravel Bike Tyre Pressure Calculator

August 21, 2023August 21, 2023 Peter Ballin

This Gravel Bike Tyre Pressure Calculator helps you find the optimal pressure for your gravel rides, ensuring both safety and performance. By considering factors such as rider and bike weight, tyre width, intended use, and weather conditions, it offers a tailored recommendation for both your front and rear tyres.

Gravel Bike Tyre Pressure Calculator

Rider + Bike Weight (kg):

Tyre Width (mm):

Preferred Use:

Weather:

Results

Front Tyre (psi):

Rear Tyre (psi):

Front Tyre (bar):

Rear Tyre (bar):

Please note: This tool I only meant to be used as a starting point. Please stay within the recommendations of the tyre manufactures specifications.

Gravel Bike Tyre Pressure Chart

Remember, this is a generalized guide and may not fit every situation or individual preference. It’s also worth noting that tire and rim construction, tubeless vs. tubed setups, and other factors can influence the ideal tire pressure. Always adjust based on personal experience and riding conditions.

Rider Weight	Tire Width	Front Tire Pressure (PSI)	Rear Tire Pressure (PSI)
< 50kg (110lbs)
	30-32mm	35-45	38-48
	33-35mm	30-40	33-43
	36-38mm	25-35	28-38
	39-42mm	23-33	26-36
	43-45mm	20-30	23-33
	46-50mm	18-28	21-31
	>50mm	16-26	19-29
50-70kg (110-155lbs)
	30-32mm	40-50	43-53
	33-35mm	35-45	38-48
	36-38mm	30-40	33-43
	39-42mm	28-38	31-41
	43-45mm	25-35	28-38
	46-50mm	22-32	25-35
	>50mm	20-30	23-33
70-90kg (155-200lbs)
	30-32mm	45-55	48-58
	33-35mm	40-50	43-53
	36-38mm	35-45	38-48
	39-42mm	33-43	36-46
	43-45mm	30-40	33-43
	46-50mm	27-37	30-40
	>50mm	25-35	28-38
> 90kg (200lbs+)
	30-32mm	50-60	53-63
	33-35mm	45-55	48-58
	36-38mm	40-50	43-53
	39-42mm	38-48	41-51
	43-45mm	35-45	38-48
	46-50mm	32-42	35-45
	>50mm	30-40	33-43

The Importance of Tyre Pressure in Gravel Biking

Your gravel bike’s performance heavily relies on its tyre pressure. Your tyres form the sole connection between your bike and the terrain. Ensuring optimal tyre pressure enhances your ride, giving you better grip across different terrains and significantly reducing the risk of punctures.

Gravel Bike Tyre Pressure Insights

Accurate tyre pressure directly influences the rolling resistance and overall comfort. An under-inflated tyre increases energy consumption due to increased friction and tyre deformation. Furthermore, this can result in sidewall and rim damage, and if you’re using tubeless tyres, you risk a “burp,” where the tyre temporarily loses its seal.

Conversely, over-inflation has its downsides. High pressure can transfer vibrations to the rider, reducing comfort. Over-inflated tyres may skid easily and might not adapt well to trail imperfections.

Debunking the Myth: Harder Isn’t Faster

While high tyre pressures might feel efficient, they often aren’t. Beyond a specific threshold, excessive pressure can decrease grip, amplify vibrations, and strain your muscles.

Tools for Precise Pressure Measurement

To achieve optimal tyre pressure, invest in a high-quality floor pump with an integrated pressure gauge. Additionally, consider acquiring a premium tyre pressure gauge to fine-tune your tyres to perfection.

best tools for gravel bike tyre pressure — Best tools for finding gravel bike tyre pressure

Gravel Bike Tyre Pressure Recommendations

Manufacturers often provide tyre pressure guidelines based on rider weight. However, after inflating, always measure the actual tyre size, as the width can vary. Factors like hookless rims can also affect the maximum permissible tyre pressure. Regularly check tyre pressures since they naturally decrease over time.

see: Grave bike calculator or gravel bike tyre pressure chart.

Factors Influencing Tyre Pressure Selection

Tyre and Rim Width: The actual width of tyres can differ from their labeled size. It’s often a good idea to measure the rim width with digital callipers for better precision. The tyre’s shape also changes based on rim width. Using the ETRTO 2020 standard can guide you on matching tyre-to-rim width.

Tyre Construction: Different brands have unique methods and materials. One tyre’s optimal pressure might not suit another tyre of the same size.

Rider and Equipment Weight: Heavier riders or loaded bikes might need higher pressures. The weight distribution between the two wheels isn’t equal, with the rear wheel typically bearing more load.

Terrain: The surface you’re cycling on greatly influences your optimal tyre pressure. Whether it’s smooth gravel or wet trails, adjust accordingly.

Tubeless Tyres: Opting for tubeless tyres allows you to run at lower pressures without the fear of pinch-flats, providing more grip and comfort.

Tyre Inserts: These provide added protection to your rims, allowing for even lower tyre pressures.

Weather and Temperature: Adjustments might be necessary based on wet trails or frozen paths. A slight decrease in pressure can increase grip on slippery terrains.

New ETRTO Standards Table

ETRTO stands for “European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation”. These standards dictate bike tyre sizes based on specific rim widths, also used on motorbikes and cars. Tyre size varies depending on the rim width. Rising interest in wider rims influenced this change in naming bicycle tyre sizes.

Table of New ETRTO standards (from January 2020)