When it comes to cycling in Los Angeles County, the optimal tire pressure depends on a variety of factors. Most road bikes suggest a range of 80 to 100 psi for road tires, which means that a medium-sized cyclist should ride with a pressure of between 150 and 160 pounds. Heavier cyclists should use slightly higher tire pressures (5 to 10 psi more), while lighter cyclists may use slightly lower tire pressures (5 to 10 psi less). For mountain bike tires, the pressure depends on the width of the tire, the weight of the cyclist, the trail and terrain conditions, and your riding goals.
Generally, manufacturers recommend between 30 and 50 psi on most of their bikes. It is essential to check your air pressure before each ride to guarantee that your tires are properly inflated. The correct inflation for optimal performance depends on the individual cyclist and their bike. Therefore, all things being equal, people who ride bikes in Miami in August will have higher tire pressure than people who ride bikes in Boston in January.
To maintain the ideal psi for bicycle tires, inflate them at least once a week. You can find Presta valves on almost every high-performance bike, such as road bikes, cyclocross bikes, gravel bikes, and many mountain bikes. On non-high-performance bikes, such as hybrids, low-end mountain bikes, and children's bikes, you can usually find Schrader valves. Whether you're competing on the Tour de France or just taking a leisurely ride around town, heavier cyclists should use a higher psi than lighter riders to achieve the same performance from their tires.
It is highly recommended to bring along a reliable hand pump and puncture repair kit before embarking on any long-distance bike tour.
