How does everyone get their perfect pressure?

[jimmy-dh]

I was viewing a few threads before and I noticed that a few of you are very precise when it comes to the psi in your tyres. I have a gauge but Ive never used it, I prefer to do it by feel. So, how does everyone else do it?

 

[driftking]

inflate with a gauge and note the pressure, then when out on the track see how it feels if i think it needs less i just take a bit out using my finger until it feels about right, then if it feels good for that track i leave it. i guess best way would be to once you have found this desired pressure check the pressure using the gauge, so you can put a number to it next time.

its a bit of both i guess, eventually its all about feel but knowing your numbers helps the task be a bit more simple and doesnt require you to play around to much with pressure everytime you go out for a ride.

i dont really pay to much attention to pressure as iv never had a gauge pump with me so i just go by feel, but if i did have the gauge the above would be how id do it.

 

[Dirt king]

By feel... It certainly is something I haven't really paid much attention to in DH. I know back in my XC days I used to make sure I had a specific pressure in there, but yeah that really isn't something I worry about too much these days.

I find with DH, being a reasonably light rider, I tend to run around 20psi - 25psi as a guess.... at most 30. I know most people will think that is stupid and way to low, but that pressure has worked well and I intend keeping it, purely for my weight. That said it is really a guess, but I know it is rather low, just a squeeze of the tyre seems to work as great gauge.

 

[ireland57]

I use "how the bike feels" on the tracks. I.e. set it at a certain pressure for the tracks I'm riding that day and see how it goes.
If it's bouncing around I usually let them down a little.
If it's wallowing I add air.

If I let them down or add pressure while riding I note the pressure when home again.

I use a decent gauge for consistency.

Going by "feel" i.e. squeezing the tyre with fingers to check it's hardness is inconsistent.

 

[jimmy-dh]

Could a mod please add a "both" option to the poll?

Thanks for all the replies guys.

 

[Hellyeah]

Always by gauge, both bikes included in this.

I work to tight tolerances so it's just natural to go by the numbers

 

[FR Drew]

If you ever want to narrow down a sweet spot and be able to compare your pressures on different runs you NEED to use a gauge.

How high did I have the pressure?
Did I pinch flat or did the tyre feel like it was rolling out from under me? = too low.
Did things feel too harsh, was the tyre bouncing off stuff and feeling low on grip and sketchy? = too high.

 

[RMS116]

I adjust depending on track. The more rocks etc I will run 30 psi so I don't ding the rim. But the optimum pressure that my tyres were designed to run at is 27-29.

 

[Regan]

I always use a gauge. IMO consistent tire pressure is one of the most important parts of bike setup. That way the bike will handle the same every ride. You need to check it a couple of times through the day especially on warm days because as the day heats up the pressure will rise. I've had it rise as much as 5psi...
I usually keep the pressures 23psi front, 30psi rear as a starting point and if needed I’ll go a couple of psi either side depending on conditions