All about tire pressure

The Tire Pressure Myth

For years, there's been a myth that higher tire pressure equals better performance. But guess what? That's not always the case—especially if you seek comfort on your eBike journey. While it's true that skinny tires at high pressure can reduce rolling resistance, they also transmit more vibrations from the road to your body. This can lead to a harsher ride, increased fatigue, and even less control over rough terrain.

Why Lower Pressure?

Lower tire pressure allows your tires to act as natural shock absorbers, smoothing out road bumps, cracks, and imperfections. This can make a big difference on longer rides by reducing strain on your wrists, back, and overall body.

More tire surface in contact with the road means better grip. This is especially crucial for eBikes, which tend to be heavier and have more torque than traditional bikes. Extra traction improves control when accelerating, cornering, or riding on wet or uneven surfaces.

Have you ever felt your bike is too twitchy or unstable at high speeds? Lowering the tire pressure slightly can enhance stability, making your eBike feel more planted and predictable. This is particularly beneficial for new riders or those navigating mixed terrain.

Finding Your Sweet Spot

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to tire pressure. Factors like rider weight, terrain, and personal preference play a role. Start by lowering your pressure to ~15 PSI from the recommended PSI (usually found on the tire sidewall), then test how it feels. Adjust gradually until you find the perfect balance of comfort, grip, and efficiency.

Myth Busting: Isn't Low Pressure Risky?

Not necessarily! While riding with extremely low pressure can increase the risk of pinch flats (where the inner tube gets pinched between the tire and rim), riding within reasonable limits can actually reduce flats. Lower pressure allows the tire to absorb impacts instead of forcing the tube against the rim. It can also extend the lifespan of your tires by reducing excessive wear from road shock.

The Ebike Advantage

Because eBikes have added weight from the motor and battery, they naturally put more force on the tires. Running slightly lower pressure helps distribute this weight more evenly, improving ride quality, grip, and control. Plus, since eBikes provide motor assistance, you won’t need to worry as much about increased rolling resistance from softer tires.

What Pressure Do We Run?

The ideal pressure depends on your ebike model, tire width, and riding conditions. Here’s a rough guideline:

- For wider tires (2” - 2.6"), 15-35 PSI for comfort and traction. We tend to run our Centauri demo tires at about 35 PSI.