Quick answer: road bike tire pressure by width
For a 75 kg (165 lb) rider on dry tarmac, run a 25mm tire at 80–90 PSI, a 28mm tire at 68–78 PSI and a 32mm tire at 55–65 PSI with inner tubes. Tubeless setups can go about 8–10 PSI lower because there is no tube to pinch.
Values are a starting point for the average of front and rear. Put the rear 5–8 PSI above the front, since it carries roughly 60% of your weight.
| Tire width | With inner tube | Tubeless |
|---|---|---|
| 23 mm | 95–105 PSI (6.6–7.2 bar) | 85–95 PSI (5.9–6.6 bar) |
| 25 mm | 80–90 PSI (5.5–6.2 bar) | 70–80 PSI (4.8–5.5 bar) |
| 28 mm | 68–78 PSI (4.7–5.4 bar) | 60–70 PSI (4.1–4.8 bar) |
| 30 mm | 60–70 PSI (4.1–4.8 bar) | 52–62 PSI (3.6–4.3 bar) |
| 32 mm | 55–65 PSI (3.8–4.5 bar) | 46–56 PSI (3.2–3.9 bar) |
Values are a starting point for the average of front and rear. Put the rear 5–8 PSI above the front, since it carries roughly 60% of your weight.
Why wider tires need less pressure
A tire carries the load through the air volume inside it. A 28mm tire holds about 30% more air than a 25mm tire, so it needs less pressure to support the same weight with the same amount of tire drop.
That is why pros moved from 23mm at 110 PSI to 28–30mm at 60–75 PSI. Rolling-resistance tests on real road surfaces show that the lower pressure is not slower: the tire absorbs small bumps instead of bouncing the whole bike and rider over them. Above a certain pressure (the "breakpoint") you lose speed and comfort at the same time.
That is why pros moved from 23mm at 110 PSI to 28–30mm at 60–75 PSI. Rolling-resistance tests on real road surfaces show that the lower pressure is not slower: the tire absorbs small bumps instead of bouncing the whole bike and rider over them. Above a certain pressure (the "breakpoint") you lose speed and comfort at the same time.
Adjust the pressure for your weight
The chart above assumes 75 kg. As a rule of thumb, add or remove about 2 PSI (0.15 bar) for every 5 kg of difference in rider weight. Include your kit, bottles and bags in that number.
For a personal number based on your exact weight and tire, use our tire pressure calculator.
| Rider weight | 25mm (tube) | 28mm (tube) | 30mm (tube) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kg / 132 lb | 72–78 PSI (5.0–5.4 bar) | 62–70 PSI (4.3–4.8 bar) | 55–60 PSI (3.8–4.1 bar) |
| 75 kg / 165 lb | 80–90 PSI (5.5–6.2 bar) | 68–78 PSI (4.7–5.4 bar) | 60–70 PSI (4.1–4.8 bar) |
| 90 kg / 198 lb | 90–100 PSI (6.2–6.9 bar) | 78–85 PSI (5.4–5.9 bar) | 68–75 PSI (4.7–5.2 bar) |
| 105 kg / 231 lb | 100–110 PSI (6.9–7.6 bar) | 85–95 PSI (5.9–6.6 bar) | 75–82 PSI (5.2–5.7 bar) |
For a personal number based on your exact weight and tire, use our tire pressure calculator.
Hookless rims: the 72 PSI (5 bar) limit
Many modern carbon wheels use hookless rims. The ISO/ETRTO standard caps these at 72.5 PSI (5 bar), whatever the tire says. Check the rim sticker or the wheel manufacturer's site before inflating.
On hookless rims, 25mm tires are no longer approved by most brands; 28mm is the practical minimum. If the chart gives you more than 72 PSI for your weight, go up one tire width instead of exceeding the rim limit.
On hookless rims, 25mm tires are no longer approved by most brands; 28mm is the practical minimum. If the chart gives you more than 72 PSI for your weight, go up one tire width instead of exceeding the rim limit.
Wet roads, rough roads and cobbles
Wet: drop 5–10% of your normal pressure. The larger contact patch gives more grip in corners.
Rough tarmac and chip seal: drop 5 PSI. You will feel less buzz and roll just as fast.
Cobbles or gravel sections: 28–32mm tubeless at the low end of the range. Pro teams run 50–60 PSI on 30–32mm tires for Paris-Roubaix.
Rough tarmac and chip seal: drop 5 PSI. You will feel less buzz and roll just as fast.
Cobbles or gravel sections: 28–32mm tubeless at the low end of the range. Pro teams run 50–60 PSI on 30–32mm tires for Paris-Roubaix.
Check your pressure before every ride
Road tubes, especially latex and TPU, lose 10–20 PSI in a few days. A tire that felt fine on Sunday can be at 60 PSI by Wednesday, which risks pinch flats on the first pothole. Use a floor pump with a gauge before each ride.
Out on a ride without a pump? Our bike pump map shows over 50,000 free public bike pumps and repair stations. Most have a Presta head, but check our valve guide if yours needs an adapter. For hybrids, gravel and MTB tires, see the complete tire pressure guide.
Out on a ride without a pump? Our bike pump map shows over 50,000 free public bike pumps and repair stations. Most have a Presta head, but check our valve guide if yours needs an adapter. For hybrids, gravel and MTB tires, see the complete tire pressure guide.
