Using the correct tire pressure provides an immediate improvement: lower rolling resistance and better grip.

Our calculator determines the point at which energy losses are minimized, allowing the bike to roll most efficiently at the same power output. This is the recommended starting point, which you can then adjust to suit your individual needs and preferences.

Why doesn’t higher tire pressure always mean a faster ride?

Some riders instinctively inflate their tires to very high pressures, believing that a harder tire means lower rolling resistance. In reality, things work differently because a tire loses energy in two ways:

Hysteresis: the rubber and casing deform under load, converting some of the energy into heat.

Energy losses caused by micro-vibrations: when tire pressure is too high, the tire stops absorbing surface irregularities smoothly and starts bouncing over them instead. The resulting vibrations are absorbed by the bike and your body, consuming a significant amount of energy.

By increasing tire pressure, you reduce the first type of energy loss, but dramatically increase the second. The optimal pressure is the sweet spot where the combined losses are at their lowest.

Air volume matters

The tire width stated by the manufacturer is one thing, but the actual air volume also depends on the rim. The same tire mounted on a wider rim takes on a wider profile and contains more air.

In our calculator, enter the measured tire width at its widest point (using calipers).

The calculator takes into account the following benefits across different riding conditions:

• More effective absorption of bumps and uneven surfaces.
  
• Lower rolling resistance on both asphalt and off-road terrain.
  
• Reduced risk of bottoming out the rim.