Proper tyre inflation is essential for a smooth, safe, and efficient ride. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a parent helping your child enjoy their first pedal bike, getting your tyre pressure right makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of pumping up your bike tyres, explain the differences between Schrader and Presta valves, and provide tailored advice on tyre pressures based on bike type and terrain. We also dive into our choice for kids’ bikes—the Kenda Small Block tyres—and share what makes them so well suited for young riders.
Why Proper Tyre Pressure Matters
Tyre pressure affects your bike’s performance, safety, and comfort. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Optimised Performance: Correct pressure reduces rolling resistance. For road bikes, higher pressures (within the tyre’s recommended range) can make your ride faster on smooth surfaces, while lower pressures on mountain or gravel bikes improve grip and shock absorption on rough terrain.
- Enhanced Safety: Under-inflated tyres are prone to pinch flats, while overinflated tyres transmit more road vibration and reduce grip. Maintaining the right PSI helps protect your rims and ensures the best contact patch.
- Improved Comfort: The proper pressure allows tyres to absorb bumps and vibrations—especially important for kids’ bikes where stability and control are paramount.
Always check the tyre sidewall for the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range before making any adjustments.
Tools and Equipment
Before you begin, make sure you have:
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A Quality Pump: A floor pump with a built-in gauge is ideal. Many modern pumps are designed to work with both Schrader and Presta valves and have dual fittings, such as the shown in the image below.
- A Reliable Pressure Gauge: If your pump’s gauge isn’t accurate, a separate digital or analog gauge will help ensure you’re within the correct range.
- Valve Adapters: Although many pumps now have dual fittings, keep an adapter handy if needed.
Understanding Your Valves: Schrader vs Presta
Schrader Valves
Found on car tyres and many kids’ bikes, Schrader valves are wider and have a spring-loaded core. Simply remove the valve cap, press the pump head onto the valve, and inflate until you hit your desired pressure.
Presta Valves
Presta valves are slimmer, often found on higher-performance road or mountain bikes. Unscrew the small top nut, attach the pump head (ensuring compatibility), and pump until you reach the correct PSI. Then, screw the top nut back down and replace the cap.
Step-by-Step: Pumping Up Your Tyres
Check the Tyre Sidewall:
Look for the printed recommended pressure range (e.g. “80–130 PSI” for a road tyre or a lower range for mountain/hybrid models). This printed range is your starting point.
Prepare Your Pump:
Set your pump to the correct valve type. Many pumps come with dual fittings so you can switch between Schrader and Presta with ease.
Attach and Inflate:
Secure the pump to the valve, then pump gradually. Frequently check the pressure using the gauge until you’re within the recommended range.
Tip: For kids’ bikes, you might aim for a lower pressure than an adult bike because children are lighter.
Replace the Valve Cap:
Once inflated, remove the pump head carefully and replace the valve cap to keep dirt and moisture out.
What PSI Should My Tyres Be?
Different bikes and riding conditions call for different tyre pressures. Typical pressures are listed below, however always refer to the tyre side wall for the correct inflation range.
Road Bikes
- Pressure Range: 80–130 PSI (5.5–9 BAR)
- Notes: On smooth tarmac, higher pressures reduce rolling resistance. If the road isn’t perfect, a slight reduction (e.g. 90–100 PSI) can improve comfort without losing too much speed.
Mountain Bikes
- Pressure Range: 30–50 PSI (2–3.5 BAR)
- Notes: Lower pressures improve grip and shock absorption on rocky or uneven trails. Always start at the higher end and adjust downward as needed.
Hybrid and Gravel Bikes
- Pressure Range: 50–70 PSI (3.5–4.8 BAR)
- Notes: These bikes strike a balance between speed and comfort on mixed surfaces.
Special Focus: Kids’ Bikes and the Kenda Small Block Tyres
For our kids’ bikes, we run the Kenda Small Block tyres—a popular choice known for their reliability, speed, and grip. Because kids are lighter, they generally require lower tyre pressures compared to adults. The Kenda Small Block tyres are well suited to absorb small bumps and provide stability for younger riders. The tread pattern translates well into a tyre that is both fast and forgiving, helping build confidence in new riders.
Adjusting Tyre Pressure for Kids
For kids’ bikes fitted with Kenda Small Block tyres, here are a few additional pointers:
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Recommended Pressure Range (always check the tyre side wall for the correct inflation range):
For a 16 or 20-inch bike using the Kenda Small Block tyre, aim for a pressure between 40 and 65 PSI. For lighter riders, err towards the lower end to maximise grip and comfort; for heavier young riders, lean toward the higher end to support the weight and prevent pinch flats. -
Trial and Error:
Just as with adult bikes, it’s wise to experiment slightly within the recommended range. Start at the higher end if you’re unsure, then lower the pressure gradually if you feel the ride could be more forgiving on bumpy terrain. -
Safety Reminders:
Always check the pressure before each ride. Use a reliable gauge and ensure the pressure is within the correct inflation range. Teach kids the basics of bike maintenance, including tyre pressure, so that they develop healthy cycling habits.
Final Tips
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Temperature Changes:
Remember that pressure can change with temperature. For every 5 °C change, you might see about a 1 PSI difference. Inflate your tyres when they’re at the temperature you expect to ride in, or adjust accordingly. -
Regular Checks:
Tyres naturally lose pressure over time, so check them before every ride—whether it’s a daily commute or a weekend adventure. -
Personal Preference:
While guidelines provide a good starting point, every rider (adult or child) will eventually learn the “sweet spot” that works best for their style and terrain.
Conclusion
Pumping up your bike tyres properly is the foundation of a safe, comfortable, and efficient ride. By following these steps—from understanding your valve type to checking the tyre’s recommended pressure and adjusting for terrain—you ensure that your ride, whether on a road bike, mountain bike, or a kids’ bike fitted with Kenda Small Block tyres, is always at its best. With their proven design for speed, grip, and durability, our Kenda Small Block tyres are an excellent choice for young riders, offering both performance and safety.
Happy riding, and remember: air is free, so take the time to get it right!