When it comes to mountain bike performance, nothing affects your ride quite like tyre pressure. Whether you’re tackling rocky downhill trails, sending dirt jumps, or cruising at the skatepark, the correct tyre PSI can transform your grip, speed, and overall control.
At Rubber Side Down, we’re passionate about helping riders find that perfect balance. Let’s dive into what tyre pressure does, how to dial it in, and the best PSI ranges for MTB, BMX, and dirt jump setups.
Why Tyre Pressure Matters
Your tyres are the only contact point between you and the terrain. Get tyre pressure wrong, and you’ll feel it instantly. Here’s what it affects:
▪ Grip & Traction: Lower pressure = more surface contact = better grip.
▪ Rolling Speed: Higher pressure = less rolling resistance = faster rides.
▪ Comfort: Softer tyres absorb trail chatter; harder tyres feel harsh.
▪ Durability: Too low risks pinch flats or rim strikes; too high reduces grip and control.
The Benefits of Lower Tyre Pressure
Running lower PSI is a game-changer for mountain bikers and enduro riders:
▪ Increased traction on roots, rocks, and loose dirt.
▪ Smoother ride with better shock absorption.
▪ More control when cornering aggressively.
Caution: Too low and you risk burping air from tubeless tyres or hitting your rims hard.
The Benefits of Higher Tyre Pressure
For BMX riders, dirt jumpers, and pump track shredders, higher PSI is often the go-to:
▪ Faster rolling on smooth hardpack or concrete.
▪ Reduced risk of pinch flats when running tubes.
▪ Snappier, more responsive feel.
Caution: Push it too high, and you’ll slide out instead of hooking up in corners.
Best Tyre Pressure Ranges
While every rider has their “magic number,” here are some solid starting points:
▪ MTB Trail Riding: 22–28 PSI (front usually 2–3 PSI lower than rear).
▪ Downhill / Enduro: 18–25 PSI, often tubeless.
▪ BMX Street / Park: 60–80 PSI for speed and pop.
▪ Dirt Jump: 50–70 PSI depending on terrain and trick style.
Note: Rider weight, tyre width, and tubeless vs tubes all play a huge role in finding your sweet spot
How to Find Your Perfect Tyre Pressure
- Start with a baseline (from the ranges above).
- Test and adjust – try dropping 2 PSI and feel the difference.
- Match your terrain – rocky trails = lower PSI; pump tracks = higher PSI.
- Front vs Rear – run your front slightly softer for grip, rear harder for stability.
Keep It Rubber Side Down
Dialling in your tyre pressure is one of the easiest ways to improve your MTB or BMX performance without spending a cent. It’s free speed, free grip, and free control, just by tweaking PSI.
So, what pressure are you running? Share your setup with us in the comments or tag us on socials – let’s see how the RSD community rolls.
Looking for more mountain bike tips and eco-friendly riding gear? Explore the Rubber Side Down collection and keep it Rubber Side Down.