Many cyclists are hesitant to inflate their tires to high pressures, often resulting in underinflated tires. They worry that high tire pressure will cause the inner tube to compress against obstacles during rides, leading to increased internal pressure and eventually a blowout. However, this concern is completely unfounded. In reality, maintaining an appropriate high tire pressure not only doesn’t lead to blowouts but also helps prevent pinch flats and blowouts caused by underinflation.
When tire pressure is too low, the tire is more likely to deform when it hits obstacles, making the inner tube more susceptible to damage and increasing the risk of blowouts. On the other hand, a properly high tire pressure allows the tire to remain firm when encountering obstacles, reducing deformation and better protecting the inner tube. Additionally, higher tire pressure can reduce rolling resistance and improve riding efficiency. Therefore, cyclists should inflate their tires within the recommended pressure range to ensure the best riding experience and safety.
We assure you that even if your tire pressure exceeds 100 PSI, your tire won’t blow out when riding over obstacles. Conversely, if your tire pressure is very low, the risk of a blowout significantly increases when you hit an obstacle. Let us explain why this happens.
Inner tubes rarely blow out due to internal pressure alone. Most blowouts occur because the inner tube is pinched and damaged at one or more points when the tire quickly passes over a sharp obstacle. With insufficient tire pressure, when the wheel quickly rolls over a sharp obstacle, the inner tube cannot provide enough upward support to the rim. The rim, due to inertia, continues to approach the obstacle. Eventually, the sharp edge of the obstacle and the rim pinch the tire in between. At several points, the inner tube experiences excessive pressure, leading to damage. In such cases, you typically see two symmetrical puncture marks on the inner tube, resembling a snake bite.
Over 90% of road bike blowouts are due to low tire pressure, not high pressure. Maintaining the correct tire pressure can prevent 90% of blowouts. So, what should the tire pressure be for your bike? You can refer to SUMLON’s other article: Optimize Tire Pressure of Your Road Bike.
By the way, SUMLON has been manufacturing bicycle parts for over 15 years. Contact us if you are looking for a bike parts factory or a one-stop wholesaler. Peace
