Tyre inspection
As tyres are the rider’s only contact with the road, correct tyre maintenance is crucial for stability and safety. Consider the following when inspecting your tyres:
Tread: Check the tread for signs of excessive wear or flat spots, and cuts or damage.
Caution: Riding on excessively worn or damaged tyres may be hazardous so tyres should be replaced.
Inflation: Maintain tyre pressure at the level recommended on the tyre sidewalls. Preferably use a tyre gauge and a hand pump to inflate rather than a service station pump. Caution: Using a service station pump for inflation can lead to sudden over inflation, potentially resulting in a blow out.
Valves: A flat tyre is not only inconvenient but potentially dangerous. To minimise the likelihood of a flat tyre from air leaking from a valve, ensure valve caps are fitted and that valves are clean.
Bead setting: Ensure the bead is correctly fitted in the rim when inflating or changing tyres.
Recommended Tyre Pressures:
Tyre pressure directly influences the performance of a tyre on different surfaces and in varying weather conditions. Recommended tyre pressure is given either as maximum pressure or as a pressure range.
For riding on smooth, slick terrain such as
Using high pressures, at the top of the recommended pressure range enables a faster but rougher ride. These pressures are ideal for riding on a smooth, dry pavement.
Failure to sufficiently inflate the tyres according to the rider’s weight and intended use can cause the tube to puncture.
Tyres should be inflated to the recommended pressure moulded on the sidewall of the bicycle’s tyres. Use this chart as a reference if you are unable to find the relevant information on your tyre.
BMX
MTB
Road Touring
Road Racing
Hybrid/Crossbike
Caution:
241 - 344 k.p.a.
276 - 448 k.p.a.
483 - 620 k.p.a.
755 - 862 k.p.a.
414 - 690 k.p.a.
Service station pumps and pencil type automotive tyre gauges should not be relied upon for consistent, accurate readings. A good quality dial gauge should be used as it is far more accurate and reliable.
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RAOM0507 | Apollo Bicycle Company Pty. Ltd. ABN: 60 001 914 469 | Updated 23/05/07 |