555 Tire Intelligence
Tire pressure
Calculates tire pressure from weight, wheel, terrain and riding style.
Pressure tradeoffs
Lower pressure
- More grip and traction
- Softer ride, absorbs bumps
- Larger contact patch
- Risk of rim strike on bumps
- Higher rolling resistance (-range)
- Sluggish handling at speed
- Pinch flat risk (tubed tires)
Higher pressure
- Lower rolling resistance (+range)
- Nimbler handling, quicker turn-in
- Less grip, smaller contact patch
- Harsher ride, more vibration
- Less bump absorption
- Blowout risk if overinflated
What-if scenarios
| Grip | Comfort | Range | Handling | Risk level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| -5 PSI (softer) | - | - | - | - | - |
| +5 PSI (harder) | - | - | - | - | - |
| -10 PSI (very soft) | - | - | - | - | - |
Seasonal adjustment
Tire pressure changes ~1 PSI per 5 deg C ambient temperature shift. Check pressure when cold - riding heats the tire and raises pressure by 2-4 PSI.
Winter tip
Below 5 deg C, start 2-3 PSI above your target. Cold rubber is harder and grips less - slight overinflation when cold compensates as the tire warms up.
Summer tip
Above 30 deg C, start 1-2 PSI below target. Hot asphalt heats tires fast - starting lower prevents overinflation mid-ride.
These recommendations are physics-based estimates. Always verify with a quality gauge and adjust based on your feel. Tire construction, wear, and brand vary significantly.