Optimal tyre pressure for commuting on MTB tyres?

[pagheca]

Let me explain my situation:

my Trek Powerfly 7 runs a Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.50 WT up front and a Maxxis Dissector 29x2.60 at the rear. I weigh 90 kg, and the bike itself is quite heavy, around 24 kg, plus a rack, frame bag, backpack with laptop and books, pannier, and so on (I guess I am around 130 kg).

During the week I generally use it for commuting on tarmac and gravel, so I run the pressure quite high, around 35 psi. My thinking is that less tyre deformation means less wear and a lower chance of punctures. Grip isn't a concern on urban roads and gravel tracks.

At weekends I take it out on trails, sometimes quite technical ones, and I drop the pressure down to around 18–20 psi when needed.

My question is: what pressure would you recommend for the commuting use case, with the goal of maximising tyre life and minimising puncture risk? Is 35 psi too high, too low, or about right for tyres like these given my weight and bike weight?

 

[skizzian]

Let me explain my situation:

my Trek Powerfly 7 runs a Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.50 WT up front and a Maxxis Dissector 29x2.60 at the rear. I weigh 90 kg, and the bike itself is quite heavy, around 24 kg, plus a rack, frame bag, backpack with laptop and books, pannier, and so on (I guess I am around 130 kg).

During the week I generally use it for commuting on tarmac and gravel, so I run the pressure quite high, around 35 psi. My thinking is that less tyre deformation means less wear and a lower chance of punctures. Grip isn't a concern on urban roads and gravel tracks.

At weekends I take it out on trails, sometimes quite technical ones, and I drop the pressure down to around 18–20 psi when needed.

My question is: what pressure would you recommend for the commuting use case, with the goal of maximising tyre life and minimising puncture risk? Is 35 psi too high, too low, or about right for tyres like these given my weight and bike weight?

personally I'd buy a used cheap pair of wheels with a new Ali Express Cassette and run with something like Schwalbe Big Apples (crazy bob or fat frank) - not cheap but nor is constantly replacing MTB tyres - plus it will be quicker on the roads...

 

[steve_sordy]

I'd go as high as allowable, usually printed on the side of the tyre.

 

[pagheca]

I'd go as high as allowable, usually printed on the side of the tyre.

do you think so? it's really high, 50 psi for the front, 40 for the rear... Actually a good reason to keep the pressure high is a slight saving on battery, but I think it would be just a few percents, irrelevant on the long run...

 

[pagheca]

personally I'd buy a used cheap pair of wheels with a new Ali Express Cassette and run with something like Schwalbe Big Apples (crazy bob or fat frank) - not cheap but nor is constantly replacing MTB tyres - plus it will be quicker on the roads...

thanks for the suggestion, but I don't think that at the end it would be worth all the trouble and the cost. Speed is not an issue for me, I constantly travel at 26-27 kmh on flat terrain, and 45-50 downhill. I don't think this would change very much.

 

[wik]

I know it might be a bit pricey, but it’s worth considering—a second set of wheels with XC tires that have low rolling resistance and are no wider than 2.4 inches. That way, you’ll have the right tires for commuting -for example recon front and recon race rear.
Otherwise, I would agree with steve_sordy

 

[skizzian]

do you think so? it's really high, 50 psi for the front, 40 for the rear... Actually a good reason to keep the pressure high is a slight saving on battery, but I think it would be just a few percents, irrelevant on the long run...

you'll be buying new tyres every month - asphalt will rip off the centre tread in no time
at those pressures

 

[venturavin]

I'd go so far as to buy a separate commuter bike personally. Any basic hub motor commuter bike will get you to and from work, no need to be putting this wear and tear on your high end mountain bike.

 

[pagheca]

Hi folks, thanks for all these suggestions, but to be honest, my philosophy is to own one of everything: one phone, one laptop, one (small) car (a Kia Picanto that brought me on a 13,700 km trip around all europe though), one e-bike, one regular bike, etc. I don't like accumulating gear I only use occasionally, I'd rather get the most out of what I have.

And actually, the longevity of these tyres has actually surprised me. I fitted them about two years ago and, aside from six months when the bike was stored in a container for an international removal, they're still in good shape, and I ride somewhere between 50 and 150 km a week.

Also worth mentioning: my commuting is on asphalt and gravel (a very beautiful trail on the side of a small river), but sometimes I take a much more challenging route to work just for the fun of it — like yesterday, when I had a fall on a tricky technical section. Riding has always been both a hobby and a way to reduce my environmental footprint, so these e-mtb does a bit of everything. And from a pure cost perspective, a good pair of tyres is under €100. Even if I replaced them every year, that's... €500 over five years, not much, really, especially compared to the cost of the bike itself.

What I'm actually considering is selling this one and getting something better suited for long-distance travel, but that's another story...

This is the current status of those tyres.

Front:

.... and rear:

not bad... right?

 

[HelmholtzWatson]

Interesting discussion. I recently bought an eMTB for similar reasons to OP - mainly commuting, but also some weekend fun. Commute is a 60km round trip that saves me ~£10 in fuel/parking, and that excludes wear and tear, so even if the tyres need replacing one a year, I'm saving money.

So, I'm with OP on this one. There is always an excuse to buy another bike, but I have 2 (eMTB and gravel bike) that cover 95% of riding I'm likely to want to do, and I can't be bothered to spend time changing parts out each time I ride.

As for tyre pressure...never really though about it. Pump them up close to max when they look a bit flat, but that's it.

 

[MeatBike]

Sounds like you've already found what works for you.

 

[pagheca]

Sounds like you've already found what works for you.

not really... My question was about the optimal pressure for my use case. Any opinion is welcome.

 

[pagheca]

Interesting discussion. I recently bought an eMTB for similar reasons to OP - mainly commuting, but also some weekend fun. Commute is a 60km round trip that saves me ~£10 in fuel/parking, and that excludes wear and tear, so even if the tyres need replacing one a year, I'm saving money.

So, I'm with OP on this one. There is always an excuse to buy another bike, but I have 2 (eMTB and gravel bike) that cover 95% of riding I'm likely to want to do, and I can't be bothered to spend time changing parts out each time I ride.

As for tyre pressure...never really though about it. Pump them up close to max when they look a bit flat, but that's it.

60 km A DAY?? That's impressive, congratulations!

And yes, that's very much my approach . For me, saving money and sustainability are just as important as fun and health. I know that's not the most common view on this forum, but it's something I genuinely care about, so it's always nice to find someone who gets it!

 

[wik]

not really... My question was about the optimal pressure for my use case. Any opinion is welcome.

Hi, you’ve received a few suggestions. After hearing your explanation, I can understand.

As some others have suggested, try setting the pressure close to the maximum—around 40–45 psi—and test it for 1–2 weeks. If it doesn’t feel right or is uncomfortable, reduce it by 5 psi until you feel it’s just right.

If the tires are worn out, get some with better rolling resistance.
Michelin also makes very durable tires (just as an alternative suggestion). Best regards


Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

 

[MeatBike]

not really... My question was about the optimal pressure for my use case. Any opinion is welcome.

It's trial and error really, as optimal pressure is unique to your body weight, surface type and how you like the ride to feel.

As has been suggested already, start high and drop the PSI a bit at time until you find the sweet spot.

 

[skizzian]

I think when you say:
'I run the pressure quite high, around 35 psi. My thinking is that less tyre deformation means less wear and a lower chance of punctures. Grip isn't a concern on urban roads and gravel tracks.
At weekends I take it out on trails, sometimes quite technical ones, and I drop the pressure down to around 18–20 psi when needed.'
you are pretty much where you want to be.

going to 50+40 psi is going to make:
the centre of the tread to wear much faster then the rest of the tyre
it less efficient as the bike will be bouncing more
tyres more vulnerable to punctures

also running a higher psi out front is not ideal - a few less in the front is best

n.b. does the frame bag and pannier come off when you ride the technical stuff at weekends?

 

[otbmaster]

I am 240 and run 35psi . You will ruin the tires and the grippy mtb tires would just chew through battery . Any old woman on a normal pedalbike will fly past you in anything else than boost/turbo mode . I bought a aliexpress wheel set for dirt chep. For the same reason . And they are

actually pretty good . Ended up putting them on my Instinct.

 

[sethimus]

Hi folks, thanks for all these suggestions, but to be honest, my philosophy is to own one of everything: one phone, one laptop, one (small) car (a Kia Picanto that brought me on a 13,700 km trip around all europe though), one e-bike, one regular bike, etc. I don't like accumulating gear I only use occasionally, I'd rather get the most out of what I have.

And actually, the longevity of these tyres has actually surprised me. I fitted them about two years ago and, aside from six months when the bike was stored in a container for an international removal, they're still in good shape, and I ride somewhere between 50 and 150 km a week.

Also worth mentioning: my commuting is on asphalt and gravel (a very beautiful trail on the side of a small river), but sometimes I take a much more challenging route to work just for the fun of it — like yesterday, when I had a fall on a tricky technical section. Riding has always been both a hobby and a way to reduce my environmental footprint, so these e-mtb does a bit of everything. And from a pure cost perspective, a good pair of tyres is under €100. Even if I replaced them every year, that's... €500 over five years, not much, really, especially compared to the cost of the bike itself.

What I'm actually considering is selling this one and getting something better suited for long-distance travel, but that's another story...

This is the current status of those tyres.

Front:
View attachment 184343

.... and rear:

View attachment 184342

not bad... right?

that’s because you don’t use your side knobs. do you even ride trails? you need to lean your bike in curves…

 

[pagheca]

that’s because you don’t use your side knobs. do you even ride trails? you need to lean your bike in curves…

I ride a lot of trails, even challenging ones, but... to be honest, I am not a "racing" type of person. I don't care about speed or jumps or performance. And that's why I am and I have always been a solitary rider: because I do not want to slow down or annoy other riders.

I rather like enjoying the experience, visiting new places, riding for very long time, stopping whenever I like to take a picture, eat or drink something, or watch a beautiful landscape.

Therefore... I do not lean very much, you are right...

 

[pagheca]

I am 240 and run 35psi . You will ruin the tires and the grippy mtb tires would just chew through battery . Any old woman on a normal pedalbike will fly past you in anything else than boost/turbo mode . I bought a aliexpress wheel set for dirt chep. For the same reason . And they areView attachment 184359 actually pretty good . Ended up putting them on my Instinct.

That's true! Old women sometimes passed me (at least when I am using my pedal bikes)... and to be honest I don't care if they do.

Once again: if these tyres last one or two years it's fine for me. The only question is how much is the right pressure for my use case to enhance their lifetime.: I understood there are two parties here: "as high as permitted by the tire specs" and "average" to avoid damaging them. This is what I need to better understand.

 

[skizzian]

maybe 32psi rear / 30 front?
this site What Tire Pressure Should You Run? A Complete Guide for Road, MTB, and Hybrid Bikes goes into more detail
assuming you are using tubes... If not you could try a few psi lower

 

[pagheca]

great suggestion, thanks! I use tubeless though.

 

[skizzian]

great suggestion, thanks! I use tubeless though.

great suggestion, thanks! I use tubeless though.

maybe start there anyway see how it feels - go down maybe 3 psi when you're exclusively on trails - up 3 psi when you're exclusively on a road journey...
you might want to be taking notes on how it all behaves if you want to go with one set up...

 

[pagheca]

I'm afraid I am not... that sensitive to really feel the difference, but I will try. Thanks for the suggestion.

Btw: I am surprised that that tyre pressure calculator Bike Tyre Pressure Calculator | Road & MTB PSI - Pro Calculator UK doesn't make any difference betweer rear and front tyre. Is this correct?

 

[skizzian]

I'm afraid I am not... that sensitive to really feel the difference, but I will try. Thanks for the suggestion.

Btw: I am surprised that that tyre pressure calculator Bike Tyre Pressure Calculator | Road & MTB PSI - Pro Calculator UK doesn't make any difference betweer rear and front tyre. Is this correct?

they do say
'Should I use different pressures for front and rear tyres?
Many cyclists run slightly lower pressure in the front tyre (5-10 PSI less) for better steering feel and comfort, whilst maintaining higher pressure in the rear to support more weight and power transfer.'
I run about 5psi difference
but it depends on where your panniers are etc.

 

[pagheca]

they do say
'Should I use different pressures for front and rear tyres?
Many cyclists run slightly lower pressure in the front tyre (5-10 PSI less) for better steering feel and comfort, whilst maintaining higher pressure in the rear to support more weight and power transfer.'
I run about 5psi difference
but it depends on where your panniers are etc.

Thanks again. There is just one pannier, usually on the right, weighting a few kgs... This is "her", aka my love (a bit dirty after yesterday trail...), in all its glory:

 

[skizzian]

Thanks again. There is just one pannier, usually on the right, weighting a few kgs... This is "her", aka my love (a bit dirty after yesterday trail...), in all its glory:

View attachment 184375

so maybe have 5 psi higher at the back - 30/35 to try for starters...

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

2 years of trail riding and you still have whiskers on the side lugs... so my take it your riding isn't demanding AND/OR your actual trail mileage is very low over that time span.

I'll be lucky if I get 1 year out of a front tire and 6 months on a rear on my analog bike. On the eMTB I'll probably get half that...

If you got 2 YEARS worth of commuting and trail riding... I wouldn't do anything differently.

 

[pagheca]

2 years of trail riding and you still have whiskers on the side lugs... so my take it your riding isn't demanding AND/OR your actual trail mileage is very low over that time span.

I'll be lucky if I get 1 year out of a front tire and 6 months on a rear on my analog bike. On the eMTB I'll probably get half that...

If you got 2 YEARS worth of commuting and trail riding... I wouldn't do anything differently.

This is my recollection:

From my record it appears that I changed the tyres at the end of december 2023. And according to "eBike Connect" I rode since then:

402 km in 2024
363 km in 2025 (the emtb was stored in a container for 6 months because of an international removal)
458 km in 2026 until today
total: 1223 km

Of those km, I think 1/2 was on asphalt, 1/3 on gravel, and the rest on trails, sometimes pretty rough (voulcanic terrain)

(I assume the app recorded every single ride, although I do not start it very often.)

 

[pagheca]

Maybe @Greg Watts wants to say something about this topic?