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On this page you can find information on tire pressure. The ideal (and allowed) tire pressure depends on several variables:
The maximum indicated pressure of the tire and rim must be observed. If the maximum pressure of the rim is lower than that of the tire, the maximum pressure of the rim must be followed. This is the rule for tubeless hookless rims (TSS).
Hookless or Straight Side rims should only be combined with TLE/TLR tires (Tubeless Easy/Tubeless Ready). Consider the compatible (tubeless) and tire width specifications provided by the wheel/rim manufacturer, especially the minimum tire widths. This restriction applies regardless of the intended use (MTB, gravel, road bike).
| Model | Tire width (mm) | Maximum tire pressure (bar) on a hookless rim |
| Avalon 352/502/652/802 and 354/454 wheels | 25-29 | 5.0 bar |
| Avalon 352/502/652/802 and 354/454 wheels | 30-34 | 4.5 bar |
| Avalon 354/454 and Anath Wheels | 35-39 | 4.0 bar |
| Anath 356/456 Wheels | 40-44 | 3.5 bar |
| 4-Shore, Anath 423, SandStone Wheels | 40-44 | 3.0 bar |
| Anath 356/456, Yarrow and Flex Wheels | 45-54 | 3.0 bar |
| 4-Shore, Anath 423, SandStone Wheels | 45-54 | 2.5 bar |
| Anath 356/456, Yarrow and Flex Wheels | 55-64 | 2.5 bar |
| 4-Shore, Anath 423, SandStone Wheels | 55-64 | 2.0 bar |
| Yarrow and Flex models | 65-74 | 2.0 bar |
| Yarrow and Flex models | 75-84 | 1.5 bar |
MAX. TIRE PRESSURE OVERVIEW – HOOKED RIMS
| Model | Tire width (mm) | Maximum tire pressure (bar) on a hooked rim |
| Avalon 25/38/50 Wheels | 25-27 | 8.0 bar |
| Avalon 25/38/50 Wheels | 28-30 | 6.0 bar |
| Avalon 25/38/50 Wheels | 31-34 | 4.5 bar |
| Avalon SL3/SL5 Wheels | 28-30 | 6.5 bar |
| Avalon SL3/SL5 Wheels | 31-34 | 4.5 bar |
| Avalon SL3/SL5 Wheels | 35-40 | 3.2 bar |
In addition to this information, it is essential to consider the ratio between the internal width of the rim and the width of the tire. It is evident that a 60mm wide tire does not belong on a rim with an internal width of, for example, 22mm. Check the 9th Wave Cycling website to learn more about the tire width range for your wheels and the importance of wide rims for optimal tire support. The basic rule is: the narrower the tire, the higher the tire pressure. Conversely, the wider the tire, the lower the pressure.
Tire Pressure in Relation to Rider’s Weight
For your safety, do not exceed the weight limit and be aware that it is never advisable to fully load the bike. Keep in mind that the maximum rider weight for most 9th Wave Road and Gravel Wheels is 120 kg (rider’s weight + bike + luggage combined). For a higher rider weight, consider a wheelset with a wider rim, allowing for a tire with more volume that rides stable with lower tire pressure.
Context from Our Practical Experience
In recent years, the trend for MTB, gravel, and road bikes has been to use wider tires, making it essential to understand that tire pressure should be lower. This is clear for many cyclists when using the latest generation wheels with wide, often hookless rims. However, we also see riders mounting wider tires on older rims, originally designed for 25-28mm tires at most. Keep in mind that the larger volume of wider tires requires lower tire pressure for optimal performance. The tire manufacturer also indicates the maximum tire pressure on the tire. Ignoring these guidelines can result in an exploding tire, greatly increasing the risk of damage to both tire and rim.
For MTB wheels with a 30 or 33mm internal width, a 2.4 tire will often be ridden with a tire pressure of 1.1 to 1.4 bar (or even below 1.0, especially for lighter riders). In these cases, using tire inserts might be recommended to prevent pinch flats or rim damage.
For Road bike wheels with traditional hooked rims and 25mm tires, riders typically use a pressure of 6.5 to 7.5 bar. In contrast, the latest generation of wider wheels uses standard tire sizes starting at 28mm with a maximum of 5 bar. A wider road tire can withstand even lower pressure, which is sometimes seen as a limitation but is an incorrect assumption. A wider tire with lower pressure offers lower rolling resistance and more comfort and control, resulting in greater speed and safety.
Gravel wheels fall in-between these two categories. Tire and rim widths in the gravel segment can vary greatly. Ideal tire pressure is highly individual and depends on the terrain, rim, and tire width. Pressures range from 2.8 to 2.0 bar for 40-50mm tires. Lower tire pressure often results in better performance on a gravel bike.
Feel free to contact us for questions about rims, tire, and optimal tire pressure.
