The one question that is heard most at any cyclocross race is some variation on . . . “What’s your pressure?”

The answer is going to depend on a variety of factors including whether you are riding tubeless or tubular; the terrain, and the rider. In the end we are looking to find the right pressure which will give us traction, while avoiding flatting, or riding on your rims.

My preferred tire pressure (for tubeless tires) is between 30 and 34 psi. My wife, who also rides tubeless, tends to run lower, between 25 to 30 psi.

Of course figuring out your pressure will take some trial and error. Start with a reasonable level, then after riding the course at race speed, adjust accordingly.

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