Bike type
City bike
The city bike is the everyday bike for town, commuting and shopping: an upright position, often a step-through frame, mudguards, a rack and lights. The right tyre pressure makes it roll more easily and helps prevent punctures.
Typical spec
- 28″ (700C) or 26″ wheels, tyres 37–50 mm
- Step-through or low-top-tube frame, rigid or short-travel fork
- Hub gears, chain guard, rack, lights
- Almost always inner tubes, often with puncture protection
Tyre pressure chart
Starting values in bar (front / rear), with inner tubes, bike weight 20 kg.
| Rider | 37 mm | 42 mm | 47 mm | 50 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 3.5 / 4.151 / 60 psi | 2.8 / 3.340 / 48 psi | 2.3 / 2.733 / 39 psi | 2.0 / 2.429 / 35 psi |
| 70 kg | 3.9 / 4.656 / 67 psi | 3.1 / 3.745 / 53 psi | 2.5 / 3.037 / 43 psi | 2.3 / 2.733 / 39 psi |
| 80 kg | 4.3 / 5.162 / 74 psi | 3.4 / 4.049 / 59 psi | 2.8 / 3.340 / 48 psi | 2.5 / 2.936 / 43 psi |
| 90 kg | 4.7 / 5.567 / 80 psi | 3.7 / 4.454 / 64 psi | 3.0 / 3.644 / 52 psi | 2.7 / 3.239 / 47 psi |
| 100 kg | 5.0 / 5.573 / 80 psi | 4.0 / 4.858 / 69 psi | 3.3 / 3.947 / 56 psi | 2.9 / 3.542 / 50 psi |
| 110 kg | 5.4 / 5.578 / 80 psi | 4.3 / 5.162 / 74 psi | 3.5 / 4.251 / 61 psi | 3.1 / 3.746 / 54 psi |
Setup tips
- Check tyre pressure every two to four weeks – inner tubes lose air over time.
- Too little pressure increases rolling resistance and the risk of pinch flats on kerbs.
- On cobbles, slightly less pressure gives more comfort.
- Always stay within the pressure range printed on the tyre sidewall.
Frequently asked questions
What tyre pressure for a city bike?
With 42 mm tyres and inner tubes and a 75 kg rider, typical starting values are about 3.2 bar (46 psi) front and 3.9 bar (57 psi) rear.
How often should I check tyre pressure?
Every two to four weeks. Even without a puncture, an inner tube slowly loses air – too little pressure costs effort and makes flats more likely.
Other bike types
Hardtail MTBA hardtail has a suspension fork but no rear shock.Full-suspension MTBA full-suspension bike has suspension at both ends.Hardtail e-MTBA hardtail e-MTB combines motor assistance with a suspension fork and a rigid rear end.Full-suspension e-MTBThe full-suspension e-MTB is the all-rounder for long tours and steep trails: motor, suspension fork and rear shock.Gravel bikeA gravel bike combines the geometry and drop bar of a road bike with wide tyres for gravel, farm tracks and long rides.Road bikeThe road bike is built for speed and efficiency: a light frame, narrow tyres and a drop bar.Touring bikeThe touring bike – also called a trekking bike – is built for long distances on tarmac and cycle paths with luggage.