Maintenance tip: Don't trust your fingers

Many people check if a tire is inflated by squeezing it with their hand, but feel can be deceiving. A tire can feel firm but actually be well below its optimal pressure.

The essential item at home

Every cyclist should own a floor pump with a pressure gauge . It's the cheapest and most useful investment you can make; it allows you to inflate tires precisely and effortlessly, something impossible with emergency hand pumps.

⚠️ Not all bikes are the same

Remember that the pressures vary drastically depending on the discipline:

• Road bikes: They need much more pressure to roll fast and avoid punctures.
• Mountain bikes (MTB): They use much lower tire pressures to gain traction and grip on dirt.

The golden rule: Check your tire pressure with a gauge before every ride . Air escapes gradually, and riding with the correct pressure not only makes you faster, but also prevents you from damaging your inner tube when hitting a bump or rock.

The advice:

Always use the pressure gauge on your floor pump before setting off. It's the most reliable way to ensure you're at the levels recommended by the manufacturer (usually marked on the sidewall of the tire).

Why check it every time you leave?

• You avoid punctures: If the pressure is low, it is easier to suffer a "pinch" (pinching the inner tube with the rim).
• You save energy: You'll ride much more smoothly and with less effort.
• You take care of the cover: You prevent the sides from cracking prematurely.

One minute on the clock that saves you half an hour fixing a flat tire on the road!