Originally Posted by
TejanoTrackie
Well, it all depends on the size/type of your tire and the recommended pressure range. For example, I have some 26 x 1.25 (32c) Paselas on a rigid MTB, which are rated 65 - 100 psi, and I run them at 80 psi which falls in the recommended range, so they are fine. Wider tires can be run at lower pressures than narrow tires without risk of pinch flats. I have some Conti Grand Prix 4000 700 x 23c tires that need a minimum of 100 psi to avoid pinch flats. As far as you bursting the tube, it just won't happen; you will blow the tire off the rim first. You can't judge the pressure by how the pump feels, so if you a worried that the gauge is inaccurate, just borrow another pump with a built-in gauge or buy a good digital pressure gauge.
I see.
My current tires are schwalbe Lugano 700 x 23c. Sidewall says to inflate to 100 psi. as soon as the gauge hits 80 psi, the pump just won't go any further unless I push it down HARD. I already blew out a tube a few months ago when I tried to go beyond that point so I haven't even tried again. The tires always feel solid but not rock hard (lol). I can just barely push the tread a few mm in with my thumb which I think (?) is just about right (someone correct me on this). Maybe the gauge is indeed inaccurate and it's reading 80 psi while the pressure is actually higher. It's my roommate's pump and i'm not sure how long he's had it. Doesn't look too old and I'm not even sure that age can affect its accuracy... Or can it?
I'm still probably going to get a new one in the near future.
Thanks for the info.