since I was 10 years old, I would always put more air in the rear tire, than the front tire. Even today, I put 50 pounds in the rear and 45 pounds in the front.

That is normal because you put more weight on the rear tire. Those pressures may be OK for fat moutain bike tires, but are much too low for a hybrid or road bike. If you are riding a mountain bike on the road it woud be easier pedaling if you had a bit higher pressures.

i used to fill both tires with air until they felt full by pressing on the tire with my thumb. Then I got a pump with a guage and found that a mere 30lbs is what I'd be filling it to. Now I make a point of filling it to the max pressure printed on the sidewall. On my mountain bike too, I hate pinch flats!

I never fill my tires to the max, i find the ride to be a bit harsh.

btw, my bike is a mountain bike 26 x 2.1

It's all in your head...

I do that on my MTB. I like the front pressure to be a little lower. It helps pevent wash out in high speed turns by giving you a little more traction up front.

I put 110 front and back.

I've seen recent articles regarding filling tires somewhat below the maximum for comfort reasons. Greater pressure decreases rolling resistance but does make the ride more harsh. Increased rolling resistance, on the other hand adds somewhat to the exercise value of riding.

Clearly there are limits at both ends of this spectrum. At the high end there is a loud explosion and at the low end limit, really sloppy handling or the grinding of the rims on the pavement.

Air pressure is all in my head? I thought there was a vacuum there! Anyway; I routinely fill my road tires up to about 30 pounds LESS then the max rating on the sidewall; I put 95psi in the rear and 85 in the front, but I weigh 162. But before I hear a stampede of high psi bikers read this from Road Biker Review:

DEAR UNCLE AL: Perhaps you can settle an argument at our bike club. I like riding 20-mm-wide tires inflated to 120-130 pounds. I feel faster because of what I think is lower rolling resistance. Others argue for a 23C width at 100-110 psi, saying these tires are more efficient because they absorb pavement irregularities better. I weigh 175 pounds and ride at an average of 18+ mph on a variety of road surfaces. So who's right about width and pressure? -- Greg C.
UNCLE AL FIRES BACK: Soften up, Greg!
Most everyone I know runs too much pressure. Welcome to the club. Over many years of testing and talking to guys who live on their bikes, I'm convinced there is little reason to run more than 95-100 psi -- and there are compelling reasons to run 85-90 psi.
High pressure, say 100-120 psi, guarantees short tire life, poor cornering and lots of punctures. A rock-solid tire cuts/punctures more easily than it would at a lower pressure. Also, a softer tire can "smear" -- conform better to objects encountered on the road. Why make the ride even rougher on America's ever-crumbling road surfaces?
Admittedly, I weigh 210 pounds and ride on really poor road surfaces. These things influence my opinions. I run 85-90 psi front and 90-95 psi rear on 700x23C clincher tires. I do not have flats! Plus, bumps are less of an issue, and my bike corners as if on rails on high-speed descents. I get 1,000-1,500 miles out of a rear tire. When I ran much higher pressure many years ago, I got no more than 500 miles.
So, my advice is never to run smaller than 23C. Use good tubes, air them up before every ride and spend extra for premium tires -- they'll pay you back in extra mileage and better handling.
One more thing: Don't buy a race-specific tire to train on. If it's advertised to last only 500 miles, they aren't lying. Shaving grams off of training tires is silly and wasteful, and you won't get the low-weight advantage when event time comes if you ride the light stuff all the time. Make gram shaving your secret weapon, if only in your mind, when it counts.
Do as I recommend and I promise fewer flats, happier miles and no noticeable increase in rolling resistance (the great myth). Plus, you'll waste fewer resources, both financial and natural.

FEEDBACK FROM ARNIE L.: As a roadie of 20+ years, but a new reader of RoadBikeRider, I was intrigued (and skeptical) of your advice to lower tire pressure. I have been riding at 125 psi or more, concerned about rolling resistance (although the extra 10 pounds around my waist probably matters a whole lot more to my performance).
Well, I thought I'd try it. I lowered my pressure to 105 psi. What a great difference! I haven't really noticed any change in performance, but what a difference in the ride! One of my usual rides over badly cracked roads (usual Pennsylvania stuff) was sooo much more comfortable. It seemed like the road had been repaved. Thanks for the advice.

FEEDBACK FROM MICHAEL A.: Recently, a friend told me about your promotion of lower tire pressure. GREAT!
In the early 1960s, I rode the kermesses around Antwerp for a team sponsored by "Cycles OK." We always rode tubulars at about 90 psi with great results -- fewer flats and better handling, especially in the rain (a frequent occurrence in Flanders).
I've tried to promote lower pressure as a coach with the New York Cycle Club, with little success. My fellow club members see my gray hair and my inability to keep up with the hormonally besot, and reject my advice. It's great that you're putting out this sound advice.

FEEDBACK FROM SAL A.: I've been riding for years with high pressures in my 23C tires (120-130 psi rear, 100-110 psi front). I figured since I weigh around 215 pounds I need this.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out how much better my bike rides after lowering the pressures as Uncle Al recommends.
I rode over some freshly "chipped" roads on my latest ride. This is where the road is covered with hot tar and then pea stone is spread on top. It makes for pretty anxious riding, especially down hills. I was really happy with the improvement in handling.
Also, on smooth asphalt the tires now “sing” lightly. They never did that before! I like the sound and it seems to confirm that I'm riding with the right tire pressure.
I love when I learn something new about bicycling, especially when it's simple and effective. My helmet's off to Uncle Al.

125psi up front, 130 psi in back, but 160psi in the tubulars

^Wow, my Michelin Comp 16 rated for 28-58psi, but it sticks like glue to everything.

oh man, that just struck me so funny!

Anyway... froze, I have to respectfully disagree with Uncle Al. I run 110-120 psi and have never flatted. I'm not sure of the total miles (some reason I never have paid attention to it for the life of a tire), but I know it's *well* over 500 miles. I suppose it's all about where and how you ride that will determine your experience, and most importantly, what works for you.

actually, my bike is in my garage