What PSI do your tires need? I can\’t speak from personal experience; so I have to rehash things I\’ve read.

First, here are my own stats on this \”pressing\” issue. For the road bike, I run 100 psi in both tires; for the hybrid, I use 80. I don\’t remember what psi I used for the tricycle; but I think it was about 50-60.

They say that slightly lower psi gives better traction when the roads are wet; because the tires have a bit more \”give\” and provide more contact area with the road surface. I myself never tested that.

To inflate the tires, I use a floor pump. I like having the built-in pressure gauge, because trying to check tire pressure using a pencil-style gauge often lets out too much air! That wreaks havoc on the PSI. Fortunately the floor pump that I have can be used on either Shraeder or Presta valves; and I don\’t have to bother with  any kind of adapter.

In case of a flat, I use an under-saddle pack to carry a spare tube; CO2 cartridges; and a nozzle for the cartridges. I haven\’t had flat in ages, thanks in no small part to tire liners; and I also use tough tires. It doesn\’t hurt to be prepared, though. The catch about tire liners is that I\’ve become too complacent; and don\’t pay enough attention to what I\’m riding over!