Tire Pressure Guide for Utah Hard Enduro
Quick Reference Chart
| Terrain Type | Tubes (PSI) | Moose Bibs | Tubliss (PSI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Technical (AFC/SRS) | 8-10 front / 6-8 rear | Soft insert | 6-8 / 4-6 |
| Slickrock (Moab) | 10-12 / 8-10 | Medium insert | 8-10 / 6-8 |
| Sand/Desert (Warner) | 12-14 / 10-12 | Medium insert | 10-12 / 8-10 |
| Mixed Trail (Arapeen) | 10-12 / 8-10 | Medium insert | 8-10 / 6-8 |
| Extreme Enduro | 6-8 / 4-6* | Soft insert | 4-6 / 2-4 |
*Risk of pinch flats - rim locks essential
Tire System Comparison
Traditional Tubes
Pros:
- Cheapest option
- Easy field repair
- Predictable feel
Cons:
- Pinch flat risk
- Limited low pressure
- Pressure loss over time
Technical limits: 8 PSI front / 6 PSI rear minimum. Heavy-duty tubes. Rim locks required.
Moose Bibs/Mousse
Pros:
- Zero flat risk
- Consistent “pressure”
- Ultimate traction
Cons:
- Expensive ($150+)
- Harder to install
- Dead feel at speed
Hard enduro spec: Soft compound. Break-in required. Lube every 500 miles.
Tubliss System
Pros:
- Ultra-low pressure
- No pinch flats
- Tunable pressure
Cons:
- Setup complexity
- Sidewall cuts fatal
- Maintenance required
Setup critical: Inner bladder 100+ PSI. Plug kit mandatory. 2-4 PSI rear possible.
Terrain-Specific Pressure Guide
Rocky Technical Terrain
American Fork Canyon, San Rafael Swell
Why Low Pressure:
- Tire conforms to rocks
- Better grip on edges
- Less deflection
- Smoother ride
Setup Tips:
- Start at 10/8 PSI
- Drop 1 PSI at a time
- Watch for rim strikes
- Heavy-duty tubes minimum
Slickrock
Moab trails, sandstone surfaces
Why Higher Pressure:
- Prevents tire roll
- Better steering precision
- Protects sidewalls
- Reduces squirm
Setup Tips:
- 10-12 PSI minimum
- Soft compound tires
- Check pressure when hot
- +2 PSI for heavy riders
Sand & Desert
Warner Valley, St. George area
Pressure Strategy:
- Higher = less drag
- Better floatation
- Less heat buildup
- Improved speed
Setup Tips:
- 12-14 PSI typical
- Paddle tire = +2 PSI
- Morning = cooler = less PSI
- Afternoon = add 1 PSI
Field-Tested Data
Temperature Compensation
Morning setup at 50°F needs -1 PSI vs afternoon at 90°F. Check pressure after first hard climb.
Altitude Changes
Gain 3,000ft elevation = +1 PSI apparent. Set pressure at riding elevation when possible.
Rim Lock Strategy
Two rim locks for extreme low pressure. Position 180° apart. Torque to 12-15 ft-lbs max.
Emergency Field Fix
Carry: 21” tube fits 18-21” wheels. CO2 for quick inflation. Tire plugs for Tubliss.
Common Pressure Mistakes
Running street pressure (15+ PSI)
Destroys traction, increases arm pump, makes bike unpredictable
Same pressure front and rear
Front needs more pressure than rear for steering control
Not checking pressure regularly
Check before every ride. Tubes lose 1-2 PSI per week
Ignoring tire carcass differences
Stiff carcass tires need 1-2 PSI less than soft carcass