So why has there been so much debate about tyre pressure? Well, basically, because it’s both rather important and one of the key factors in determining ride quality.

As Benjamin Blaurock from Continental explains: “Tyre pressure plays an important role in the entire system performance. It influences the grip, rolling resistance, comfort and the safety/performance in a big way.”

What that means is that checking your tyre pressure should be an important part of your pre-ride ritual, not a cursory squeeze of the tyres just before you set off.

Similarly, under-inflated tyres can be damaged. “If inflation pressure is continuously too low, premature tyre wear is the result,” explains Schwalbe’s Dave Taylor. “Cracking of the sidewall is the typical consequence. Abrasion is also unnecessarily high. But, on the other hand, an under-inflated tyre absorbs shocks better.

“The ‘right’ inflation pressure depends mainly on the load exerted on the tyre. This is mainly influenced by the [weight of the] rider. As opposed to a car tyre, the vehicle weight is only a very minor part of the total weight. The narrower the tyre and the higher the overall load, the higher necessary inflation pressure.” With that in mind, a heavier rider will need comparatively more air in their tyres than a lighter rider, and finding the right level requires a little experimentation.