Please explain maximum tire load for a bicycle?

November 27th, 2009

I just bought a folding bike with 20" tires. When I unpacked it I noticed the tires were listed as having a 143 lb (65 kg) maximum load. What does this mean? Does it mean that the two tires together will support 286 lbs, or that at 180lbs the tires will not support my weight?

That is the load rating for that one tire. The tires together will support 286 lbs max bike weight + you.
It means each tire has a max load of 143lbs. If you have your weight perfect distributed over both wheels you could theoretically cary a max load of 286lbs including rider AND bike weight….

You’ll be fine riding it at 180lbs.