How To Pump A Bike Tire? – Some Useful Tips
Russell Franklin - September 21, 2022A fundamental skill of cycling is knowing how to inflate a bike tire, but for a beginner, the variety of valves, tires, and pressures can be a little intimidating. We’ve put together this helpful “How-to” guide for pumping up a bike tire to give you more knowledge and confidence about pumping up your bike tires and why it matters.
Why Do I Need To Pump My Bicycle Tires?
Solid wheels have a bone-jarring “ride-quality,” which is why pneumatic tires were developed.
You are suspended by the air inside the tire, which also enables it to adapt to the surface for better traction and grip.
It takes only a few minutes to pump up your tires, which can greatly increase how much fun you have while riding. Running the incorrect tire pressure will have a negative impact on how your bike rides and may increase your risk of punctures.
How Often Should I Pump Up My Tires?
All tires gradually lose pressure, though this process may be sped up depending on factors like how frequently they are used, the state of the tube and tire, and the temperature of the air around it. The recreational cyclist can check their tire pressure before each ride by giving the tire a firm press to make sure it is not soft or flat, as recommended by Continental.
How To Pump A Bike Tire?
1. Get The Bike Pump For Your Bike’s Tire Valve
The bike tire will either have a Presta valve or a Schrader valve, depending on your bike. We’ve included photos in the FAQ section at the end of this article if you’re not sure which is which.
Make sure your bike pump is compatible with the type of valve you’re using once you are aware of it. Schrader valves are compatible with the majority of bicycle pumps. If your bicycle tire has a Presta valve, you might need an additional adapter.
You can either use a hand pump or a floor pump. We describe how to pump a bike tire using both types of pumps in the sections below.
2. Determine The Tire Pressure Bike Needs
Never under or overinflate your bicycle tire. The minimum and maximum tire pressures, which are expressed in psi, can be found on the sidewall of your bicycle tire by looking at it.
As a general rule, road bike tires need more air pressure than mountain bikes or hybrid tires. The recommended pressure ranges are typically 80-130 psi for road bikes, 40-70 psi for cruiser bikes or hybrid tires, and 25-35 psi for mountain bikes.
3. Screw The Valve’s Cap Off
Presta valves and Schrader valves typically have plastic caps that need to be taken off. In your back pocket, for example, or another secure location, be sure to keep the cap. To prevent dirt or other debris from entering the valve opening, the cap is used.
In addition to removing the cap, if your valve is a Presta valve, you must also unscrew the lock nut. Before connecting the pump, open the Presta valve by turning it several times. This extra step won’t be required if your vehicle has a Schrader valve.
4. Put The Pump On The Valve.
Bike pumps come in a few different varieties. A floor pump is a great option to store in your garage and have at ready for whenever you need to refill your tires at home. Floor pumps have a larger capacity overall and can inflate bicycle tires to a maximum tire pressure of 160 psi.
Hand pumps are portable pumps that you can bring with you on a bike ride or in your car. A hand pump is an excellent investment if you regularly commute by bike, ride long distances, or ride alone.
Both floor pumps and hand pumps typically have two nozzle holes to accommodate Presta and Schrader valves. By choosing the appropriate nozzle and pushing the pump onto the valve, you can mount it.
5. Lift The Pump Lever Up
It’s almost time for pumping to start now that the pump is on the valve. Most bicycle pumps have a lever that must be turned 90 degrees. Check your specific pump for instructions because they may differ depending on the pump you use.
6. Inflate The Tire
It is now time to pump the tire since the pump is firmly fastened to the valve. This step should be fairly self-explanatory. Put your feet on the sides and start pumping with both hands to create a floor pump.
With a hand pump, place the nozzle on the valve with one hand while pumping with the other. The best way to determine tire pressure isn’t by “eyeing” the tire, so we advise getting a hand pump with a pressure gauge. However, not all hand pumps have pressure gauges.
7. Take The Pump Out Of The Valve.
Push the pump lever back down if you had to pull it up. After that, detach the nozzle from the valve. As you take out the pump, be aware that you might hear some air escaping. This is entirely normal and shouldn’t significantly affect tire pressure.
8. To Reach The Proper Psi If You Overinflated
In order to release enough air from a Schrader valve, you must apply pressure to the valve with your fingernail. When using a Presta valve, press on the valve until enough air has been let out while keeping the lock nut loose.
9. Close The Valve.
Simply replace the plastic dust cap on a Schrader valve. Prior to replacing the plastic dust cap on a Presta valve, make sure to tighten the lock nut.
The tire should feel firm if you have pumped it within the proper psi range. Go back out onto the roads and trails now!
Which Valves Type Are On My Bike?
Before inflating your tire, you must first determine the type of valve that is installed.
The valve is an important component that both maintains air pressure in the tire and allows for inflation or deflation.
Presta Valve
Presta valves are exclusive to bicycles.
They were first used on road bikes where a smaller valve hole—typically the weakest component of a rim—was necessary for narrow road wheels due to the Schrader’s wider valve (6mm vs. 8mm).
They can now be seen riding both road and mountain bikes. The valve is held shut by a nut rather than a spring, but the valve itself is sealed “automatically” when the pressure inside the tire pushes it shut.
In order to release air from a Schrader valve, you simply press the pin; however, with a Presta valve, you must first unscrew the tiny locknut. Because the threads are peened to prevent it, you shouldn’t be concerned about the nut coming off the end of the valve body.
Presta valves are supposedly better at handling high pressures, but this is doubtful given that Schrader valves can withstand hundreds of psi, which is far more pressure than you’ll ever need in your tire.
However, Schrader valves are undoubtedly a little more robust than Presta valves. A little more caution must be used because the threaded internal valve body is quite simple to knock, bend, or break. Valve cores can, however, be quickly replaced using common tools.
Schrader Valve
Lower-end bicycles and, in the past, mountain bikes are more likely to have Schrader valves. The same valves are utilized in automobile tires.
The valve assembly is made up of a hollow tube with a spring-loaded valve that closes on its own and is screwed into the outer body. A pin rises from the valve and is typically flush with the end of the outer tube. To release air, push this pin down.
If the valve is not completely air-tight, the dust cap on Schrader valves is a crucial component of the design that can help fully seal the valve. It essentially acts as a second seal or “backup” seal.
It’s important to protect the valve as well because how the sprung design makes it slightly more prone to contamination from grit or dirt.
Dunlop/woods Valve
The only other type of valve you might encounter is a Dunlop valve (also known as a Woods valve). This can be inflated using the same pump fitting as a Presta valve, despite having a base diameter similar to a Schrader valve.
In Europe and other parts of the world, these are very common on upright/town bikes, but it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll see one in the UK or the US.
What Should The Tire Pressure Be On My Bicycle?
On the side of your bicycle tire, you should find the minimum and maximum psi. To determine the proper psi, make sure you adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Generally, the recommended tire pressures are 80-130 psi for road bikes, 40-70 psi for cruiser bikes or hybrid tires, and 25-35 psi for mountain bikes.
Take your weight into account when determining your recommended tire pressure. Stay at the lower end of the recommended psi range if you’re a light rider. Choose the higher psi if you are heavier as well.
How Often Should I Check My Bike Tire Pressure?
Your frequency of bike riding will determine how frequently you should check your tire pressure. Regardless of how frequently you ride, you should make it a habit to check your tire pressure. Before every ride, some people check the tire pressure. Some people check their tire pressure every week.
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