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All bike tires slowly leak air every day. Even if you’re an occasional rider, and you only take your bike down from the bike rack once a week, the tire pressure will still decrease. Before you ride, you should always check your tires’ PSI and, if needed, inflate them with a floor bike pump or a handheld pump.
On the sidewalls of your tires, you’ll see the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range for PSI (pounds per square inch). Different bike tires have different ranges, and narrow tires need more pressure than wide tires. The recommended PSI for different tires are:
Experienced cyclists can often estimate whether their tires need to be pumped by pinching the tire between their thumb and forefinger. The more accurate way of knowing when your tire should be pumped is by measuring its pressure with a pressure gauge; if the air pressure is measured below the recommended PSI, it’s time to pump.
First pump your bike tire to the middle of the range for the recommended PSI. You also need to take your body weight into account. Tires that bear a heavier rider need more PSI. Weather conditions and terrain also affect how a bike rides, so you’ll need to experiment with different PSIs to feel what’s most comfortable to you.
A Schrader valve is the type of valve you’ll find on car tires, older bike tires and mountain bikes. It consists of a metal pin in the center of a threaded valve, and a rubber cap that’s screwed onto the valve. Most bike pumps like those we reviewed have a dual head to accommodate both Schrader and Presta valves or a single head with an adapter.
A Presta valve is found on road bikes and some mountain bikes. It’s a slender valve with a nut at the top that is loosened and tightened before and after inflation. Almost all new bike pumps have a head with openings for both Schrader and Presta valves, or they have an adapter for switching from Schrader to Presta, like one of our top picks, the Topeak – Road Morph G.
If you’re out riding and your tires need air, you could give them a quick inflate with a CO2 injector, like the one we reviewed. But if you don’t have a CO2 injector in your bag, and you forgot your mini pump, then you can pull into a gas station and inflate your tires there.
If you don’t have a pressure gauge, ask the station attendant for one. Inflate your tires to optimal pressure in short bursts; a gas-station air pump has very high pressure, and you run the risk of popping your tire.
A gas-station air pump will only fit a Schrader valve. But if your tires have Presta valves and you don’t have a Presta valve adapter, there’s still a way to inflate them.
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Gene Gerrard, Writer
Gene has written about a wide variety of topics for too many years to count.
He's been a professional chef, cooking-appliance demonstrator, playwright, director, editor of accountancy and bank-rating books, Houdini expert and dog lover (still is). When he's not writing for Your Best Digs, he's performing as a magician at the Magic Castle in Hollywood.
by Mike Anderson
themikeanderson
6th July 2015While the majority of you will almost certainly know how to inflate the tyres on your bike, it’s another of those simple tasks, like changing an inner tube or using clipless pedals, that can seem pretty confusing to a beginner.
There are plenty of different types of pumps, inflators, valves, tubes and tyres – and all that can be a real nightmare if you’re coming to it for the first time.
So here’s a handy guide to all things tyre inflation that’ll help to clear up any ambiguity surrounding the subject and have you fully inflated and ready to ride in no time…
The best place to start is what type of valves your inner tube (or tyres, if you’re running tubulars) have. There are two basic types of valves that you’ll find on bikes: Presta and Schrader. For the most part, inner tubes and tubulars on road bikes will use Presta valves, and mountain bikes will use Schrader valves.
The visual differences between the two are obvious, with the Presta (pictured above) being slimmer, lighter and having a lock nut to close that you can see on the top. Schrader valves are wider, more robust and have a spring mechanism on the inside to keep the valve closed, rather than a screwable top section.
Because the widths (or diameters if you prefer, seeing as they’re both cylindrical) are different, they’re not easily interchangeable in wheels that are designed to accept one type.
Schrader valves are too thick to fit through the tube hole in a road rim, and Presta valves will need adapters or shims (or an awful lot of electrical tape) to fit on an MTB rim. Plus, in really narrow road tyres, there might not even be space for the large Schrader valve to fit between the beads.
As they have no spring in the valve, Presta valves are easier to pump up than Schrader, especially so with small capacity hand pumps, and it also means small pumps don’t need an in-built device to depress the spring in a Schrader valve.
One of the smart parts of Presta valve design is that even when the top section is open, it won’t leak air unless it’s pressed down. That means even if you forget to rescrew after you’ve pumped the tyre up, you shouldn’t find yourself with a flat again 500 metres down the road.
Because the two valve types are different, they require two different types of head on a pump – or, as is often the case, an interchangeable head.
In other words, you can’t use a Schrader-headed pump to inflate a Presta valve tube without an adapter, and the opposite operation won’t work at all.
Fortunately, most modern floor pumps have a very simple answer for this: a pump head with dual attachments. And that’s even better if you ride both road and mountain bikes, because it means you only need the one pump for both jobs.
The Birzman pump (left) is set up for Presta valves in the picture, but to inflate a Schrader valve you have to unscrew and remove the gold section. But on the PRO pump (right) it’s much easier as there’s a dual head with an ‘s’ at on one side and ‘p’ on the otherSome are very obvious (like the PRO pump on the right of the picture) as there are literally two different attachments on the end of the hose but others (like the Birzman pump pictured left) require you to unscrew the end to reveal the Schrader adapter, or in some cases even flip the valve end over.
It’s still a simple operation but one that can seem completely confusing if you’re just standing there with the valve hose in your hands trying to figure it out.
When it comes to actually pumping up your tyres, there are a few different types of pump/ways to do it. The first and most common of these is the track pump. Track pumps are one of those essentials that every cyclist should own.
They’re usually around two feet high, have a fairly large capacity and are capable of inflating tyres to high pressures – usually much higher than required. For example, my track pump can inflate to 160psi which is far higher than I’d ever want my tyres.
Track pumps are quite large and generally kept in the garage (or wherever you keep your bike in the house) to pump up tyres before you ride.
The main bonus is that because of their high capacity, they make inflating tyres to high pressure comparatively easy – you can inflate a tyre all the way up to 100psi in 10-15 strokes easily (depending on pump capacity).
Track pumps are quite large, comparatively, but they’re the best and easiest option to pump your tyres up before a rideThen there’s the mini pump.
Mini pumps are ideal to stick in your jersey pocket in case of a mid-ride puncture. Most are capable of inflating tyres to a reasonably high pressure (though not as high as a track pump), but it’s a longer and occasionally more frustrating experience.
However, no matter how frustrating it’s vastly preferable to being stuck 40 miles from home with a flat and no way of pumping it up.
Mini pumps come in various varieties – some more ‘mini’ than others – and most will have a tube that extends and packs back into the end of the pump in order to add a bit of flexibility without which it would be very easy to snap off the end of a Presta valve. You may laugh, but it can happen.
Mini pumps are ideal for mid-ride puctures. Most have a rubber tube that you can pull out of the pump to add some flexibility and make it easier to inflate tyres on the goThe third common option isn’t strictly a pump, it’s a mini inflator. These use a small valve ending and inflate using disposable CO2 canisters.
The bonus of these is that they inflate incredibly quickly and, depending on the capacity of the canister, can pump a tyre all the way up to around 200psi – not that you’d need to go that high.
The down side is that each canister is single use only, so it’s only as good for as many as you’re prepared to take with you. The SKS Airboy CO2 combines a mini pump and CO2 inflator in one handy unit, which solves that problem.
Mini inflators are a great option for mid-ride punctures. They’re made of two parts – the gas cylinder (on the left) and the head unit (right). But each cylinder is single use only, so you’ll need to carry multiple if you want to be able to inflate more than one tube or tyreThere is one final option, and that’s an air compressor. However, they’re pretty expensive and almost exclusively used by pro team mechanics.
They do make the process an awful lot simpler, and they can also make it easier to hit a desired psi if you have a strong preference. It also saves the pro mechanics from having to pump up 18 individual tyres on the bikes and all the spares every morning at a big race like the Tour de France.
The first step is unscrewing the Presta valve head. It unscrews anti-clockwise and you’ll be able to see it moving upwards along the small central spindle. Make sure it’s open all the way.
Next, attach the pump end to the valve head. As I mentioned earlier, make sure you’re using the Presta attachment on the pump, not the Schrader as otherwise you’ll get precisely nowhere.
Also, you need to ensure the pump head is securely fastened onto the valve otherwise the air won’t go into the tube properly. It needs to be a sealed system to be most effective. How you create that seal depends on the pump. A lot will have a lever you flick up to secure the pump head, some will have a chuck to screw on.
Keep an eye on your track pump’s pressure gauge while you inflate your tyres. If you go over the recommended maximum pressure the results can be drastic, explosive and expensiveAfter that simply pump up the tyre, keeping an eye on the pump’s pressure gauge, and make sure you don’t over-inflate the tyre (most tyres will have written on the side the suggested pressure range).
While you might fancy going a little under the bottom number to cushion the ride or add a little more grip, going over the top one could cause the tyre to explode off the rim, potentially writing off the tyre, tube and rim.
Generally you can find a happy medium between the two through experimentation, and depending on your weight, where you ride, and how much cushioning you want the tyre to provide.
And that’s that. Now you’re ready to roll. Simple, right?
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Hello everyone! In this article, we will tell you how to pump up a wheel on a bicycle.
We'll give beginners tips on getting the right tire pressure, talk about different pumps, and cover all the challenges you might run into. Go!
To begin with, let's deal with tire pressure, since a lot depends on it, for example:
Bicycle manufacturers usually list the optimum bead pressure range, which can vary greatly depending on wheel width. For example, for fat bikes, the optimal pressure is from 0.5 to 2 atmospheres, for mountain bikes from 2 to 4 atmospheres. Well, for road models, suitable pressure ranges from 5 to 8 atmospheres.
Based on this, it can be concluded that the minimum pressure is used where it is necessary to ensure good grip on uneven surfaces. Well, the maximum pressure increases the roll on a flat surface. Therefore, we recommend that you inflate the wheels according to how you plan to ride.
If you don't have a particular preference, inflate at a medium setting for good rolling and traction.
The weight of the cyclist should also be taken into account - if you weigh little, then it is better to choose a pressure closer to the minimum, and vice versa.
There are three standards of nipples used on modern bicycles. This is:
Schroeder is the best known type of nipple, which is also used in cars. Therefore, you will meet him on most bikes.
Presta is a thin nipple often referred to as a French nipple. These nipples are most commonly found on high-end bikes. As for the Dunlop standard nipples, they are very rare.
Some may think that each nipple requires a special pump. But this is not so - it is enough to purchase a regular car pump and an adapter for your type of nipple.
If you don't have a car pump, you can purchase a bicycle pump.
Most of the models on sale are universal, and support all nipple standards at once. Bicycle pumps are:
Compact pumps pump the wheels for a long time, but they take up little space. They can be mounted directly on the frame, and always carry with you, which is very convenient.
Floor pumps are more comfortable to use as they blow in more air with one push. In addition, they are equipped with a pressure gauge that allows you to control tire pressure. These pumps are an indispensable tool for road bike owners.
That's all for today. Thank you for your attention, if this article was useful to you, please like us or share it with your friends. See you again.
Who would have thought that inflating road bike tires would be such a nerve-wracking affair?
I swear it wasn't that hard when I was a kid.
You see, after a long break from cycling, I decided to take my bike to work last week.
I noticed my tires were low and opened up my new pump for the first time.
Unfortunately, I was not able to remove the inner screw with my fingers, and with pliers it seemed that I would break it out. I know that many cyclists can understand.
The good news is that my son was there to lend a helping hand before it came to surgery.
And here are the steps we took to pump up my road bike;
1) Selecting the right bicycle pump
Read more!
Here are some of the basic items you need to know about bike pumping.
Valves are ports or connections between the inner tube of the bicycle and the pump. They provide air inlet and outlet.
There are several different types of valves, but the main ones are:
Presta valves are narrower than Schrader valves with a narrow rim bore.
They are also generally longer, making it easier to install the pump.
However, their extra length and lightweight design make them a bit brittle and easier to break.
They are less reliable than Schrader valves and in my years of cycling I have broken a couple of Preston valves more than Schrader valves.
In addition, they are not compatible with car tire pumps or air pumps at gas stations. For pumping you need an adapter.
But they make up for their short life and incompatibility with gas station pumps by their ease of use.
I prefer the Presta valve to the Schrader valve because it allows for quick and easy opening of the valve.
They do not have a spring in the valve so they are also easier to lower with more positive action. This is especially useful with small capacity hand pumps, as they do not require a built-in spring compressor in the pump.
Schrader valves are wider and stronger than Presta valves.
They are less likely to break than Presta valves and will last a long time.
They are not as easy to fill as Presta valves. Sure, you can open the valve on the Schrader to let the air out using the tip of a key or your fingernail, but that's just inconvenient.
The smartest part of the Schrader valve is that it has a spring mechanism that keeps the valve closed and air inside.
This is different from the screw valve on the Presta valve, which means that there is no need to re-screw the valve after inflation because it will not let air out unless it is pressed down.
What else? Another great benefit of the Schrader valve is compatibility with automotive pumps.
Schrader valves do not require special bicycle pumps. This is useful, especially for beginners who do not yet have a complete set of equipment.
Both the Schrader valve and the Presta valve have their strengths and weaknesses.
They are also designed to be used on different bike tires, so it's not a question of which is better than the other.
The main thing to remember is that the valves have different widths, so it is not easy to replace one with another.
One wheel can only accept one type of valve.
For example, Schrader valves are thick and difficult to fit into the tube hole on a road bike rim. Conversely, the Presta valve is too thin to fit the tube hole on a mountain bike.
The Presta valve usually requires an adapter to mount to the MTB rim. But there may not be enough room for a larger Schrader valve to fit on very narrow tires.
The difference in valve types means that the pump heads will also be different.
Simply put, you cannot use Schrader pump heads to fill a Presta valve and vice versa.
You can still use a different pump head for a different valve if you have an adapter.
Another workaround is to purchase double mount pump heads.
Two nozzle pump heads have a Presta bike tire pump and a Schrader head in one unit.
I'm a big fan of dual mount pump heads considering I have both a road bike and a mountain bike.
This saves me the trouble of having two pump heads or buying an extra adapter.
Finally, we have pump types. They will complete our discussion of the basics of inflating bicycle tires.
As the name suggests, bicycle pumps are tools for pumping air into bicycle tires.
We have different options, but the most popular bicycle pumps:
1) caterpillar pump
2) mini pump
3) Air compressor
4) mini inflator 903
This is the basic pump that every cyclist should own.
However, floor pumps are bulky, reaching 2 feet in height. The good news is that they have a high inflation capacity, making the task of inflating easier and effortless.
Caterpillar Pump Bike Tires take the hassle out of using smaller pumps.
And as if that weren't enough, the floor pumps come with great features to make pumping easier.
For example, mine can support both types of valves. Accessible pump heads can also lock onto the valve so there is no need to worry about air escaping.
In addition, the best bicycle tire pump has an accurate pressure gauge, so it's easy to read the tire pressure.
The only downside to track pumps is that they are bulky and not portable. They are usually stored in the garage and are ideal for those who stay at home.
Mini pumps are a smaller version of track pumps.
These are portable pumps, ideal for those who need to take the pumps with them on their bike rides.
Mini pumps, also known as compact pumps, are small enough to fit in your pocket and come in handy in the event of a flat tire while on the road.
These compact pumps ensure you get home with a puncture rather than being stuck miles away with a puncture and no way to inflate your tires.
Mini pumps can inflate bicycle tires at high enough pressures, but they are as good as track pumps.
It takes some elbow grease to use the mini pump, but in my opinion I'd rather inflate a tire more than be stuck with a flat tire miles from home.
Our third type of pump is not strictly a bicycle pump.
Mini pump, also known as CO2 pump, uses a CO2 canister to inflate bicycle tires.
C02 cartridges are typically filled with compressed carbon dioxide for quick, easy and efficient filling.
The main advantage of mini inflatables is that they are ultra-light, so they won't weigh you down on long road bike rides.
Secondly, they are effective at filling bicycle tires and require only a fraction of the effort and time compared to a mini pump or a floor pump.
The biggest disadvantage of mini inflators is that they are disposable and disposable.
So it only allows you to refill your tires depending on the number of CO2 cartridges you have prepared.
Our final option, the compressor, is rare among casual road cyclists.
Air compressors are expensive and often used exclusively by professional cyclists or team mechanics.
The biggest advantage of compressors is that they make the inflation process quite easy, especially if you plan to inflate to the desired pressure.
This air pump saves time and makes it easier to inflate multiple bike tires.
Now that we've covered the basics of inflating a bike, let's look at the exact step-by-step details of inflating road bike tires.
The first step is to determine the type of valve that is used on your bike's rim.
The two main types are Presta and Schrader valves.
Once you have identified your bicycle pump, the next step is to select a pump that is compatible with your bicycle valve.
If your pump is not compatible with a particular valve, consider purchasing an adapter.
After confirming the compatibility of the bicycle pump, the next step is to determine the ideal bicycle pressure.
Proper bicycle tire pressure is critical to avoid bumpy/stiff riding or hard cycling.
I would recommend choosing a bicycle pump that shows accurate tire pressure. This avoids over- or under-inflating your bike.
It is usually easy to determine the correct pressure because most tires have the correct pressure marked on the sidewall. If not, check the exact pressure in the user manual.
But generally road bikes require higher pressure than mountain bikes. Road bikes need to be stiff enough and minimize ground contact to reduce rolling resistance.
On the other hand, mountain bikes need more ground contact for better traction and overcoming obstacles.
Generally, the recommended pressure range for road bikes is 80-130 psi and mountain bikes require 25-35 psi.
The dust cap is a convenient addition to the valve port that prevents dirt and debris from entering the valve.
Presta Valve and Schrader have the same plastic cap design.
You just need to unscrew the lock nut and remove the cap.
Be sure to keep your hat in a safe place so you don't lose it. I usually prefer to keep mine in my back pocket.
After you remove the cap, the next step is to tighten the pump head over the open head.
This is more than just putting it on top, but you will need to turn it clockwise until it fits snugly. A good way to know if it's blocked is to feel the resistance.
However, be careful not to overtighten as you may break the valve.
It is also necessary to re-confirm the correct nozzle (Presta or Schrader valve) by pressing the valve.
Once the pump head is firmly and securely screwed to the bicycle tire valve, it's time to start pumping.
But not now.
Most bicycle tire pumps have a lever that initiates the inflation or inflation process.
The mechanism and instructions will depend on the type of pump.
But usually most track pumps require you to turn the handle 90 degrees and then push the lever on the top of the pump.
Then you can start to inflate the tire.
But, as I said, specific instructions will depend on the pump model.
This step is the actual inflation.
Normally the inflation action is to move the lever up and down until the tire is full.
You just need to put the pump between your legs, grab the lever with both hands and start pumping the track pumps.
Conversely, for a hand pump, small pumps or air compressors, hold the nozzle with one hand, pointing it at the nozzle, and pump with the other hand.
If your bicycle tire pump has a pressure gauge, it's easy to determine the correct pressure for your tire.
If not, you can test inflation using your thumbs.
As soon as you inflate and feel that your thumbs can no longer press, the tire is sufficiently inflated.
However, this is usually not the best method because it can sometimes be misleading. In addition, it will also depend on your physical fitness.
Another thing is that different tires have different pressures. What works for a road bike may not work for a mountain bike.
After pumping is complete, remove the pump from the valve.
Removal is the opposite of pump installation. For example, if you have a pull-up lever, you just need to press it. Plunger pumps may require a few pushes to remove the pump.
Remove the valve stem from there.
You may also hear a hiss when the tire is removed. It's excess air, usually in the pump, so it's normal. This will not affect the overall PSI of your tire.
It is easy to check the exact level of tire pressure if you use a digital pressure gauge.
Checking the correct tire pressure and correctly inflating the tires is especially useful for cyclists who are looking for comfort and excellent driving performance.
However, it is important to note that different bicycle tire pumps have different scales, so you need to be especially careful.
Another precaution to consider is that dirt and debris on the valve and pressure may affect the accuracy of the dial.
Now, if your bicycle tire is overinflated, you can relieve the air pressure a little by opening the valve.
If you have a schrader valve, you just need to press it with a wrench or fingernail to release the air. In the case of a Presta valve, simply open the plastic caps and press the nut.
Once you've made sure your tire is inflated to the correct pressure, the next step is to close the valve to prevent air leakage.
If you have a Presta valve, start by screwing in the lock nut until it is tight, then put the cap back on.
With the Schrader valve, you just need to put on the dust cap. It doesn't matter if you leave it open because Schrader pumps don't lose air until the valve spring is pressed.
But it's always good to have a cap to prevent accidental pressure or getting dirt and other debris on the valve.
Inflating a Presta valve is no different from a Schrader valve.
However, you will need a Presta valved pump.
The key to inflating a Presta valve is the pump head insert.
You start by removing the valve cover and unscrewing the lock nut. The next step is to position and insert the pump head.
The hand pump is one of the traditional and popular ways to inflate road bike tires.
It offers a simple and fairly easy way to inflate a tire.
Here is a step by step guide to using the hand pump:
1) The first step is to find a flat and level surface. The tires should be straight and vertical away from you.
2) Attach the pump head to the valve. Make sure the nozzle is securely attached.
3) Place your hands on the pump handles and start pumping.
Tubeless tires differ from conventional tires in that they do not have inner tubes.
They also don't use traditional bicycle pumps, but instead use air pressure. The inner tube is filled with sealant to prevent punctures while riding.
Here is a step-by-step guide to inflating a tubeless bicycle tire:
1) Purchase an air compressor with an appropriately sized blower head. The inflator head should also have a valve core remover to easily remove the valve stem core.
2) Position the inflator head over the valve of the inner tube. Make sure it is properly aligned for easy screwing in and out of the stem core.
3) Apply pressure to draw enough air.
4) If you feel that the tire has become hard and you can squeeze it more, remove the valve stem core and then remove the pump while holding the compressor firmly with your other hand.
If you don't have a valve stem remover, a coin or small key can be an ideal replacement.
Proper tire inflation is essential to keep tires from feeling hard or bouncy.
Ideal tire pressure should be between hard rock and spring pressure for optimal performance and comfort.
There are several ways to determine the ideal pressure or how much air you need for your tires.
You can check the manufacturer's manual. Alternatively, check the pressure with the pump gauge.
The last option is crude and involves reading tire pressure with your thumbs.
I am not a big fan of the latter method and I would advise you to find a positive pressure pump with a pressure gauge for accurate pressure readings.
If your tire is under-inflated, you can add enough air until it reaches the correct pressure.
This will depend on the frequency of use.
However, for most casual riders, you can inflate tires every two weeks.
Proper tire pressure will save you from pinching from time to time.
Proper bike pressure is even more important for racing bikes because it can affect comfort and speed.
The last thing to consider when choosing tire pressure is temperature and environmental conditions. Tire pressure will increase or decrease depending on available temperatures.
Therefore, always check the pressure after driving for a couple of hours.
This is everything you need to know about inflating a road bike tire.
Make sure all equipment is ready before starting the process. More importantly, make sure your equipment is compatible with your bike system.
Finally, keep your tires inflated correctly. Properly inflated tires are comfortable to ride and optimized for performance.
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I am an assistant editor from South East Asia who has traveled all over the world. I mainly cover LATAM timezones by managing the content here. On weekends, you'll see me watching Grey's Anatomy and lots of Netflix sentimental dramas, or munching on the dishes I'd pass out from MasterChef.
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