In a usual scenario, the locking nut should be easy to unscrew with several turns to the left. Presta valves are equipped with locking nuts at the top, which require unscrewing to open the valves before pumping air into the tires. This step only applies to a Presta valve because a Schrader valve comes ready to pump. If your tire valve has a dust cap on it, rotate it counterclockwise to unscrew it and take it off. It is not uncommon for valves to feature plastic cap coverings at the top. Your weight and riding style will determine the appropriate psi for you within the recommended range. You can check your tire’s sidewall to determine the manufacturer’s recommended PSI range – usually 80-130 psi for road bikes and 25-35 psi for MTBs. Similar to car tires, the air pressure for bike tires is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI. This is to prevent over-inflation that could adversely affect your ride’s quality and, in the worst scenario, blow the tire off the rim. When inflating your cycle’s tires, it is imperative to keep the air pressure within the recommended range. #2 Determine the Recommended Pressure for Your Bike’s Tires If you are unsure of your tire’s valve type, you can always seek expert opinion from a professional at a local bike shop. While most modern pump models come with dual heads to accommodate both the types of valves (a bigger nozzle for Schrader valves and a smaller hole for Presta valves), yet there are a few bike pumps that are specific to a particular type of valve and may require the use of an adapter for added compatibility. If the tire features a wider black valve that is flat at the end and that resembles a car tire valve, it is a Schrader valve.Ĭhoosing the right bike pump is important because not all pumps can fit both Presta and Schrader valves. If the valve is tall and narrow and equipped with a locking nut at the top, it is a Presta valve. You can determine the type of valve in use for your cycle’s tire by inspecting the tire for the valve’s physical attributes. Bicycle tire valves are of two types: Presta and Schrader. #1 Choose the Right Pump for Your Bicycle TiresĪ bike pump works by fitting the pump’s nozzle to the tire’s valve to press air into the tubes. With all that out of the way, let’s figure out how to use a bike pump correctly to pump your bike’s tires like a pro. However, they require considerable pumping because of their small air chamber size. Mini-Pumps: Slim-shaped mini pumps boast greater portability than frame pumps. They require lesser strokes for tire inflation and are usually fitted along the bike’s top tube to pump up tires. They are, however, not the best choice for homes because they are not meant for regular use and entail significant effort to achieve full tire inflation.įrame Pumps: These long and slender pumps can deliver high-pressure air, which is desirable for road bikes. Hand Pumps: Small-sized hand pumps are travel-friendly and ideal for emergency usage on the road. Stand Pumps: These pumps are designed for pumping bike tires that require low air pressure. They can reach higher pressures and do not require a lot of time or significant effort to inflate tires. Get yourself a bicycle pump today (unless you have done that already) and feel confident to tackle punctures on the go.īefore we walk you through the steps involved in inflating tires with a bike pump, here’s a quick rundown of the different types of pumps that are in prevalence today.įloor Pumps: A popular choice for inflating tires at home, these are tall pumps with large air chambers. Regardless of whether you are new to cycling or an old hand at that, investing in a good-quality bike pump is crucial if you don’t wish to be out of riding for long because of a tire puncture that could also see you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Step-by-Step Guide on How To Use A Bike Pump After all, you sure don’t want a flat tire to ruin your journey. Looking to hit the road after a while? Now that your bike is done with waiting in the garage, it’s about time that you inspected the tires to ensure that they are inflated well enough for safe and enjoyable riding experience.
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