How to Use a Mini Bicycle Pump

Using a mini bike pump can be awkward and difficult sometimes. These tips can help make your mid bicycle ride tire refill a little bit easier.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mini bike pump
• Bicycle

1. 
    
   Presta Valve

   Determine valve type: Before we start it is important to determine what type of valve you have on your bike. The two most common valve types are the Schrader valves and Presta valves. Schrader valves are most commonly found on cars tires and kids bikes, while Presta valves are most commonly found on higher end bicycles. If you have trouble figuring this our, consult the related ehow article on how to determine your bike valve type.

2. 
    
   Mini Pump

   Configure Pump for valve type: Now that we know what type of valve we are working with we need to configure the mini pump to work with that valve. Most mini pumps have a nozzle that can be disassembled and reconfigured by flipping a plastic and rubber piece inside, you should check your manual for your mini pumps specific instructions. On the model I have both valve types are always available, I simply pick the nozzle for the valve type I'm currently using.

3. 
    
   Loosening Presta locking nut

   Valve preparation: For Schrader valves all you need to do is remove the cap, if you have one. For Presta vales you need to remove a cap and loosen a nut at the end of the valve. Once the nut is loosened pressing the end of the valve will release air.

4. 
    
   Mini Pump in the unlocked position

   Verify pump is in the unlocked position: For most mini pumps there will be a lever that is unlocked when flat against the pump and locked when at a 90 degree angle to the pump. Again, my pump is a little different. When the gauge is at 90 degrees from the valve it is unlocked and when it's inline with a valve it is locked. In this picture the pump is in the unlocked position.

5. 
    
   Pump on valve, unlocked

   Slide the pump onto the valve: Simply push the pump onto the valve. Try to apply even pressure straight onto the valve. Push the valve to the side may cause a leak over time.

6. 
    
   Pump on valve, Locked

   Lock the pump onto the valve: Once you start to hear air escaping, lock the pump. In the picture I had to twist the gauge on my pump to face the valve, other pumps may require a lever to be pulled.

7. 
    
   Supporting far end of mini pump

   Support the far side of the pump: I find it easier to pump if I support the back end of the pump. Be very careful not to apply pressure to the wheel spoke though. Pressing on a wheel spoke can cause your wheel to go out of alignment.

8. Pump until your desired air pressure is reached: If you don't know how much pressure you should put in your tire, take a look at the tire sidewall. You will find a max air pressure rating you should stay under.

9. Unlock your pump: Once you have enough air pressure, unlock your pump.

10. Remove pump from valve: With your pump unlocked you should be able to easily pull the pump off the valve.

11. Prepare valve for riding: If you have a Schrader valve, replace the cap and your done. If you have a Presta valve, tighten the nut on the valve until no air escapes when you press on it, then replace the cap. Congrats, your finished!

Tips & Warnings

• Do not apply pressure on your wheel spokes, this will cause your wheel to go out of alignment.