How to Pump a Bicycle Tire

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By SyphriX
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Pump a Bicycle Tire

The ability to pump up a bicycle tire is an essential skill for any person who owns a bike and uses it to any degree. A properly inflated bicycle tire is also a key preventative maintenance issue for the bike. If the air pressure is too low in a bicycle tire, it runs the risk of a snake-bite puncture on its tube due to the low pressure.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Bicycle Pump

Step 1

Photo Credit: BlueCollarMTB .com

~Schrader or Presta?~

Determine whether the valve on your tire is a schrader or presta valve. The attached picture shows the difference between the two different types of bicycle tire valves.
Step 2

~Use the Appropriate Pump~

You need to use a bicycle pump that is compatible with your particular bicycle tire valve. Some bicycle pumps will accommodate both types of valves, the packaging / manual will be able to tell you which valve(s) it works with.
Step 3

~Don't Exceed Recommended PSI~

The recommended PSI of most tires can be found right on the outside wall of the tire. Most tires on department store brand bikes can safely be inflated to 50 PSI, mountain bikes to 65 PSI, and road bikes to 100 PSI.
Step 4

~Check in with Your Local Bike Shop~

If your tire is not taking the air, or holding pressure, you may have a deeper issue like a puncture in your tube, a bad rim strip, a broken spoke, a malfunctioning valve, or sharp debris inside the tire wall. If this is the case you should check in with your local bike mechanics. They should quickly be able to assess the problem for you and / or answer any of your questions and concerns.