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How to Pump a Bicycle Tire

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By SyphriX
User-Submitted Article
(6 Ratings)
Pump a Bicycle Tire
Pump a Bicycle Tire
sxc.hu/kikashi

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
  1. Step 1
    Photo Credit: BlueCollarMTB .com
    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

Tips & Warnings
  • If your bicycle tire utilizes a presta valve, be gentle when attaching and removing the pump from the valve as not to bend the smaller release valve piece.
  • Again, be sure to keep your bicycle tires properly inflated. Not properly inflated tires will often develop snake-bite punctures in the tubing.

Comments  

klnygaard said

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on 5/17/2009 good info- I just taught my daughter this last weekend

Alrady said

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on 5/16/2009 great tips. how do you feel about fix a flat ?

aimeek said

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on 5/16/2009 I have to admit, I've always just had someone else do it for me. :( Thanks for the instructions!

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