Inflating a bicycle tire is an easy and light job, as long as you know what tools you need. Identify the valve type of your bicycle tire using the following method and inflate the tire according to the valve type.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Schrader's nipples
Step 1. The Schrader valve is also known as the American valve, or car valve
The valve surrounds the contents of the inserted valve core; to press the contents of the nipple, you will need a tool such as a pen cap or your thumb. Schrader valves are usually wider in diameter and shorter than Presta or Woods valves. This type of valve is usually found in cars, inexpensive bicycles and mountain bikes. To open a Schrader valve, it is enough to remove the rubber cap on the end of the valve.
Step 2. Find out the recommended PSI for your tires
This information is usually found as embossed on the side of the tire and will list the PSI range. Don't let your PSI go lower than the lowest number; a high number is the recommended maximum PSI.
Step 3. Find the pump
If you don't have a pump, try using the pump provided at the gas station, or borrow one from a friend.
- If your bike has a Schrader valve, you're in luck because you don't need an adapter to use the pump at the gas station. Ask the gas station attendant for a pressure gauge and inflate the tire in small puffs, checking the pressure after each puff. Usually the pumps provided at gas stations have very high pressure, and bicycle tires can explode if you are not careful.
- If you are using a bicycle pump with two holes, the larger bore is designed for the Schrader valve.
- The smart pump with one bore will automatically adjust to accommodate the Schrader valve.
- When using a pump with a single bore, you may need to flip the rubber seal on the inside to adjust it to the Schrader valve. Remove the front cover and find the rubber stopper. The larger end should point outward for the Schrader valve.
Step 4. Inflate the tire
Remove the rubber cap on the end of the valve and store it in a safe place, such as in a back trouser pocket. Don't let it go away.
- Install the pump in the valve. If there is a lever near the nozzle (nozzle), make sure the lever is in the open position (parallel to the nozzle) when you attach it to the valve; press the lever down so that it is in the closed position (perpendicular to the pump mouth) while the pump is operating. Pay attention to the PSI pressure as you pump.
- Return the lever to its original position to release the pump, then quickly place the rubber cover back on the valve.
Step 5. To deflate a tire that has a Schrader valve, simply press the center of the valve core inward with a fingernail or other small tool until all the air is out
Method 2 of 3: Presta nipple
Step 1. Presta valves, also known as Sclaverand or French valves, are commonly found on high-end racing bicycles
Presta valves are longer and smaller in diameter than Schrader valves, and feature an external valve protected by a valve cap, having no valve filling.
Step 2. Open the nipple
To open the Presta valve, remove the top dust cover and place it in a safe place. Then, loosen the small brass cap at the top of the valve by turning it – the cap won't come off completely, but you should be able to lift it up a bit. To make sure you've loosened the brass cap enough, press down on the valve. If you can hear a sharp hissing wind, you've loosened up enough.
Step 3. Find out the recommended PSI for your tires
This information is usually embossed on the side of the tire and will list the PSI range. Keep your PSI pressure no lower than the lowest number; a high number is the recommended maximum PSI.
Step 4. Find the pump
You can try using the pump available at the gas station, or you can borrow a pump from a friend. You can also buy a pump at your local bicycle shop.
- To be able to use the pump at the gas station on a Presta nipple, you will need a Presta adapter. This adapter is a small cap that you can attach to your Presta nipple to turn it into a Schrader valve. This Presta adapter is also required if you are using an older model tire pump. You can buy it at the nearest bicycle shop. When using the pump at a gas station, ask the gas station attendant for a pressure gauge and inflate the tires in small puffs. The pumps provided at gas stations have very high pressure, and you could blow your bicycle tire if you're not careful.
- If you are using a bicycle pump with two holes, the smaller hole is for the Presta valve.
- The smart pump with one bore will automatically adjust to accommodate the Presta valve.
- When using a single-hole pump, you may need to flip the rubber seal on the inside to fit the Presta valve. Remove the front cover and find the rubber stopper. The smaller end should point outward for the Presta valve.
Step 5. Inflate the tire
Open the Presta valve by removing the dust cover and loosening the smaller brass cap.
- Install the pump in the valve. If you see a lever near the nozzle, make sure it is in the open position (parallel to the nozzle) when you attach it to the valve; press the lever down so that it is in the closed position (perpendicular to the pump mouth) while the pump is operating. Pay attention to the PSI pressure as you pump.
- Return the lever to its original position to release the pump, then tighten the brass cap to close.
- Replace the dust cover.
Step 6. To deflate a tire equipped with a Presta valve, turn the brass cap and press on the small pin that pops up until all the air is out
Method 3 of 3: Woods' nipples
Step 1. Woods valve, also known as Dunlop valve or English valve, is commonly used in Asia and Europe
They are larger than the Schrader valve, but use the same mechanism as the Presta valve. See the Presta valve section for how to inflate tires equipped with Woods valves.
Tips
- If you're not sure how much air you should put in the tire or you don't have a pressure gauge on the pump, simply inflate until the tire feels solid, but you can still squeeze the tire a little. If you think that's enough, you're probably right.
- If you buy a pump, buy the one you think will suit your needs. There are many types of standing pumps, which are operated by stepping on the pump holder while the pump shaft is moved up and down. Some pumps are more compact – “mini” versions according to some company labels – which are very easy to carry around.
- Take care of the presence of the valve cover. If the valve cover is missing, the valve will become dirty, and you will have difficulty inflating the tire. In addition, the air in the tires will be reduced faster.
- Check the air pressure every few days to make sure the tires are inflated properly. If not, you may need to replace the tire or inner tube.
- If you can't determine what type of valve is on your tire, take a picture. Take the photo with you when you want to buy a pump for your bike.
- Check the pressure periodically when inflating the tires. Some newer tire pumps have a gauge that can show the pressure in the tire when you're inflating it, but be careful not to over-inflate or the tire will burst.
