How To Inflate A Road Bicycle Tire

An important part of keeping your road bike running smoothly is having the right pressure in the tires. Properly inflated tires will help you ride smoother and faster and help avoid flats. Because air is continually escaping from tires, check the air pressure before each ride. Make sure you have the proper pump, and never use the car tire pump at a gas station because it may make your bike tires explode. Here are five easy steps to inflate your road bike tires.

Instructions

Step 1

Know what kind of valve you have and purchase the right pump. A road bike will come with one of two types of valves. The Presta valve looks like a needle with a built-in tip that twists to inflate or deflate the tire. The Schrader valve looks more like a car's valve with a wider stem and a plastic cap on the tip. Bicycle pumps can be purchased for one valve type, and some pumps can be used for both, so be sure the pump you have works for your valve.

Step 2

Check your tire's PSI. PSI stands for "pounds per square inch" and refers to how much air to put in the tire. Look at the sidewall of your tire for this number. Some tires give a range for the PSI, such as 100-120 PSI, while others give just the maximum PSI. Never go over the recommended PSI because that can cause a blowout. Tires inflated below the recommended PSI are at risk for flats and will cause you to ride slower.

Step 3

Loosen the top of the valve and attach the pump. For Presta valves, untwist the top and press down slightly to make sure it is open. For Schrader valves, simply take the cap off. Attach the pump to the valve and make sure it fits securely.

Step 4

Begin to inflate the tire by slowly pushing down on the pump's handle. Do not pump too quickly or you risk damaging the pump. Most pumps have a built-in gauge that measures PSI. Inflate the tire until the gauge reaches the recommended PSI. Remove the pump from the tire and either replace the cap or tighten the top of the valve.

Step 5

Check the tire. It should feel firm and solid. If you can squeeze the tire and it feels soft or underinflated, recheck the PSI with your pump's gauge. Monitoring the amount of air in your tires and keeping them properly inflated will keep your bike running well each time you ride.