A Presta valve is a long, thin stem often found on the tires of high-end bikes. These valves work with a manual lock nut, as opposed the spring found on the traditional Schrader valve. Bike stores sell air pumps that can fit both valve styles or just one valve type. Inflating a tire with a Presta valve is similar to the inflation method for a Schrader valve, but it does require a specially designed nozzle.
Step 1
Remove the cap from the Presta valve stem.
Step 2
Turn the lock nut on top of the stem counterclockwise until it is loose enough to allow airflow. If you push down on the top of the nut and hear air escaping, the nut is in the correct position.
Step 3
Move the lever on the pump nozzle to the down position or insert the Presta valve adapter into the nozzle. Adapters screw into place once inserted into the nozzle.
Step 4
Press the nozzle on the pump down over the valve stem. If you're not using a pump designed for a Presta, flip the lever on the nozzle up to secure it.
Step 5
Pump the air until the tire is properly inflated.
Step 6
Change the nozzle lever to the down position if necessary and pull up to remove the pump from the valve stem.
Step 7
Turn the lock nut clockwise to seal it and replace the cap.
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