A bike pump is a valuable accessory for all cyclists, as maintaining proper tire pressure is important to ensuring the comfort and safety of your ride. Bike pumps come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are designed to stand on the floor for easier use; others clip to the bicycle frame for added convenience. However, because the valves found on bicycle tires share common characteristics, the steps involved in operating a bike pump remain fairly consistent from one model to another.
Step 1
Kneel next to the tire you wish to inflate. Inspect the tire and locate the valve; note the pressure rating printed on the side of the tire. Rotate the wheel until the valve is located near the ground, facing up.
Step 2
Unscrew the cap located at the end of the valve. If the valve features a brass knob, twist the knob to the open position, and tap the side of the valve.
Step 3
Grip the pump head, located at the end of the pump hose. Find the hole on the pump head that corresponds to the size of the valve. Position the hole over the valve.
Step 4
Push down on the pump head until it forms a complete seal over the valve. Locate the pump head's locking lever; lift the lever to secure the pump head in place.
Step 5
Brace the bottom end of the pump on the ground or against a stationary object. Pull the plunger end of the pump outward, then push it back to its original position. Continue inflating the tire in this manner until the pressure gauge on the pump shows a number within the pressure rating printed on the tire.
Step 6
Push the pump head's locking lever down and lift the head off the valve; if the valve features a brass knob, twist the knob to the closed position. Screw the protective cap back onto the end of the valve.
Tips and Warnings
- Some models of pump head feature a single hole designed to work with both sizes of valve; in some cases, the end of the head must be configured manually. Inflating the tire to the lower end of the pressure rating can help improve traction, while inflating to the upper end will help the bicycle move more efficiently. Use a pressure gauge to check tire pressure prior to every ride.
- Attempting to ride a bicycle with improperly inflated tires may increase the risk of a flat tire or result in damage to the wheel rim.
Things You'll Need
- Bike pump
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