Bicycle tires support the weight of your bicycle and your body as you ride over all sorts of different terrain, yet many riders don't seem to give their tire pressure a second thought. Keeping your tires properly inflated is important to reduce wear on your tires, and to improve your bike's handling. Bicycle tires will have either Schrader valves, the wider valves also common on cars tires, or Presta valves, which are thinner and more likely to be found on expensive bikes. Bicycle pump instructions are basically the same for each type of valve.
Schrader Valves
Step 1
Secure your bicycle on a stand, or with the kickstand if it will remain in place. Spin the tires so the valves are at the bottom, near the ground, and unscrew the valve covers.
Step 2
Press the nozzle of the bicycle pump hose onto the end of the valve. Flip the lever down to lock it in place, if your pump has one.
Step 3
Stand on the foot platforms of the pump, if applicable, and pump the handle up and down. Flip the lever up and remove the nozzle. Press a pressure gauge onto the valve to read the tire pressure.
Step 4
Replace the nozzle and continue pumping if you need more air. Replace the valve cover and move to the other tire if your tire pressure is correct.
Presta Valves
Step 1
Secure your bicycle on a stand, or with the kickstand if it will remain in place. Move the tires so the valves are at the bottom, near the ground.
Step 2
Unscrew the plastic valve cover, then the small metal nut at the top of the Presta valve. The nut will rise up the threading, but won't come off. Tap the valve lightly to let a little air out, and so the seal breaks inside the valve, the Bicycle South website instructs.
Step 3
Place the nozzle of the bicycle pump on the valve, and lock it in place. Stand on the platforms, if applicable, and pump the handle up and down. Test the tire pressure with a pressure gauge when you feel you have inflated the tire enough.
Step 4
Place the bike pump nozzle back on the valve and keep pumping if you need more air. Screw the metal nut back down and replace the plastic valve cover if your tire pressure is correct.
Tips and Warnings
- Hand pumps and small CO2 pumps are available to carry on the road in case of emergencies. Check your tire pressure before each long ride.
Things You'll Need
- Bicycle
- Bicycle pump
- Pressure gauge
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