Keeping your tires at a proper level of inflation is essential for safety. Look at the sidewall of your tires to locate the PSI number. This number indicates the amount of pounds per square inch of air your tires require. Most bike tires display a maximum and minimum PSI number. Michelin Bicycle USA recommends inflating your tires to the maximum PSI number if you weight more than 180 lbs. Schrader air valves are commonly found on bikes with wide rims. According to Bicycle Tutor, bikes with narrow rims often feature specialized Presta valves.
Schrader Valves
Step 1
Rotate your front bike tire to locate the small cylindrical air valve. Twist off the rubber cap of the air valve with your thumb and forefinger. Lower the base of your bicycle pump onto the floor within reach of your front tire. Raise the lever found at the end of the pump hose.
Step 2
Align the head of the bicycle pump onto the Schrader air valve of your front tire. Push down on the lever to secure the hose in place. Utilize the handle or foot pedal of your bicycle pump to inflate your front tire. Examine the pressure gauge of your bicycle pump to determine if you have inflated your tire to the correct PSI number.
Step 3
Use a hand-held model if your pump does not feature a built-in pressure gauge. Push down on the internal spring of the Schrader valve if you need to release some air. Replace the air valve's rubber cap. Repeat the inflation process with the back tire.
Presta Valves
Step 1
Rotate the front tire to locate the cylindrical air valve. Remove the small rubber cap from the Presta air valve. Twist the valve's lock nut in a counterclockwise motion. Align the adapter onto the valve's stem threads. Twist the adapter in a clockwise direction to fasten it in place.
Step 2
Lower the base of your conventional air pump onto the ground within reach of the air valve. Raise the lever found at the end of the pump hose. Align the head of the hose onto the Presta valve. Push down on the lever to fasten the hose in place.
Step 3
Inflate the tire using the pump's handle or foot pedal. Check the pressure gauge to determine if your tires have been properly inflated. Use a hand-held pressure gauge, if necessary. Push down on the lock nut if you need to release some air. Replace the rubber cap. Repeat the inflation process with your rear tire.
Things You'll Need
- Bike pump
- Hand-held pressure gauge
- Presta adapter (if needed)
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