Racing bike tires are unusually thin, about 18 to 23 mm wide and approximately 29 inches in diameter -- also known as a 700c tire. The design of a bicycle racing tire makes it lightweight. When you properly inflate racing tires, they become hard, reducing resistance and letting the tire roll more efficiently over the ground. Experiment with increasing the pressure in the rear tire by 10 percent without over-inflating the tire, since more weight is normally distributed to the rear of the bike.
Step 1
Twist the valve cap counterclockwise to remove it and expose the fill valve on your racing bike tire. Note the maximum amount of air required to inflate the tire. Find the maximum air amount on the side wall of the tire listed as the pounds per square inch, or PSI. Racing bike tires' PSI rating is from 100 to 120.
Step 2
Attach a bicycle pump with an all valves adjustable connecting system, or AVACS, that fits all bike tire valve types including Schrader, Presta or Dunlop valves. Pump the handle of the bicycle pump up and down to inflate the racing tire until the tire feels firm.
Step 3
Remove the pump from the fill valve. Check the PSI with a pressure gauge if your pump does not have an integral pressure gauge. Use a pressure gauge designed to fit your fill valve and insert in onto the valve.
Step 4
Push the gauge down on the valve to release enough air to get the current PSI in the racing tire. The PSI reading should match the PSI rating listed on the tire. Add more air if the pressure is too low, and depress the fill valve with your finger if the pressure is too high. Replace the valve cap once the air in the racing bike tire reaches the correct PSI.
Things You'll Need
- All valves adjustable connecting system bicycle pump
- Tire pressure gauge
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