Riding a road bike with low tire pressure will result in slower speeds and less efficiency. Low tire pressure also causes flat tires and possible damage to the rim. Check your tires before each ride to ensure they are filled to the appropriate PSI (pounds per square inch). Inflate them as needed.
Step 1
Stabilize your bike. Find a suitable place against which you can securely lean your bike.
Step 2
Rotate wheel so the tire stem is at the bottom of the wheel, near the ground.
Step 3
Unscrew the black cap from the tire stem. Open the valve on the tire stem by unscrewing it if the bike has Schrader valves (the most common), or by pressing on it if the bike has Presta or French valves.
Step 4
Attach your bike tire pump to the stem and lock it into place by flipping the lever found opposite the valve. Presta and Avanti valves are a few that require an adapter to get the pump to fit. Adapters are inexpensive and found at local bike shops.
Step 5
Pump air into the tire while watching the air pressure gauge. Pump the tire to the recommended PSI found on the outside of the tire. Road bike tires are pumped to about 100 PSI, and the range is between 80 and 130 PSI.
Step 6
Retighten the stem valve, and the bike is ready to go.
Tips and Warnings
- If unsure which type of valve the tire has, visit your local bike shop. They can easily identify the valve type and what adapter, if any, is needed. Be sure to retighten the valve in the last step so the air does not leak out of the tire.
Things You'll Need
- Bike floor pump
- Adapter for Presta, French, or Avanti valves
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