How To Pump Up Your Bike Tires
Inflate Your Tires Before Every Ride For More Fun
The easiest way to keep your bicycle running well is checking tire pressure before every ride. Properly inflated bike tires ride great, last longer and resist flats. Plus, keeping the tires pumped prevents wheel damage should you hit a rock or pothole while riding. Bent wheels hinder braking and cost a pretty penny to repair.
By: Matt Donovan,
3rd generation Owner and General Manager of Dedham Bike
Last updated: 1/31/24
Fortunately, checking tire inflation is simple once you have the proper tool required: a bicycle tire pump (don't use your local gas station pressure hose because it can overinflate and damage tires). Bike shops sell quality pumps (about $50 to $300) that are easy to use and safe. You might also have a battery-powered inflator for your car that will work if it reaches sufficient pressures. It's best if your bike pump fits both bicycle valves (Schrader and Presta; more on this below) and sports a built-in gauge, which makes it easy to get the pressure right.
What tools or accessories can be handy for checking tire pressure on the go?
For those moments when you're on the road and need a quick tire fix, consider keeping a CO2 cartridge in your jersey pocket or mounted on your bike. These compact devices are perfect for inflating tires swiftly during your ride, ensuring you're back on track without delay. Unlike traditional pumps, CO2 cartridges are ultra-portable and provide a quick burst of air that can save you from a long walk home.
By combining these tools—a reliable bicycle pump for home use and a CO2 cartridge for on-the-go emergencies—you'll be well-prepared to maintain optimal tire pressure anywhere, anytime. This balance of preparedness ensures you're never caught off guard, whether you're cycling in the city or exploring off-road trails.
What PSI should my bike tires be?
Maintaining the proper tire pressure is essential for any cyclist. It can affect the bike's handling, speed, and overall performance. One of the most common questions that cyclists ask is, "What PSI should my bike tires be?" The answer depends on several factors, including the type of bike, the rider's weight, and the riding conditions.
For road bikes, the recommended tire pressure is typically between 80 and 100 PSI. However, heavier riders may need to increase the pressure by 5-10 PSI, while lighter riders may need to decrease it by the same amount. Mountain bikes, on the other hand, require lower tire pressure, usually between 30 and 50 PSI, to provide better traction and shock absorption on rough terrain. However, tubeless setups will allow you to run lower pressures into the low 20psi to upper teens range for lighter riders. Gravel bikes fall somewhere in between, with recommended tire pressure ranging from 25 to 40 PSI.
It's essential to check tire pressure regularly, as it can change due to temperature fluctuations, riding conditions, and tire wear.
Riding with incorrect tire pressure can lead to a variety of issues, such as decreased speed, poor handling, and increased risk of punctures. By maintaining the proper tire pressure, cyclists can enjoy a smoother, safer, and more comfortable ride.
When your tires have just the right amount of air, you’ll feel more comfortable and benefit from enhanced grip and handling. However, understanding the specific risks of incorrect pressure levels can further emphasize the importance of proper maintenance:
Too Low Pressure: You risk encountering pinch flats, which occur when the tire compresses against the rim, leading to punctures. Additionally, low pressure increases rolling resistance, making your ride more laborious and can cause quicker wear on your tires.
Too High Pressure: On the other hand, over-inflated tires can result in a harsh, bumpy ride. This not only reduces comfort but also decreases traction, making it harder to control your bike on varying surfaces.
By ensuring your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, you optimize your cycling experience, balancing speed, comfort, and safety.
Thanks to Pearl Izumi for this great video!
Presta Valve Or Schrader Valve?
What type of bike tire valve do you have?
There are two main options, presta (thin) or schrader (thick like a car tire).
Both of these valves operate differently and will need a pump or Co2 inflator that will work smoothly with your particular setup.
There are pump options available that allow you to use either style valve by using an auto adjusting pump head.
How to find my bike tire pressure?
Well, the fastest and easiest way to find your bike's proper tire pressure is to look at the sidewall of your tire.
Flip the bike on it's side and take the wheel in your hand and spin the tire very slowly while looking at the side of the tire.
Along the way you will see an area that shows the manufacturer's proper tire inflation.
How do you know how much air to put in your bike tires? On most tires, the recommended pressure is printed on the sidewall. It's often written as a range, such as "90 to 115 psi (pounds per square inch)," which appears on some high-pressure road tires. You can experiment within this range to find what feels best for you. Less pressure offers a more comfortable ride and more air means less rolling resistance. Many cyclists opt for the best of both worlds and run 100 to 105 psi in their skinny road tires.
If you're inflating 26-inch tires (common on comfort and off-road bikes), you may find that the pressure range is wider, say "35 to 60 psi." This is because these tires can be used on and off road. For the former, 60 psi is about right because it rolls optimally on pavement. Off road however, 35 to 40 psi is much more appropriate because it absorbs the bumps, rocks and roots better and offers greater traction for control and handling.
Pumping up your bike's tires
First you'll want to determine what types of valves your bike is using, Schrader (car style) or presta (skinny with a funny tip).
If you have Presta valves (they have a knurled tip and are also called "French" valves), you'll need to open the valve by unscrewing and depressing the tip just long enough to let a tiny amount of air out (remember to close it after pumping, too).
Also, if you have presta valves you may need a presta valve adaptor that will allow your pump to work to work with presta valves. Some pumps come with what's called a "smart head" that works with car tire style valves (schrader valves) and presta valves.
With Schrader valves no adaptor should be needed as most pumps come already setup for these valves.
Then, attach the pump or Co2 charger to your valve and start pumping, stopping when the gauge shows that you've reached the recommended tire pressure.
Repeat with the other tire.
And you thought bicycling only exercised your legs!
How to Securely Attach a Pump to a Bike Valve
Ensuring your pump is properly attached to the bike valve is crucial for efficient tire inflation. Follow these detailed steps for a secure connection:
Position the Pump: Start by aligning the pump head with the bike valve. Push the pump head firmly onto the valve until it can go no further.
Lock the Pump Head: Once positioned, lock the pump head by lifting the lever. This action tightens the grip between the pump and the valve, preventing air from escaping.
Check the Connection: Gently wiggle the pump head. If you feel the valve moving, it indicates the connection isn't secure enough. Push the pump head further onto the valve and re-lock it if necessary.
Test by Pumping: Start pumping air into the tire. If you hear any hissing sounds, this is a sign that the pump head isn’t properly secured. Go back and ensure the pump head is tightly locked by repeating the earlier steps.
By carefully following these steps, you can ensure a firm and efficient attachment of the pump to any bike valve, facilitating hassle-free tire inflation for brands like Schrader or Presta.
What to Do If You Hear Air Hissing While Pumping?
If you notice a hissing sound as you pump, it's a sign that the pump head isn't tightly secured to the valve. Here's how you can fix it:
Stop Pumping Immediately: Continuing could lead to a further loss of air pressure in the tire.
Detach and Reattach the Pump Head: Carefully remove the pump head from the valve. Ensure it's clean and free from debris that might affect the seal.
Reposition the Pump Head: Align it correctly with the valve to ensure a snug fit. Push or twist (depending on your pump type) it firmly onto the valve.
Check for Proper Engagement: Make sure the pump lever is in the locked position to create an airtight seal.
Test Again: Begin pumping slowly. Listen for any hissing. If the sound persists, re-evaluate the connection and repeat the steps as necessary.
By following these steps, you should secure your pump head and eliminate the hissing, allowing for a smooth inflation process.
How to Properly Detach the Pump Head from the Valve
To correctly remove the pump head from your bicycle tire's valve, follow these steps for a smooth and efficient process:
Depress the Lever: Begin by pressing down on the lever of the pump head. This action will unlock the pump head from the valve.
Quick Removal: After releasing the lever, swiftly pull the pump head straight off the valve to prevent any lingering air loss.
Close the Presta Valve: If you're working with a Presta valve, ensure you screw it back closed once the pump head is removed. This step secures your tire's air pressure and prepares it for the ride.
These guidelines will help maintain optimal tire pressure and ensure a seamless pumping experience.
