If you know how to ride a bike, you should also have some knowledge of bicycle care 101, especially since certain bike parts can jam, break, or get worn out over time. In fact, aside from the tires, the bike chain is the fastest to wear out since it plays a very active role when cycling.
Anyone who owns and rides a bike has experienced loose, tight, and squeaky brakes at one point in time. It can feel like a minor inconvenience, and it’s certainly a safety hazard, especially for those who ride their bikes at high speeds, on uneven terrains, and at high traffic locations.
If you’re a casual bike rider, chances are, you’re not paying much attention to the size of your bicycle tires. This isn’t good practice, since your bike tire size can really affect your ride.
After buying a new bicycle, whether it’s a new one straight off the rack, or a second hand vintage bicycle you got from someone, one of the first things you need to do before riding off into the sunset is to find the bike serial number.
If you’re an outdoorsy person, you know nothing quite beats the fun of cycling. You get to enjoy the welcome views, the thrill of being out on the road, the healthy dose of physical exercise, and even the cost effectiveness of an eco-friendly commute to work.
Riding a bike is fun, relaxing, and just overall enjoyable. It even offers a host of benefits for your mind and body. It’s a nice way to get out and about, enjoy your surroundings, and put in a bit of exercise. Plus, bike riding for weight loss is a great way to shed those extra pounds.
The ideal tire pressure for your bike depends on how wide its tires are. For bikes with narrow tires like road bikes, the correct road bike tire pressure is at 80 to 130 psi, but for wider tires, less air pressure is needed- 25 to 35 psi for mountain bike tires, and 40 to 70 psi for hybrid bikes.
Cycling engages various muscles all throughout your body, from your biceps, core, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves. Your hamstrings alone contribute to about ten percent of your pedalling power. These muscles all work together in maintaining your balance and keeping you stable, providing you with pedalling power, and more.
We’ve all seen electric bikes, maybe not in person, but at least on television or online. They are quickly becoming popular and in demand as a great alternative to regular bicycles that require more effort as a way of commuting and getting around the city.
Each and every bicycle owner deals with an unfortunate flat tire every now and then, so it just goes to say that you should know how to pump a bike tire, so you can easily remedy this situation whenever it arises.
A tire might also deflate faster when you carry too much stuff. Make sure not to put too much weight on one tire by using one of the best bike cargo trailers out there.
To help you out, we have provided a detailed step by step guide on how to pump a bike tire, complete with everything you need to know about tire valves and bike pumps!
The first thing you should do is identify what type of valve your tire has, since this will determine how you can connect the tire to the pump. Here are the most common valve types:
One of the most common valve types you’ll encounter are Presta (French) valves. High end bicycles typically feature these high pressure valves, which are narrow and have a removable lock ring that closes the valve at the top.
Another common valve type is the Schrader valve, which is usually found on recreational kids bikes, as well as car tires. These are wider, have a round opening, and feature a spring mechanism that opens and closes the air passage.
For a number of countries in Europe and Asia, you’ll find Woods or Dunlop valves, which feature a wider base than a Presta, but are the same size as a Schrader. These valves can be inflated with both a Schader or Presta valve adapter.
Finally, there are tubeless bike tires, which are tires that don’t have an inner tube, requiring a layer of casing or sealant to keep the air inside the tire. These tires usually feature conventional clinchers or tubulars.
The next step is to get the right type of bike air pump for your tire. Here are some of the most common pump types you’ll find, and the difference of each one:
First off, a floor pump, also called a stack or track pump, is a standard pump that every bike owner should have in his garage, especially since it can quickly and easily inflate your tire with high pressure air. Your best bet is the Bontrager bike pump, since it’s durable, reliable, stable, and always ready to use.
On the other hand, it’s also great to have a hand pump to bring along everywhere. These mini portable pumps are great for the accidental flat tire on the road. A great option is the Lezyne pump, which is lightweight, portable, and works for both Presta and Schrader valves.
Of course, if you want a multi-functional pump that’s great for a variety of uses, you will benefit from a specialized bike pump, like a stand pump, electric pump, or CO2 inflator. What’s important here is to carefully read and follow the manual on how to use it, since mistakes can be costly and dangerous.
If you have a generic pump that can’t fit securely on your valve, you can always just opt for a bike pump adapter, which typically features multiple connections to accommodate Presta and Schrader valves, and more.
Once you know your valve and have the pump ready, it’s time to remove the valve cap (or dust cap if you have a Presta valve), then connect the pump head to the valve, either by screwing it on, or pushing and locking it in place. You’ll know it’s attached correctly when you don’t hear any air escaping from the valve.
Before you air up your tire, it’s important to check what’s the recommended air pressure for your tire. You can easily find this imprinted on the side of the tire. If you can’t find it or it’s too worn out, just look up your tire manufacturer online. Then again, if your tire is worn out, perhaps it’s best to just replace it altogether.
Some bikes, like those that are protected with a fat bike fender, need air than others. Here’s a quick reference for you: if you have a mountain bike, expect 25 to 45 psi, or 40 to 80 psi for a hybrid, and 80 to 120 psi for a road bike.
Don’t go above or below the indicated pressure, or the tire will either feel flat and spongy, rough and lacking in traction, or may even explode from too much pressure. The right tire pressure is especially important for off-road adventures. Make sure you stay safe and protect yourself with one of the best MTB knee pads.
Making sure that no air escapes from the air nozzle, and the bike pump needle is securely attached to the valve of the tire, gently but firmly inflate the tire until you fill it with the right air pressure. Remember, fill it up to the correct tire pressure only!
The best and easiest way to do it may vary depending on what type of pump you’re using, but the general rule is to use your upper body and core strength to pump effectively. The right position is essential in delivering complete and consistent pumps throughout.
Finally, remove the pump head quickly, making sure not to bend or damage the tire valve. Then, put everything back into place, including the lock ring (for a Presta valve) and the valve cap. You can try pinching and bouncing the tire a couple of times, just to make sure it’s adequately inflated.
Then, go ride on your merry way! Just make sure to ride safely and carefully, and avoid paths with lots of pointy rocks and sharp objects that can puncture your tire. After all, airing up your tire only works if it’s not peppered with holes and tears, right?
That’s it! When it comes to how to pump a bike tire, it really is quick and easy, so you have no reason not to do it yourself. Just follow these simple steps, and you’re good to go! And if you have any questions, feel free to write them down below!
