How To Inflate A Tire
The easiest way to keep your bicycle running well is regularly checking tire pressure. Properly inflated rubber rides best, lasts longest and resists flats. For high-pressure skinny road tires, check before every ride. For fatter rubber, such as what's on most off-road bikes, once a week is about right. But DON'T head to a service station and use the car-tire compressor! (They can explode a bike tire in seconds.) Do it with your "floor" (home) pump. Here's how:
Get a "floor" pump with built-in gauge for checking inflation.
Carry a portable pump for fixing flats on rides.
Not all Presta valves have threaded shafts as shown; some are mostly rubber.
Presta valves come in different lengths. Match the length of the valves that came on your wheels. The deeper your rims are, the longer the valves need to be.
Schrader valves are the same as automobile valves.
Valves usually come with plastic caps. These provide a little protection and a "finished" look. But, many cyclists choose not to ride with them because it's easier to inflate tires when the caps are already removed.">
Not all Presta valves have threaded shafts as shown; some are mostly rubber.
Presta valves come in different lengths. Match the length of the valves that came on your wheels. The deeper your rims are, the longer the valves need to be.
Schrader valves are the same as automobile valves.
Valves usually come with plastic caps. These provide a little protection and a "finished" look. But, many cyclists choose not to ride with them because it's easier to inflate tires when the caps are already removed." data-width="352px" data-height="218px" data-thumbnail="/images/library/site/maintenance_howtoinflateatire_valves_lg.jpg">
(photo).
Tip
Don't pump too vigorously. Slow and steady gets the job done quickly and prevents pump damage (it's possible to harm the gauge by pumping too quickly).">
(photo).
Tip
Don't pump too vigorously. Slow and steady gets the job done quickly and prevents pump damage (it's possible to harm the gauge by pumping too quickly)." data-width="280px" data-height="319px" data-thumbnail="/images/library/site/maintenance_howtoinflateatire_attachpump_lg.jpg">