With the right tools and the right knowledge, it is not at all complicated or tiring to inflate the tires of a bicycle. First, identify the type of valve fitted to the bladder and then adopt the correct method.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Schrader valve
Step 1. Schrader valve is also called American or automobile valve
The main stem is externally wound by a threaded tube; to press the core you need a tool similar to a pen cap or you have to use your thumbnail. This type of valve has a larger diameter and a shorter body than the Presta or Dunlop models. It is used extensively on cars, cheap bicycles and mountain bikes. To open it, simply unscrew the rubber cap on the top.
Step 2. Find the recommended pressure value for your bike
You can usually find this information embossed on the shoulder of the tire, expressed as an interval between a maximum and minimum limit. Make sure that the tires on your bicycle never reach a pressure below the minimum and never inflate them beyond the maximum value.
Step 3. Find a pump
If you don't have one, you can use the one you find at the gas station or borrow it from a friend.
- If your bike is equipped with Schrader valves, you are in luck as you will not need any adapters to use the distributor pump. Ask the staff to also provide you with a pressure gauge and inflate the tires a little at a time, checking the pressure each time. The gas station equipment is extremely high pressure and could burst the inner tubes of a bicycle.
- If you have a bicycle pump with two holes, the larger diameter is reserved for Schrader valves.
- There are also pumps with a universal hole that automatically adapts to the valve model.
- Pumps with only one "non universal" hole need to be slightly modified. In this case you have to turn the inner seal of the hole upside down to be able to insert the Schrader valve. To do this, unscrew the plug from the hole, find the gasket and turn it over so that the wider end faces out.
Step 4. Inflate the tire
Unscrew the cap that protects the valve and put it in a safe place, for example in your pocket. Be very careful not to lose it.
- Connect the pump to the valve. If there is a lever near the dispenser, check that it is open (parallel to the nozzle) when you attach the spout to the valve. Finally close the lever by snapping it down (perpendicular to the spout) to block the connection. Watch the pressure gauge as you inflate the tire.
- To release the dispenser, lift the lever and quickly screw the cap onto the valve.
Step 5. To deflate a Schrader valve bladder, simply squeeze the inner stem of the bladder with your fingernail or a thin instrument until all the air has escaped
Method 2 of 3: Presta valve
Step 1. The Presta valve, also called Sclaverand or French valve, is typically used on high-end racing bikes
It is a longer and thinner valve than the Schrader and characterized by an exposed stem, without an external tube, protected by a cap.
Step 2. Open the valve
To do this, simply unscrew the protective cap and store it in a safe place. Then loosen the small brass cap that covers the stem; it won't come off completely, but you should be able to lift it up a bit. To see if you have unscrewed the brass cap sufficiently, try squeezing the valve stem. If you can feel the flow of air, you've done the job perfectly.
Step 3. Find the recommended pressure value for your bike
You can usually find this information embossed on the shoulder of the tire, expressed as an interval between a maximum and minimum limit. Make sure that the tires on your bicycle never reach a pressure below the minimum and never inflate them beyond the maximum value.
Step 4. Get a pump
You can use the one from the gas station or borrow one from a friend. You can also buy it at the nearest bicycle shop.
- To use the gas station pump on a Presta valve you need a specific adapter. It is a cap that you can screw onto the end of the valve itself "transforming" it into a Schrader; this adapter is available at bicycle shops. When you go to the gas station, ask the attendant to provide you with a pressure gauge and inflate the tires little by little while constantly checking the pressure. The dispenser tools are very powerful and you could burst the inner tubes if you don't act carefully.
- If you have a bicycle pump with two holes available, know that the small one is reserved for the Presta valve.
- There are pumps with a universal hole that automatically adapt to the type of valve.
- Pumps with only one opening require a small modification. You have to flip the inner gasket so that it fits over the Presta valve. To do this, unscrew the plug from the hole, find the gasket and turn it over so that the narrow end faces out.
Step 5. Inflate the tire
Open the Presta valve by unscrewing the protective cap and loosening the smaller brass cap.
- Connect the pump. If there is a lever near the dispenser, check that it is open (parallel to the nozzle) when you attach the spout to the valve. Finally close the lever by snapping it down (perpendicular to the spout) to block the connection. Watch the pressure gauge as you inflate the tire.
- Lift the lever to detach the pump and screw the brass cap back on to close it.
- Put the protective cap back on.
Step 6. To deflate the bladder equipped with the Presta valve, open the brass cap and press the spring-loaded stem until all the air has escaped
Method 3 of 3: Dunlop valve
Step 1. The Dunlop valve, also known as Woods or English, is widely used in Asia and Europe
It is as wide as a Schrader, but uses the same mechanism as a Presta. To inflate a tire equipped with this valve, follow the instructions indicated for the Presta.
Advice
- If you don't know exactly how much to inflate the tires or your pump doesn't have a pressure gauge, then keep adding air until the wheels feel stiff, then squeeze them lightly with your finger. If you feel they are properly inflated, they probably are.
- If you need to buy a pump, get one that suits your needs. Most of the models are of the vertical type and you have to use it while standing, raising and lowering the piston. There are also compact pumps that manufacturers define as "mini" and which can be useful for inflating the tire during a ride.
- If you can't figure out what type of valve is fitted to your bike, take a picture and show it to the clerk at the store where you will buy the pump.
- Check your tire pressure every few days to make sure it is always at optimum levels. If not, it may be necessary to change the tread or the inner tubes.
- Remember where you put the valve caps. If you lose them, the valves will get dirty, causing you not a few problems during inflation; furthermore there is always the risk of a slight loss of air.
- Check the pressure periodically as you inflate the tires. Some new pump models are equipped with a pressure gauge that indicates the air pressure inside the bladder. In any case, try to be cautious, as there is a risk that the tire could explode.
