The Beginner’s Guide to Pumping Your Tyres

Learn to inflate your tubes efficiently and correctly for a smoother, radder ride.


Molly Hurford |

Learn to inflate your tubes efficiently and correctly for a smoother, radder ride. – By Molly Hurford

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Picture this: You’re just starting out on a ride and you notice your bike isn’t moving as smoothly as it was last week; it’s not cornering as well, either. Before assuming you somehow lost all your bike-handling skills overnight, check your tyre pressure – it might be time for an arm workout courtesy of your bike pump. Tyres need the right amount of air to function optimally, and getting them to the right pressure efficiently can require some finesse.
1. Pick the Right Bike Pump
A common mistake new (and even experienced) riders make when pumping their tyres is trying to use a Schrader bike pump with a Presta valve, which just won’t work no matter how hard you try. There are two popular tube valves: A Schrader valve is wider and flat on the end, while a Presta valve is narrower and features a locking nut, which can be loosened to add or release air. If you’re unsure which valve you have or which pump to buy, it’s always a good idea to ask someone at your local bike shop which they prefer—and when it comes to pumps, you almost always get what you pay for. A little extra investment can give you a more accurate pressure reading, sturdier materials, and even easier pumping.
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2. Prepare the Valve
First, remove the plastic cap that might be covering the end of your valve (sometimes these get lost, so no big deal if yours is missing.) Then unscrew the tiny locking nut. Don’t be shy; the nut won’t fall off, so there’s no need to worry about unscrewing it too much. Give it a couple of taps to make sure it’s moving – you should be able to hear and feel a bit of air come out out. (If you have a Shrader valve, you can skip this step.)
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3. Know the Tyre Pressure You Need
Before you pump, check the sidewall of your tyre: It should list the pressure range that your tyre can safely handle. Typically, a road tyre can go between 5 and 9bar, while a mountain tyre holds between 2 and 3bar. Where your personal pressure preference falls within the range for your tyre will depend on your weight and riding style – play around with it and figure out what you like!
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4. Attach the Pump Correctly
Fit the pump head onto the valve. Pumps will have either a switch that flips down, or an internally threaded screw top. Both systems serve to keep the head in place as you start pumping, which ensures that air actually goes into the valve instead of leaking out while you pump. If air seems to be coming out of the pump and not into your tyres, you may need to readjust the pump head slightly. Just detach and reattach to reset the seal.
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5. Pump to the Optimal Pressure
Using the gauge on your pump, pump the tubes to your optimal pressure. And use your upper body to pump! Squats are great for building leg strength, but they aren’t required for bike maintenance.
All of the images in this article is by Tony Pedulla

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