How to inflate a bike tire

As long as you have the right equipment, pumping up your bike tires is a quick and easy job. Here are some ways to figure out what kind of valve you have so you can pump appropriately. 

Compression-Type Tire Valve with Schrader O-Rings

Schrader valves are sometimes referred to as American valves or vehicle valves. A threaded valve core surrounds the valve stem, requiring a tool such as a pen cap or the thumbnail to push down on the stem. 

So, how much psi in a bike tire? When compared to their counterparts, the Presta and Woods valves, Schrader valves are noticeably shorter and wider in diameter. Common places to find them are automobiles, budget bicycles, & mountain bikes. To access the inner workings of a Schrader valve, one need only remove the rubber cover. 

Determine the correct PSI by consulting your tire manufacturer. 

The range will be printed in raised type on the front of the bike’s tires. If your PSI drops below the low number, you need to get it up; if it rises above the high number, that’s fine, but it’s not ideal. 

Figure out where a pump is. 

If you don’t have access to a pump, a service station, or a friend might be your next best bet. 

• If your tire uses a Schrader valve, you can fill it up at any gas station without an adapter. Tire pressure should be increased gradually, with each increment checked by the attendant. Tires can be easily popped by the high pressure of gas station pumps. 
• For the Schrader valve, use the larger opening on a bicycle pump. 
• When a Schrader valve is used with a smart pump with a single port, the pump will adjust itself automatically. 
• If the pump only has one port, you may need to flip a rubber stopper inside to accommodate a Schrader valve. Get the rubber stop by unscrewing the face cap. When using a Schrader valve, the wider end must be on the outside. 

Tire pressure should be increased. 

Remove the rubber cap from the valve & stow it away somewhere secure. You should take care not to misplace it. 

Simply attach the pump to the valve. If a nozzle has a lever, set it on the valve with the lever extended (parallel to the nozzle), then snap it into the closed state (perpendicular to the nozzle) to turn it on. It is important to monitor the PSI while you pump. 

To detach the pump, just raise the lever and replace the rubber plug in the valve as soon as possible. 

Tips 

• You should get a pump that works well for your needs. Most are of the stand-on form, which requires the user to remain stationary while the handle is raised and lowered. Some are smaller and more portable than others; these “mini” versions are marketed by a few different brands. 
• The valve caps must be carefully tracked. The valves can become clogged with dirt, making pumping more difficult, and air can escape more rapidly. 
• Verify the tire pressure after a few days and make sure they are still fitted correctly. You may need new tires or inner tubes if they are not. 
• Take a picture of your valve if you can’t tell what kind it is. To properly inflate your bike tire, you should bring this with you to the bike shop. 
• As the tire is being filled, make sure you check the pressure at regular intervals. Be cautious not to pump too much air into the tire, as this could cause it to burst; some modern bike pumps include a pressure gauge to help you avoid this. 
• In the absence of a pressure gauge on the pump, or if you’re just not sure, fill the tires until they’re firm but still give a little when squeezed. You’re probably right if you assume it’s finished. 

How much air pressure should I put in the tire? 

If you pinch the tire’s side walls together, you shouldn’t feel much give. About a half-inch or so of inward pressure should be possible on a mountain bike tire. Find the tire’s min and max pressures on the sidewall, then use the scale to determine the pressure that should be in the tire.