The Proper Way to Inflate a Bicycle Tire

Properly inflating a bike tire is the easiest cure-all to many bike problems. A bike's rolling efficiency can be boosted, and the bike's tire rims and other systems protected, by proper inflation.

  1. Checking Valves

    • Schrader valves are the same as those found in car tires. The alternative mass-market valve is the Presta valve, which is skinnier and allows for stronger tire rims and higher internal pressure.

      The first thing to do when inflating your tires is to check your valves. The majority of bicycles have the larger Schrader valves, and the majority of pumps are designed to fit these. Valves should be properly aligned, and the tire should not leak air. The valve caps are extraneous.

    Determining Desired Pressure

    • The internal pressure of a tire (measured in psi) is important when considering desired ground effect, the terrain and the tolerance range the inner tube can maintain. A higher psi minimizes friction against the ground and offers a more rigid barrier between tire rims and spokes and the ground. A somewhat more flexible psi may be desirable on uneven ground, such as when mountain biking, for better grip.

    Inflating and Maintaining Tires and Tire Pressure

    • Check your tires, brakes and other mechanisms before each ride for safety as well as to catch potential problems early.

      Floor pumps are the best way to inflate a tire, as they have built-in pressure gauges. Once you have inflated your tires, be sure to check them regularly both by pinch-testing the firmness of the tire as well as using a pressure gauge to double-check. Optimally, test before each ride.