How to Connect a Bike Pump

A flat bicycle tire can really ruin an otherwise great bike ride. Luckily, if you have a pump on hand, you can fill your tires with air and be biking again in no time. You can buy small hand pumps for bicycles that are easy to transport when riding and will quickly fix a flat tire when needed. Connecting the pump to the tire can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice, you'll be able to fill up your tire with air easily.

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle pump
Show More

Instructions

    • 1
      Tire valve

      Locate the tire valve on your bicycle tire.

    • 2

      Unscrew the cap on the tire valve. Place the cap in your pocket or somewhere else safe so that you won't lose it.

    • 3

      Locate the head of the bicycle pump. The head is the end of the pump that connects to the tire valve and pumps the air into the tire. It should be on the opposite end of the pump from the lever that pumps air.

    • 4

      Press the head of the pump firmly onto the tire valve. You may need to screw the head of the pump onto the tire valve, depending on the construction of the pump. Lock the head of the pump onto the tire valve if your pump is equipped with a lock.

    • 5

      Push and pull the pump handle until the tire is fully inflated. If your pump has a pressure gauge, check the suggested tire pressure number on the side of your tire and pump it until the gauge reads that number.

    • 6

      Disengage the pump by pulling it firmly off the tire valve or unscrewing the head, depending on the construction of the pump.

    • 7

      Re-screw the valve cap firmly onto the valve to prevent any further loss of air.