How to Inflate an Inner Tube

Bicycles perform best when the inner tube, the rubber balloon-like tube inside the tire, is properly inflated. When the inner tube is under-inflated, your bike may ride sluggishly and lack control. This can be frustrating and also dangerous. If your inner tube is overly inflated, you run a greater risk of popping it while riding. Inflating the inner tube is quite easy and doesn’t require any expert bicycle knowledge. If you don’t own an air pump, any bike shops or bike coops should have one for you to use.

Things You'll Need

  • Air pump
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check what kind of valve your tubes have. The valve allows you to inflate the inner tube using an air pump. Presta valves (aka French or needle valves) have a little screw that you turn counter clockwise before letting the air out. The more common Shrader valves do not have this screw and let air out when you press the little end of the air pump’s tube into the valve. Shrader valves are the same as car tire valves.

    • 2

      Remove the cap on the valve by unscrewing it. Your pump may have a hole for both Presta and Shrader valves, so just choose the one that fits your valve. The skinnier hole is for Presta valves while the larger hole is for Shrader valves. Flip open the lever lock on your pump if it has one. Press the pump onto the valve so that it covers about two thirds of the valve.

    • 3

      Start pumping air. Pump slowly and steadily to avoid popping or damaging the tube. Follow the tire manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure on the inside of the tire side wall. If your pump has a pressure gauge, watch it closely to monitor the pressure. Inflate the inner tube until it is firm and full but not bursting.