How to Use a Presta Valve Pump

Presta valves are a relatively new revolution in cycling. Presta valves are located in the valve stems of some mountain bike and road bike tubes. Presta valves are essentially a needle valve with a screw in stop. Whereas the typical "Schrader valve" found in most bicycle tubes is relatively hard to open unless you have a special tool, the Presta valve is opened and closed by hand without tools. However useful the Presta valve is, it does take a special pump in order to pump air into the tube. Learning how to use that pump can be troublesome at first, but with a little practice can be second nature.

Things You'll Need

  • Presta pump
  • Bicycle wheel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lean the bicycle up against a wall or tree, or have a friend steady it while you work on the tire. Rotate the tire until the Presta stem is located at the 12 o'clock position and pointed straight down toward the ground.

    • 2

      Unscrew the tiny nut on top of the Presta valve and depress the needle with your finger to open the valve. Slide the pump head over the valve stem, flip the pump head lever up, and start pumping.

    • 3

      Pump up and down on the pump shaft until the desired tire pressure is reached and then quickly depress the pump head lever and pull the pump head off of the valve stem. Screw down the stop nut and put a cap on the valve. Repeat steps 1 to 3 for the other tire if needed.

    • 4

      Check the tension of the valve mounting screw on the lower portion of the valve stem to make sure that it is good and tight.