How to Fill a Bike Tire With Valve Extenders

Performance oriented road bikes sometimes include a pair of aerodynamic wheels. These wheels feature a deep, narrow rim that allows the wheels to slice through wind more effectively. The rim includes a small opening through which the tire valve passes. Unfortunately, the deep rim can obscure the valve, making inflation of the tire all but impossible. A valve extender attaches to the end of the valve, allowing for unimpeded access to the valve.

Things You'll Need

  • Teflon tape
  • Bicycle pump
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Rotate the wheel so that the valve is at the top. Push the section of tire just above the valve to force the head of the valve as far out of the valve hole in the rim as possible.

    • 2

      Unscrew the nut at the tip of the valve. The nut is not removable, but rather threads in and out. Thread the nut out as far as it will go.

    • 3

      Wrap a section of Teflon tape four times clockwise around the end of the stem. The tape should overlap the end of the stem, allowing it to form an airtight seal between the stem and extender.

    • 4

      Thread the extender onto the end of the valve, and tighten. Mash the tape tightly around the valve and extender.

    • 5

      Attach a bicycle pump head to the tip of the valve extender. Use the pump to inflate the tire to its normal recommended pressure. The recommended tire pressure is printed on the sidewall of the tire close by the valve.