How to Use a Mini Pump

A time comes when every bicycle tire requires air. Mini pumps serve as the portable equivalent of floor pumps. Cyclists attach mini pumps to their bicycle frames or carry them in their jersey pockets or bags. The pump contains a head at one end and a handle at the other. Learning to use the pump at home prepares the cyclist to operate it on the road.

Things You'll Need

  • Valve adapter (if needed)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the bicycle wheel until the inner tube valve stem is at the top.

    • 2

      Note which design of valve stem the inner tube contains. Presta and Schrader valves are the two most common designs. A pump head designed for a Schrader valve may be too large to fit a Presta valve. In this instance, turn the nut on the end of the Presta all the way out, and then thread a valve adapter down onto the valve.

    • 3

      Press the mini pump head onto the valve. If the tire is entirely flat, use your other hand to press the top section of the tire down toward the rim to increase contact between the pump head and the valve.

    • 4

      Lock the thumb level to seal the mini pump head against the valve.

    • 5

      Grasp the mini pump handle with one hand and the body of the pump with the other. Pull the pump handle out, and then force it back in.

    • 6

      Repeat the pumping action until the tire feels firm enough to safely ride on. Unlock the thumb level and remove the pump. If necessary, unscrew the valve adapter and close the nut on the end of the valve.