How to Inflate a Racing Bike Tire

Before you attempt to inflate your racing bike tire, you need to know what kind of valve you have to work with. The valve is the cylinder-like rubber or metal piece that sticks out from the tire. There are two types of valves that you may encounter. Schrader valves are the most common valve type on a bicycle. These are the same type of valve found on your car tire. Presta valves are slightly different than Schrader valves because they are narrower and the cap is screwed into, not over, the valve tip. This will help you to choose a replacement tube.

Things You'll Need

  • Bike tire pump that fits both valve types
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unscrew the valve cap off the tip of the valve by twisting it counterclockwise until the cap can be pulled off the valve. Briefly press the tip of a Presta valve to make sure it is open.

    • 2

      Place the pump nozzle on the open valve tip, so that the valve tip fits inside the pump nozzle. Make sure the pump nozzle lever is perpendicular to the air hose coming off the pump. If you have a Presta valve, use the smaller hole on the nozzle. If you have a Schrader valve, use the larger hole on the nozzle.

    • 3

      Push the pump nozzle onto the valve until you cannot push it any further. Push the lever on the pump nozzle down, making it parallel with the air hose coming off the pump. This locks the pump nozzle onto the valve for easier inflation.

    • 4

      Stand the pump up and grip each side of the handle with your hands. Place your feet on the legs of the pump to hold it in place while pumping.

    • 5

      Pull the handle upwards until it stops and push the handle down to the pump. You will hear the air being pumped as you push down on the pump handle. Keep pumping air into your tire until is it as full as you would like it. Pull the nozzle lever back (perpendicular with the air hose) and pull the nozzle off the valve. Replace the valve cap.