How to Put Air in New Bike Tire Valves

Like other vehicles using traditional pneumatic tires, bicycle tires feature a valve that is used to introduce air into the tire. The valve is part of the inner tube, the rubber diaphragm inside the tire that gives the tire its shape. After a new inner tube or tire is installed, some caution should be used when introducing air into the valve. An inner tube that becomes pinched between the tire and the rim will puncture either during the inflation process or later when the bicycle is on the road. Inflating the tire properly helps prevent these punctures.

Things You'll Need

  • Presta valve adapter (as needed)
  • Bicycle pump
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unscrew the cap from the tire valve. Set the cap aside.

    • 2

      Observe the tip of the valve to determine the type of valve. A bicycle tire will use one of two types of valves. Presta valves have a nut at the tip that threads in and out. Schrader valves do not have a nut and are comparatively wider. Before attaching a pump head to a presta valve, first unthread the nut from the valve.

    • 3

      Place the pump head onto the head of the valve. If the pump head is too large for the presta valve, a presta valve adapter is required. The adapters are readily available at bike shops and simply screw on to the head of the valve.

    • 4

      Lock the pump head in place, by closing the arm on the side of the head.

    • 5

      Check the side of the tire for recommended tire pressure. Minimum and maximum figures are given. The tire can be safely inflated within this range.

    • 6

      Operate the pump to introduce air into the tire. After three or four pumps, observe both sides of the tire to see if any inner tube is visible between the tire and rim. If the inner tube is visible, use a finger to carefully force the inner tube back beneath the tire.

    • 7

      Continue adding air until proper tire pressure is achieved. Bicycle pumps normally have a pressure gauge near the foot of the pump.

    • 8

      Open the arm on the side of the pump head and quickly remove the head from the tire valve. If a presta valve adapter was required, remove the adapter. Screw the nut back down onto the presta valve.

    • 9

      Screw the cap back onto the valve to protect the head of the valve.