How to Inflate a Road Bicycle Tire

Proper tire inflation is paramount to cycling performance and safety. A poorly inflated tire can cause sluggish bike handling, increased rolling resistance and even tire blowouts resulting in crashes. Check your tires often and take care to inflate them properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Bike pump with Presta valve
Bike pump with Presta valve

Step 1

Choose the correct pump for your tires. Most road tubes use the Presta style of valve. These tall, thin valves are excellent for high-pressure inflation normally used by road tires. Select a pump with a Presta valve or adapter, accurate pressure gauge and a tall, thin body to handle high pressure inflation.

Step 2

Check your tires' recommended inflation pressure, normally located on the sidewall of each tire.

Step 3

Uncap the Presta valve and unscrew its locking nut. Press down on the valve stem once or twice to loosen it.

Step 4

Press the pump valve head onto the tire valve and secure its locking lever. Inflate the tire to its recommended pressure using the pump's pressure gauge as a guide.

Step 5

Unclamp the pump and remove it from the tire valve. Tighten the locking stem nut and recap the valve.

Resources

Article Written By Greg Johnson

Greg Johnson earned his Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from The Ohio University. He has been a professional writer since 2008, specializing in outdoors content and instruction. Johnson's poetry has appeared in such publications as "Sphere" and "17 1/2 Magazine."

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...