Written By: Jonathan
Fact Checked By: Caroline Dezendorf
Reviewed By: Matt Tanner
Have you ever noticed that when you start riding a bike you feel like you are dragging a mattress behind you?
There are high chances that your bicycle’s tire running low on air: and yes, this actually makes that more difference than you might think.
As properly inflated tires can literally increase your pedaling efficiency by up to 15%.
That is the reason that many cyclist check their tires time-to-time, but not all the bicycle have same valve, as you need to be aware of that different bikes use different valves such as Presta and Schrader.
Presta has been in use since the 1890s, which means it is older than sliced bread, and was used for skinny bike rims back when mountain bikes were a thing.
In this guide of How to Put Air in a Bicycle Tire, we will explain it all in detail, so that there will be no confusion left, and you can pump up those flatten tires in the right way.
Why Proper Tire Inflation Matters More Than You Think
The focus on gears, brakes or the latest gadgets is good, but if your bicycle tires are not properly inflated, then it doesn’t matter how many gadgets and accessories you have.
As air pressure plays a surprisingly big role in the smooth running of a bicycle, let’s break down how to correct tire PSI makes a difference in the real world.
1. Ride Comfort
For the maximum comfort during the ride, your bicycle tires need right pressure, as too much air can give you feeling of every bump and crack in the road.
And too little is also the problematic, because then you’ll feel heavy as it absorbs more energy with each pedal stroke than normally.
So maintaining the right kind of tire pressure is important for having the perfectly comfortable ride.
2. Tire Lifespan
Yes, correct PSI has this benefit too, as over-inflation causes the center portion of your tire to wear out faster, leading to premature replacement, so avoid over-inflating.
Additionally, under-inflation of tires should also be avoided as this causes the tire sidewall to bend excessively, which weakens the tire over time and can cause the sidewall to burst.
3. Speed and Efficiency
So with the right PSI, your bicycle tires rotate more efficiently, which means it reduces drag and helps you maintain speed with minimal effort.
And in a study done by Bicycle Rolling Resistance they found that when tire pressure was just 10 PSI lower than the recommended pressure for their particular bicycle, performance dropped by over 20%, which was a clear revelation.
4. Safety
This is also important from a safety point of view, as inflated tires reduce traction and can also lead to sudden tire bursts, especially when you are driving over potholes and other objects.
Therefore, tire pressure must be kept within the recommended limits to guarantee safety in handling, braking and proper cornering.
Tools You Need to Inflate Your Bicycle Tire
| Tool | Description | Best For | Pro Tip / Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor Pump | You basically need a long, sturdy pump with a wide base and a long hose. This often includes a pressure gauge as well. | You can use it for household use, routine maintenance | It delivers high volume with virtually no effort, and is perfect for quick, complete inflation. |
| Mini Pump | It’s a compact, portable hand pump that fits in a bag or attaches to your frame. | The mini pump can be used during emergencies, travel and long journeys. | Yes, it takes more time to inflate tires, but it’s necessary for roadside repairs. |
| CO2 Inflator | It is a small device that uses a CO2 cartridge to instantly inflate tires. | This can be used on race day, used in time-sensitive flats. | The CO2 inflator can easily inflate a tire with a cartridge that is equivalent to a full tire (usually). But not reusable like a pump. |
| Tire Pressure Gauge | It measures accurate PSI so you can inflate tires correctly. It is available in either analog or digital. | It provides accuracy and performance tuning. | It is used by pro mechanics who use digital gauges accurate to 0.1 PSI for pro-level tuning. |
| Valve Adapter | The valve adapter actually converts between Presta and Schrader valves for pump compatibility. | This virtually switches the pump/valve type accordingly. | You can put it in your saddle bag, it weighs nothing but it saves your trip. |
How to Put Air in a Bicycle Tire: Guide
In this step-by-step guide you will learn all about how to easily inflate your bicycle tires, and what you should check before filling them with air.
Step 1: Identify Your Valve Type
There are two typed bicycle tire valves are available so you need to first identify the valve of your bicycle before anything else.
So check for valve as there are basically two types of main valves are found on bicycles such as Presta and Schrader.
Presta valve
When you see a long and narrow valve it means it’s Presta, as it’s found on road bikes and high-performance bicycles.
Apart from this, it also has a small locking nut on the top, which requires you to unscrew it before letting air in or out.
And Presta valves were originally made for narrow rims and high pressure tires which makes them lighter in weight than others.
Also, they have a slim shape but are designed to handle a lot of pressure, often you will see pressures above 100 PSI.
So you need a pump with a Presta-compatibility head or just use a valve adapter if you only have a Schrader compatible head.
Schrader Valve
You can find it on car tires, as the Schrader valve looks short, wide, and sturdy.
It is typically found on most mountain bikes, kids bikes, and hybrid bikes.
You can easily inflate Schrader valves at gas stations or with general-purpose air pumps, as they are very compatible with standard nozzles.
It comes with a spring loaded core, which means you don’t need to do any unlocking, so simply remove the cap and you’re ready to inflate the tire.
Step 2: Check the Recommended PSI
If you have identified the type of valve you have, the next step is to make sure you know how much air your tire actually needs so you don’t have to guess when filling your tires with air.
Don’t guess this, as each tire is designed to operate within a specific air pressure range, usually found on the sidewall of the tire.
Something like: “Recommended pressure: 40-60 PSI”
So 40 to 60 PSI is the safe zone which means you should not go above 60 PSI as it can blow out your tire and below 40 PSI is also not recommended as it can tear up your tire badly.
| Bike Type | Recommended PSI Range | Advantages of Proper Inflation |
|---|---|---|
| Road Bikes | 80–130 PSI | This reduced rolling resistance for higher speeds and provided improved efficiency on smooth pavement. |
| Mountain Bikes | 30–50 PSI | It improves grip and traction over rough terrain and also enhances shock absorption and control. |
| Kids Bikes | 20–40 PSI | It provides a safer, more comfortable ride and is easier to handle even for lighter riders. |
NOTE: You should always check the tire sidewall for the manufacturer’s recommended PSI range so you don’t have to ask or adjust them to find the correct PSI.
Step 3: Prepare the Pump
No, you need to know two things – the type of valve and the recommended PSI for your tires so you can inflate them correctly.
Follow these steps to safely inflate your tires.
1. Unscrew the Dust Cap
Simply remove the plastic or metal duct cap from your valve, as this small cap protects your valve from exposure to dirt and moisture.
Don’t lose it, as you will need to take it off before you can fill the tire with air, so take care as this is important.
2. Open the Valve
Presta Valve: Now, gently open the small brass tip located at the top of it, then press it slightly to release a small burst of air, as this ensures that it is not stuck and it is now ready to be fully inflated.
Schrader Valve: Just make sure the lid is open and the valve is clean and you’re ready to go, you don’t need to unlock anything else.
3. Attach the Pump Head Securely
Now, simply align the head of the pump with the valve and press it firmly, as most modern pumps have a lever or locking mechanism, you will need to lock the head in place.
Tip: Some pumps come with dual heads: one side for Presta, and the other side for Schrader, so you need to use an internal switch or adapter and make sure you’re using the correct configuration for your valve.
4. Pump to Desired PSI
Just start pumping steadily, and keep an eye on the pressure gauge if your pump has one.
Start inflating the tire until you reach the recommended PSI for your bicycle type, and the CO2 inflator requires you to monitor it closely because it inflates the tire quickly.
5. Remove the Pump Carefully
If you have reached the correct pressure, simply unlock the pump head and remove it gently, taking care not to shake it or apply force.
You need to be careful when removing the valve, especially with Presta ones, as it can easily get bent or broken.
Finally, you can close the Presta valve by placing the brass tip back in the same place where it was before, and make sure it is cleaned and sealed properly.
Conclusion
So filling air in your bicycle tire may seem simple and child’s play, but you have to do it carefully and taking into account all the details.
Because it can improve your ride quality, increase tire life and also provide you a safer ride.
As long as you have the right knowledge and tools, you’ll never have a punctured tire.
So no matter whether you are preparing for a weekend ride or a long-distance journey, the first thing you need to do is to get properly inflated tires installed on your bicycle for a smooth riding experience.
FAQ’s on How to Put Air in a Bicycle Tire
Q1: How often should I check my bike tire pressure?
Answer: If you are serious about performance and drivability you should check before every trip, otherwise you should check at least weekly.
Q2: What PSI should I use for a more comfortable ride?
Answer: Reduce the PSI by between 5 and 10 PSI below the maximum recommended PSI for your bicycle tires, and you can reduce it even further if you plan to cycle on rough roads.
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Jonathan, the passionate owner of Bicycle Time, brings a lifelong love for bikes and automotive craftsmanship, that reflects into every corner of the shop. With deep passion in both cycling and automotive accessories, Jonathan is more than just an expert.