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Whenever you’re about to go out for a ride, the first thing that you should do is check the tire pressure so that you don’t end up with a flat tire on your way. If your tire pressure is low or you have a flat tire, the first thing to do is get a bike pump to pump your bike tire.
Tires need the right amount of air in them so that they can function properly and you can ride your bikes safely. If you need to know how to use a bike pump to take care of your bike, we have all the details encased in this guide.
It’s quite straightforward to learn how to use a bicycle pump, and once you learn how to do so, you can maintain your bike regularly.
When using a bike pump, you have to put a few other items in your toolbox. You might need a pump frame, and it’s also important to have extra valves in your toolbox.
When you want to pump your bike tire, the first thing to do is to select the right kind of pump. There are different kinds of cycle pumps that you can choose from, with their different tube valves.
Bike pumps with a Presta valve are narrow and have a locking nut on the top to release or add air, while those with a Schrader valve are flat and wide on top. There are also bike pumps that fit Schrader and Presta simultaneously.
If you don’t know which bike pump to choose or how to use Presta bike pump, you should ask for recommendations from your local bike shop or ask the manufacturer of your bike to recommend pumps for you.
Before using the bicycle pump, you should prepare the valve. Check the manual of the cycle pump that you bought. The general process is to remove the plastic cap covering the valve and unscrew the locking nut on top. You can stop when you hear a bit of air coming out, then you can stop unscrewing it.
You might need a Presta valve for road bikes, Shrader valve, or a mountain bike valve depending on the type of bike you’re using.
The next thing that you need to do learning how to use a bicycle pump is figure out the tire pressure that you need for your bike. At the tire’s sidewall, you would see the pounds per square inch that is ideal for your tire type. The general pressure range for tire pumps goes from 80 to 130 pounds per square inch.
If it’s a mountain tire, it is usually between 25 and 50 pounds per square inch, then a hybrid tire is between 40 and 70. You would also have to consider your weight and riding style when choosing tire pressure.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pump up your bike tires with a floor bike pump like the GOBKO Bike Floor Pump so they’re ready to go for your next ride:
Alright, let’s start by taking off that pesky plastic cap that’s hiding the valve. Give it a gentle twist with your fingers and it should come right off. Just be sure to hold onto it so you don’t lose it!
Let’s move on to the next step! If your bike has a Presta valve, you’ll need to open it up before you can start pumping air in. Don’t worry, it’s easy! All you need to do is unscrew the valve a few turns using your fingers. If it’s a bit tight, you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers to give you a better grip. Once the valve is loose, simply press down on the top for a second to release it. And that’s it! You’re all set to start pumping up your tire. You can also use a valve adapter for your Schrader more precise bike pump fitting.
Now, it’s time to attach the pump nozzle to the valve. If you take a look at your floor pump, you’ll see two nozzle holes – one for a Schraeder valve and one for a Presta valve. Choose the nozzle that matches your valve and press it down firmly onto the valve until it fits nicely and snugly. Don’t worry if you hear a little hiss of air escaping from the tire – it’s totally normal and nothing to worry about. You’re almost ready to start pumping!
Awesome job! Now, let’s prep that pump for action. Take a moment to check out the pump – you’ll notice a little lever that needs to be set before you can start pumping away. This lever usually gets pulled up to a 90-degree angle. Keep in mind that some fancy pumps might have a lever that needs to be pushed in instead, so it’s always a good idea to review the instructions if you’re uncertain. Once that lever is set, you’re all set to start pumping up that tire!
Time to pump it up! Step on the base of the pump with both feet and grab onto the handles with both hands. Pull up and push down on the pump to start inflating your tire. Keep going until you reach the appropriate tire pressure, which you can check on the air gauge. Don’t worry if it takes a little while – you’re making progress!
Now it’s time to remove the nozzle from the valve. Push the pump lever back down to disengage it, and then carefully remove the nozzle from the valve. Don’t be alarmed if you hear a little hiss as some air may escape from the tire – that’s just a normal part of the process.
Last but not least, if your bike has a Presta valve, screw it back tightly to close it. And, remember to put back the dust cap you took off from the valve earlier. This is important to protect your valve from dust and other debris.
If you need a pump that you can add to your toolbox and carry with you wherever you go, a bike hand pump like the BV Mini Bike Pump would be a perfect fit. To know how to use a hand bike pump, follow the steps below:
So how to use a manual bike pump? As mentioned earlier, there are two types of valves, and this is also something you have to consider with your hand bike pump. If you know how to use a hand bike pump Schrader valve or Presta valve, it would be easy for you to pump any kind of tire that you want. You have to be sure of which valve it is to know how to use it.
You should also check the type of hand cycle pump that you are using. You should check whether the pump can be used with your valve or go for those that have interchangeable head adjustments in case you ever change the pump. You can check the manual of your hand bike pump in case you’re unsure.
Then, attach the hand bike pump with the valve on the tire so that you can pump. The way you connect it also depends on if you have a Presta or Schrader valve. For the latter, you will remove the cap from the valve and release the air. But with the former, you need to remove the nut first.
Once this is done, you can attach the pump head to the valve and ensure that it is tight enough to have no air coming out of it.
Once you attach the bike hand pump to your tire, the next thing is to put your back into it. Hold the pump with one hand while the pump handles the other, and push and pull it up and down. The tire would start inflating, and before you know it, it would inflate completely.
When taking care of your tire and while pumping it, you should consider important tips so that you don’t cause damage.
The main problems of a bike pump Trusted Source How to Troubleshoot a Bicycle Pump | Healthy Living How to Troubleshoot a Bicycle Pump. Bicycle pumps take a real beating. You force them, push on them, knock them around and take them everywhere with you on your bike, collecting all kinds of dirt and crud. It’s a wonder they work at all. Several reoccurring problems with bike pumps are usually simple to fix, and … healthyliving.azcentral.com might be that the tire valve is stuck or the pump fitting is broken. If this happens, you can fix it using the manual or replace it.
It’s more convenient to use a bike pump, but if you don’t have one, you can also use a C02 inflator or a compact compressed air inflator Trusted Source Essential equipment for a cyclist includes a floor pump in the garage and a road pump clipped to the bicycle frame or carried in a backpack. Bike shops inflate tires using an air compressor with a fitting and pressure gauge like the type found at service stations. For emergency situations on the road or at home, when no pump or air compressor is available, you can inflate bike tires quickly using a compact compressed air or C02 inflator designed for bicycles. www.livestrong.com to pump your bike tire.
By checking the manual of your bike, you would see whether the tire valve is Presta or Schrader. You can also call your manufacturer if you’re unsure.
Now you know how to use a bike tire pump. Once you’ve pumped your bike tires and kept them well-maintained, you can remove the pump and start to enjoy riding your bike. The bike would feel even better when the tires are newly pumped, giving you a fantastic experience.
