How do I put air in my Road Bike tire?

Question

I am new Road Biking and I got a new bike. I have the standard bike tire pump, but the it doesn't fit on my new Road Cycle. This probably sounds stupid to anybody that knows anything about road bikes, but do I need a special tool to put the air in the tires?

Answer 1

If you have presta or french valves you will need to loosen the little knob so you can get the valve to open (by pressing on it). Then you'll need either an adaptor (a buck or so from a bike shop) to make your valve fit your pump or a fitting to make your pump fit the valve.
You will probably need to pump it up higher than your used too. Around 100 psi. And a top every week or so. You will use your pump a fair bit so if your old pump is a bit dodgy invest in a newy.

Answer 2

Road Bike Tire Pump

Answer 3

First you don't need to unscrew the valve cap all the way. Simply back off a couple of turns and press it in to make sure it isn't frozen before putting on the pump head. When you pump air should go into the tube (if not you the valve isn't releasing ... go back to step one, or push the pump head on further). When you stop pumping and take off the pump head there should be a brief puff of compressed air as the valve closes preventing air escaping. You don't clearly say, but If the tube doesn't pump up you probably have a hole in the tube (presta valves often break away from the tube body where at the vase of the valve) ... so air never really fills the tube. If you are pumping up the tube with the tire in place it can be hard to see but it will sound like air is escaping around the tire bead. Depending exactly what is happening my guess is you have a faulty valve (tube pumps up but deflates when you stop pumping) or a hole in the tube (tube never gets hard even when you pump). Hope that helps.

Answer 4

You need a presta valve adapter. Bike pumps for schrader valves (what most traditional American bikes have) won't work. You can get one for very little money. I would buy two and just leave them on the presta valves.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BRASS-BIKE-BICYCLE-PRESTA-TUBE-ADAPTOR-TOOL-NEW_W0QQitemZ7228523297QQihZ015QQcategoryZ27953QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

The problem with purchasing an inexpensive Presta hand pump is that it will be nearly impossible to use a hand pump to obtain the PSI that your tires require (100 - 110 PSI). Best bet is to just get the adapters, then you can fill up at a gas station or from an air compressor at at home (or wherever).

Answer 5

No, you need either a Presta to Schraeder adaptor (about $1 at a bike shop) or a new pump that has a universal chuck, like many from Topeak.

Answer 6

if you have a standard tire pump you can get a converter in any local bike shop for 59 cents.

or, spend the $10 for a handheld road bike pump and have it handy wherever you go..

Answer 7

you might have a Presta valve. if you spent several hundred bucks o it then thats what it is. does it look thinner than a valve that you would see on a car tire? yes? - presta.

you need either a presta pump (around $30 or so) or a adapter (a few $) to use a standard pump. your choice, they both work fine.

Answer 8

Maybe it'san Avanti Valve. You can get a converter for $1 a bike store,or get a fitted pump.

Answer 9

If you have schrader valves, it's just like a car tire. If you have presta valves, you have to unscrew the top of the valve before you pump it up. Most modern frame pumps or floor pumps will work with either valve. If you're not sure, go to your local bike shop and they will be happy to assist you.

Answer 10

you need adaptor or a pump. check the side of the tyre if it says it needs more than 90 psi you will need a good quality pump (like over $30)