have never pumped a tire properly. HELP

[Mr. Bloom]

I pump mine to 140psi...and the next day, they're 110.

[tantrumbean]

That's ok then, it's clearly not just me!!!

[Grog]

That's ok then, it's clearly not just me!!!

Definitely not.

On my road bike, the front tire loses about 10 psi overnight after pumping to 100, and the back tire only about 3-4 psi (same starting point). The front tire's tube seems to have a problem with it.

Even if I pump them to 110, it's pretty much the same result after a day or two.

I am not heavy (120 lbs) but I just can't ride my road bike on tires with pressure under 90 psi. It's pretty around here and tire pressure makes a world of difference.

[sundial]

Another observation, do road bikes lose pressure in the tyres faster than mtb?

Mtb tubes are usually heavier and hold air longer.

Oh the joys of pumping up the volume. I once sat alongside a trail trying to use my Blackburn pump on my mtb tire and broke the presta valve clean off. It continued to hold air but I learned to rethink hand pumps on the trail.

Then there are those darn floor pumps that don't want to latch on correctly. Or leak air. Or don't pump easily.

I use a Specialized floor pump that automatically fits both presta and schrader valves. I also have a small air compressor to air up my tires and that's the easiest and quickest method. I use it to air up my tubeless tires when I am converting them to Stan's.

[inatree]

That's OK, mine is slightly higher...and I can't get it right either Then I think I get it right and voile - I pull the stem out of the tube!

that makes me feel better.

[inatree]

Normal (well, for us small ladies). I typically have to use my whole body to get the last 20-25psi in my tires (road or mountain, though mainly road). Yes, this means looking ridiculous as I lean over the pump and lift my feet off the ground so all my body weight is on it. You are not alone.

Your pump should be making your life easier by getting a good seal though (you shouldn't hear air escaping). May really be your pump, take it with you to the shop next time and see if they can help you get it to work with yours (rather than their $175 models that, while very very nice, aren't practical for us mere mortals )

Edited for story to make you feel better (or at least not alone):

Two years ago in a bike shop very close to you (Sunnyvale, CA) I was shopping for a mountain bike. A nice young salesman gladly pulled the XXS version out of storage in the back, of course with two flat tires. He then proceeded to try to get a good enough seal to fill the first tire for 10 minutes before finally conceding and sulking off embarrassed to get his manager to help. It then took the manager 5 more minutes to get a seal. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! (and yes, I've done the same thing too, finally threw the darned pump (mini pump) against the wall and broke it for good....good riddance!!)

omg this makes me feel a lot better too.

[inatree]

well, i didn't want to show myself around here again until i figured this thing out...and i kind of sort of did.

i decided to keep riding more often so i wouldn't have to pump as much. this worked out in that i figured out how to briefly pump my tires to a good enough pressure without any drama. then i got a flat. still not sure how i did this since i just changed it and inspected the tire and the tube and couldn't really find any sort of hole or tear that i could see in the area where the puncture is. it's been a long time since my last flat so it took me a while to refresh my memory, and successfully completed the task until....the dreaded tire pumping issues resurfaced. i wasn't apprehensive this time and figured it would go smoothly since i was proud of myself for changing the flat without issue. (after not being able to push a bike pump handle all the way down you will be proud of things like this) i then proceeded to pump the tire up and could not get above 60 psi, which doesn't feel like enough. i have tried and tried and tried and can't get it above 60. i weigh 110 lbs but i think i should have at least 80 in there.

i'm not going anywhere today but maybe if i try tomorrow i will be able to get it to 80. i had to stop because i wore myself out

[cylegoddess]

I totally understand! I dont have anyone to help me either. Im small, and dont weigh much, and also have a illness that makes it almost impossible to do some stuff too.
My pump( joe blow sprint) was 69 aus.I know its alot.I had to get it after having crap pumps, one after another, they broke or leak or dont work.
It took me ( and I had some help) to change the tire, a whole HOUR.
I cant get the tube on the rim!
But bought the pump. Lost air quite a few times and had major embarrassment when I called the shop to say, it wont work!( Turns out I had turned the clip that secures the nozzle, to presta( if thats the one that doesnt have the screw on valve, like cars. I have the screw on valve ones).
Sometimes its almost impossible to get air in those tires, without needing a rest! I do need pushups, if I could only get over shoulder problems!
Im so paranoid about flats, that every time I go thru glass, I stop and pick the bits off the tire( no blow outs yet but one! In a year).
My tires are pumped to 120( 0n a strong day) and they leak air also.
The pump is great though. I have a small one for gas, but had to practice a bit. Its just too hard on road to use small pump( and its a good one with gauge and flip out stand bit and unfolding handle). So I have a inexpensive pump( that fits in backpack) for gas and little pump for flats, in case I screw up the gas(!) and use Joe Blow at home.
I hope it gets easier. I lose air from tires, about every three times.Your not alone, and I feel for you!

[RolliePollie]

Great thread! Isn't it crazy that putting air in a tire causes all of us so much grief?!?!

I used to always have bloody gashes all over my knuckles from hitting my spokes when I fought to pull the pump off the valve. It would suddenly release and wham, another bloody gash. So I have a thick fleece winter glove that I put on before I pull the pump off. But I don't carry the glove with me on the bike, so this is only for at-home tire pumping.

My LBS gave me a great tip for getting a good seal on a presta valve. Spit on the valve or into the pump...yes, this is gross, but I swear it helps. I'm sure you could also use water. It seems to help the rubber gasket inside the pump seal to the valve.

[featuretile]

I have a Planet Bike floor pump. It costs $26.49 on Amazon. Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-10...8964041&sr=8-1
It has both presta and schraeder options. I am a small woman and have no problems pumping up my tires. I have no relation to Planet Bike, but I like their products and philosophy. I think they started off in a garage and make quality products at reasonable prices, and donate some of their money to bike causes. Don't let low tires stop you from biking!

[mekira]

This is a great thread I usually totally deflated my tires before I can get them pumped I'm also small and getting them pumped to 110 is hard. I'm going to try getting some air out before I pump to see if it helps....

[spazzdog]

WE should have a NoCal TE pump party...

Meet in a parking lot somewhere and each person demonstrate our tire inflating method... then set the whole thing to music and submit it to you-tube.

I have a floor pump with the dealies you stand on (so the pump doesn't travel). When I pump I end up doing these wacked out plee-ays (ballet help here) because my legs are long and the pump is short.

I'm 125 lbs and pump to psi 130... unless its wet outside.

spazz

(the champion of dumb questions )