Fill up those tires!!

[Kalidurga]

Ugh, I learned the hard way that you need to check tire pressure before every ride. I had never had a bike with Presta valves before this year and had no clue about how they work. After about a month with the new bike, I had two rides in a row on which I thought my legs were just made of lead. One ride was just two miles up to the store and back, and I seriously wondered what was wrong with me! Then I got the weekly RoadBikeRider e-newsletter, which serendipitously enough had an article about using Presta valves. Eureka! It wasn't my legs at all, it was that I hadn't pumped up the tires properly! Made all the difference in the world (and I'm probably lucky I didn't end up with a pinch flat). Now, if I were just smart enough to apply what I learned about low pressure and rolling resistance on my bike to my car tires, I'd be in really good shape...

Bruno, those Presta valves are a bit temperamental. I have a floor pump and I still end up having to remove and attach the valve head a few times to get it lined up properly. If it's not aligned you'll get that feeling that the pump won't budge, but it's definitely not because the tire's full.

run it, it seems that most pumps these days have valve heads for both Schrader and Presta valves. If yours doesn't, you can probably get a Presta attachment from the LBS. After removing the valve cap, there's a little bit of metal near the tip of the valve that unscrews. You should turn it to the point that it's at the tip of the valve stem. Then, gently push the tip of the stem in and listen for a release of air. Your valve stem is then primed and ready. Sheldon Brown, bless him, has pictures of this: Presta Valve Stem.

[Bruno28]

Bruno, those Presta valves are a bit temperamental. I have a floor pump and I still end up having to remove and attach the valve head a few times to get it lined up properly. If it's not aligned you'll get that feeling that the pump won't budge, but it's definitely not because the tire's full.

I see what you mean about it being easier to pump when it's 'lined up'....but I'm not sure what I'm lining up with what??? Maybe I just think about things too much.

[DebW]

Presta valves can be sticky. Sometimes you have to hit the pin a couple times and let a little air out before the pump can put air in. And try to keep the pump chuck perpendicular to the rim. Moving the pump around on the floor until things line up is often helpful.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I think on Presta valves, after you unscrew the little dohicky and it is all the way at the end of the piin, you are SUPPOSED to press it in a bit to let a LITTLE air out before attaching the pump to it. I was told this "opens" the Presta valve and makes it unstick and ready to accept the pump valve. Note: it can be a bit startling the first time when the air shoots out on your finger, but after that you expect it.

[Kalidurga]

I see what you mean about it being easier to pump when it's 'lined up'....but I'm not sure what I'm lining up with what???

I'm guessing that what happens is that the valve stem can get knocked crooked if the pump chuck (thanks DebW, I wasn't sure what that's called) isn't put on just right, which would probably inhibit airflow. You do have to prime the valve, as DebW and Lisa S.H. described, but gettin' that chuck just right is always an issue for me.

Re: Proper tire pressure for thin road tires-- Does anyone here have access to the RoadBikeRider article archives? I seem to recall an e-newsletter a few months ago that talked about keeping road bike tires inflated to 85-90psi, regardless of what was recommended. I may have to pay for a membership and see if I can find that article. The guy made some interesting comments.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I've also heard that one should occasionally replace the rubber end on the Presta pump vavle- that it does wear with use and won't form a good seal after a lot of use.

[DebW]

I've also heard that one should occasionally replace the rubber end on the Presta pump valve- that it does wear with use and won't form a good seal after a lot of use.

It's just a rubber grommet and easy to replace. I've had them last 10-20 years however. Also if your pump head just screws down on the grommet, it makes a difference how tightly you screw it down. Too tight and the hole in the grommet gets smaller and may hold the valve open even when you're not pumping so that all the air leaks out. Too loose it may not seal well. If you're having trouble with your pump seal, try tightening or loosening the chuck head over the grommet.

[Kano]

Okay, so these presta valves sound icky. too much fiddling. I think I might be more apprehensive about these than I was about the pedals!

Do they make such thing as road bike tires/wheels with schrader valves?

Karen in Boise

[Kalidurga]

Okay, so these presta valves sound icky. too much fiddling. I think I might be more apprehensive about these than I was about the pedals!

In spite of how we've made it sound, Presta valves really are not that bad. I probably take off and re-align the pump head/chuck/thingie two or three times to get it right. Takes maybe one extra minute of fiddling. Based on what Lisa and Deb just posted, though, I'm thinking I need to do a little inspection on my pump valve.

[Dogmama]

Re: Proper tire pressure for thin road tires-- Does anyone here have access to the RoadBikeRider article archives? I seem to recall an e-newsletter a few months ago that talked about keeping road bike tires inflated to 85-90psi, regardless of what was recommended. I may have to pay for a membership and see if I can find that article. The guy made some interesting comments.

I inflate mine to 120 (road bike.) I think 85-90 is WAY too low. You risk snake bite flats - where the tube gets caught between the tire and the rim. The holes appear like snake bites - or so I'm told - I can never find the %#$&^ holes in my tubes (as mentioned on another thread.)

A higher psi = less rolling resistance = easier to pedal. I'm 52 years old tomorrow, so I need all the help I can get!

[rivergrl]

I was told by my LBS that 110 is what I should do for my road bike (Giant OCR1) and I should do 80-85 for my comfort bike (Giant Sedona). The valve on the road bike was a bit weird at first but after I let the air out by accident a few times I got the hang of it. Now I know to put the floor pump on it with the lever down and THEN lift up quickly to start pumping!

I also had to quickly clip out yesterday but I did it! I have had a fear of being put in a situation where I HAD to clip out quickly. I'm always aware to slow down while crossing a road and to get my left foot ready to clip out and yesterday I had to do it. I never assume someone sees me or is going to stop to let me cross. I always assume they won't stop instead of assuming they will. Mentally that helps me prepare somewhat.

[Kalidurga]

Found it: www.roadbikerider.com:The Case for Lower Tire Pressure.

In my case, 85-90psi is just right for the tires on my 'cross bike. But I did find this interesting and Uncle Al's opinions might give the true roadies out there some food for thought (and conversation).

[eclectic]

Found it: www.roadbikerider.com:The Case for Lower Tire Pressure.

In my case, 85-90psi is just right for the tires on my 'cross bike. But I did find this interesting and Uncle Al's opinions might give the true roadies out there some food for thought (and conversation).

Interesting article thanks for sending it along

only 1000-1500 miles per tire?
What do the rest of you get?

I have 1650 miles on since april and and 2200 on since I bought the bike (Specialized Sequoia road bike) last year and am still on the original tires. And I know there are more miles left on them.
I must admit though they are all condition tires, not racing or thin ones. I keep them between 110 and 120 psi for regular rides