Fill up those tires!!

[Bruno28]

How DO you inflate/deflate via presta valves? Do you need a special pump attachment?

Gee - this is the first time I've given advice on these forums!

Well, you undo the little brass nut at the top of the valve (it will be screwed part way down). You think you are going to let the air out of the tyre - but you won't. if you press the little brass pin like thing sticking out of the valve this will let out a little air and show the valve is working.

Most pumps have a presta valve setting which is basically a rubber washer with the smallest dimension hole of all the variations avaiable on the pump adaptors. You then put the pump on the valve to the bit where theres a smooth, unthreaded ridge. Then you pump til you feel like you are about to explode and wonder if you should swallow your pride and ask your male neighbour for help.

ONe tip - when attaching the pump to the valve, the lever on the pump acts the opposite way to a car pump - you attach it with the lever down and flick it up to lock it on the valve. I spent ages trying to attach the pump when it was locked shut at the opening to let the air into the tyres.

I'm sorry if this has confused you even more but I'm not very technical.

Just noticed kalidurga has explained this more succinctly - but you can have the benefit of my experience anyway!

BTW I'm glad it's not just me - I thought these Presta things had arrived in the thirty years since I last cycled but seems they are a relatively recent thing.

PS my bike shop never thought to mention the presta thing to me either.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It's really good to have a floor pump with a pressure gauge dial and a little "wing" stand that you put your feet/foot on to steady- keep that pump in your garage or wherever you keep your bike. That's the pump you'll mostly use to pump up before you ride. It shouldn't be that difficult to pump the pressure up on it.

The smaller portable pump is the one you take with you for flats- that's the one that it can be a bit harder to get the pressure up by pumping with your hand. It may not have a gauge. It can be compact, might telescope, or you can attach it to under your top tube, or along your frame parallel to your water bottle cage.

[caligurl]

i don't run my tires at 120 either.... i run them at 100.... cushier ride!

[Bikingmomof3]

I check my tires every day, before I ride. My tires always need some air. I have presta valves, but I am uncertain of the question as I have not encountered any difficulty with the valves-granted I have only know presta valves, so I am missing information.

[bcipam]

Something I learned long ago... before every ride, I check my tires. The hand pressure test is just not accurate espceially if you run your tires at 100 psi like I do. Properly inflated tires will prevent pinch flats and other problems plus the bike will roll better. I have a floor pump I keep inthe garage and another is kept in the car so no excuses! Also... and yes I learned this the hard way... always remember to tighten up the stem valve after filling your tires.

[Running Mommy]

yep! Like everyone else.. The one time I said to myself "ehh.. my tires feel ok" is the time I got my first pinch flat! Never again!

[eclectic]

My LBS guy told me to keep them inflated not only to prevent pinch flats but also to save the rims.

I inflate to 120 on a normal basis, 110 on a hot day and 100 on a wet day.

I too check my tires every time as part of my preride ritual

[Bruno28]

I have not encountered any difficulty with the valves-granted I have only know presta valves, so I am missing information.

The problem is I was used to 'normal' valves having only recently bought a serious bike. I think normal valves are now called shraeder valves and they are completely different. Or maybe you're just brighter than me!

[Bikingmomof3]

The problem is I was used to 'normal' valves having only recently bought a serious bike. I think normal valves are now called shraeder valves and they are completely different. Or maybe you're just brighter than me!

No, I seriously doubt my intelleigence has anything to do with my tire knowledge or lack there of. I have been on a bike for slightly over a month. So, my only tire knowledge comes from those tires. Until this thread I assumed all valves were the same. I do so enjoy it here, I learn so many new things every single day.