Stupid Question ahead - I suck at pumping up my tires!

[stacie13]

What am I doing wrong? It's my first time with those Presta valves and I have a floor pump which I use before every ride, but what is the trick to making it work? I go to push the pump down and it's like it's not on the valve right as the air seems stuck in the pump, won't go in. So I push the pump end into the valve more, still doesn't work. I even tried putting it on the valve lightly... what the heck? Ah, it's driving me NUTS!!!!

I'm getting a bit better though - the first time it took me 35 minutes to get going, and that was AFTER I completely flattened the rear tire.

[indysteel]

Are you unscrewing the nut all the way and pushing down on the valve to release a little bit of air first? Also, I have to make sure the pump is pressed down over the valve pretty firmly. Otherwise, the air just sort of leaks out.

And it's not a stupid question. Lots of people struggle with Presta valves.

[northstar]

Erm...

Thanks Stacie, for asking a question I should have asked a week ago. I had never seen a Presta valve when I bought my bike. The LBS guy told me I needed an adapter to pump the tires but I got home and hmmm...that's interesting...must be doing something wrong...

(Thanks indy. Going home to try again soon.)

[maillotpois]

The pump on the valve has to specifically fit Presta valves. Many pumps have two different valve openings, one for Presta and one for Schraeder.

[northstar]

Yeah...I wasn't unscrewing the little nut on top.

[Pedal Wench]

Also, presta valves are a little finicky about opening up. Releasing some air first helps - two short releases - and then pump some air. It might feel like it's not going in, but in a second, you'll hear a little 'click' as the valve opens. Then it's really easy to pump.

[Laterider21958]

I'm new to cycling and have had trouble with inflating tyres. I don't know what Presta valves are or look like. Can someone describe them please?

The valves on my bike are the same as those on my car. I've had trouble getting pumps to seal properly and it is frustrating when in the process the tyre deflates more. I've tried the useless handpumps that fit on the bike (3 different brands) and have actually had the handle of one fall off the top while in use. Have now got a large pump (the type held down with feet while using two hands to pump) which has a great guage, but recently had great difficulty getting air to go in and I suspect in the process of trying to get the thing to seal, used too much force. I later found a flat tyre and on investigation there was a small split in the tube right at the base of the valve. Is there a secret to inflating tyres? At the moment I am very wary when using pumps. It makes a quick job unnecessarily long sometimes.

[stacie13]

My pump is supposed to fit both kinds of valves, so I guess I'll keep trying. I have been releasing the little nut, but trying not to release air. I will try that 2 short bursts next time.

northstar - good to hear I'm not the only one!

[makbike]

Laterrider you have Schraeder valves on your bike. Presta valves are long and skinny with a tiny nut at the top.

[Kalidurga]

My pump is supposed to fit both kinds of valves, so I guess I'll keep trying.

Pumps designed for both valves usually have an adapter for one type, or you have to unscrew the pump head and either turn it around or remove something (depending on the pump). The manufacturer's website might explain what you need to do for your specific pump, or you could ask your LBS to show you which way yours needs to be set.

[Kano]

Laterrider you have Schraeder valves on your bike. Presta valves are long and skinny with a tiny nut at the top.

Kinda like most of the bikes with the presta valves: skinny with a nut at the top!

(not always a tiny nut)

Karen in Boise

[indysteel]

Here's a link with some pictures of presta valves (and a short explanation on how to use a valve adapter).

http://www.matthewsbikes.com/techcorner/prestavalve.htm

[Bklynmom]

This is some of the most helpful advice I've had in a long time. Today I actually correctly filled the tires on my road bike without mishap or frustration. Thanks for the instructions, and especially thanks to the woman who asked the question - I was too emarrassed to ask

Lisa

[stacie13]

My pump is supposed to work on both types of valves - a Serfas pump, looked it up online. And I just had my first fairly successful pumping session!

Lisa - glad I could share in the embarassment!

This is my pump:
http://www.serfas.com/pumps/FP-200_B.shtml

[Laterider21958]

My thanks to makbike, Kano and indysteel for their replies to my request. I now know much more about valves and how to use them.

It seems the pumps I have will adapt to either, and I have been using the correct connection. I think it must be my lack of technique that is causing the problems. I'll keep working on that.