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

[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.

[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.

[GLC1968]

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

Stacie - I have that same pump. It's our 4th pump in 2 years because all the other ones we've tried had issues. So far, this one is great though!

There is no adapter...both types of valves fit into the opening and work on the fly. You do have to get the hang of getting the skinny presta valves in the opening correctly. I've been using it for months and I still occasionally get it on where no air goes in. When that happens, start over. Use a firm hand, but don't jam it on there. Keep practicing and you'll get it!

[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.