have never pumped a tire properly. HELP

[tantrumbean]

I start struggling when I get to about 90psi on mine - have to lean really hard on my track pump to get the last 10 or so in, if I didn't use a track pump, I'd never manage it. But, I have found letting some air out before starting to pump really helps, it seems to open up the valve and it goes in much easier after that.

[OakLeaf]

But, I have found letting some air out before starting to pump really helps, it seems to open up the valve and it goes in much easier after that.

+1

Just press the valve lightly to break the seal, you don't have to let a lot of air out.

[Eden]

The pump you are using can make a huge, huge difference - and its not necessarily that the more expensive the pump the better.... we had a fancy, schmancy Italian Silca that I hated with a passion. It was fickle and took 3 hands and more than my entire body weight to operate. We have a Joe Blow now and other than the little rubber gasket on the head really needing replacing it is great - I can even get my TT bike tires up to 140 psi without having just pumping up the tires being an adequate warm up....

[Biciclista]

I also have a Joe Blow standup pump and once you get things going right, I can pump and pump! and i'm puny too.

[canonsue]

I have a suggestion that might work.

A portable electric compressor (like this.

And then a presta to schrader valve adapter for about $2.00.

Now, I have not tried this yet, even though I always carry one of these adapters in case I want to use my compressor instead of my bicycle pump. You would also need some kind of gauge.

[Trekhawk]

The pump you are using can make a huge, huge difference - and its not necessarily that the more expensive the pump the better.... we had a fancy, schmancy Italian Silca that I hated with a passion. It was fickle and took 3 hands and more than my entire body weight to operate. We have a Joe Blow now and other than the little rubber gasket on the head really needing replacing it is great - I can even get my TT bike tires up to 140 psi without having just pumping up the tires being an adequate warm up....

Hey it seems that we have the same pumps and the same feelings about both of them. The Silca only gets used by my husband I hate it. My problem with this pump is that once it is attached I can never seem to get it off. If I don't push it on as hard air comes out when I pump. It is just so much easier to use the Joe Blow with the lever then I have no disconnecting issues.