Difficulty
Very Easy
How to inflate your bike tyres
Inflating bicycle tyres is a simple task once you know how. Follow these steps to master this essential skill
James Howell-Jones
Junior Writer
Pumping up the tyres on your bike is a basic skill that every cyclist needs to know. With a couple of pointers, it's a simple task that anyone can do.
You can use both a small 'mini pump', or a larger 'track pump' for this job. A pocket-sized mini pump is great for when you're out on a ride, but track pumps are much quicker and easier, so it's worth investing in one, even if you just ride around town.
Tyre pressure, how hard you pump up the tyres, is individual, and depends on your weight and the width of your tyres, as well as the kind of riding you're doing. Find the right pressure for you using one of the many tyre pressure calculators on the internet, like this one from Silca.
Read more:
Tools Needed
Step 1
Get the right pump
When choosing a bike pump, ideally you want to get two – a small pump to carry when you’re out riding and a proper track pump with a gauge to keep at home. It's easier to keep your tyres properly inflated with a track pump and it’s always a good idea to check your pressures before setting off on a ride.
Step 2
What kind of valve?
To start, unscrew the plastic dust caps on the valves and keep them somewhere safe so they don’t get lost. Next, figure out which valve type you have. You’ll most likely be running Presta valves, easily identified by a little knurled pip in the top. But if you’re riding an older town bike, for example, you may have Schrader valves, as used on car tyres.
Step 3
Set your pump for your valve
Pumps will almost always have an attachment for both of these valves types, so make sure you use the correct connection for yours. If you’re not sure, a Presta valve will fit in the connector that is deeper and thinner, while a Schrader valve connector will be shallower and wider. You might have to unscrew and flip over the valve connector to change the type of valve it fits.
Step 4
Calculate the right pressure
The best pressure to run your tyres at depends on all sorts of things – tyre size, rim width, rider weight, terrain and more. If you’re unsure, a good starting point is to look at the recommended psi stated on the walls of your tyres (see Top Tip), or use a pressure calculator that most tyre manufacturers provide online.
Top Tip
Run your tyres too hard and you’ll feel every single bump in the road – no matter how small they may be. Too soft and your bike may feel less precise when cornering and you run the risk of getting pinch flats (aka snakebite punctures) when riding over potholes, etc.
The best way to find the tyre pressure that suits you is to start around the manufacturer’s maximum setting, see how that feels and work your way down 5psi or so until you find your sweet spot. Bear in mind that the bigger the tyre, the lower you can go with your minimum pressures.
Step 5A
If you’re at home, fit the track pump and inflate the tyre
If you have presta valves, unscrew the little knurled pip on the end of the valve. It’s important not to damage the valve when connecting your pump. Place the head on the valve, and push it down – you may need to also press on the tyre to apply enough pressure. Once fully inserted, pull the lever (if your pump has one) towards you to lock it into place.
You can then pump up the tyre.
Step 5B
If you’re mid-ride, fit a mini pump and inflate
On the road you’re likely to be using a pump with a threaded hose connector. If it’s detachable, it’s easier to connect the hose to the valve first, then connect the hose to the pump. If not, just thread it onto the valve, applying a little pressure to ensure the threads engage properly past the rubber seal.
If using a threaded mini pump, take care not to remove the valve core as you wind the pump off – as all the air will come out in one great gush. If this happens, re-insert the valve core and carefully tighten it with pliers or a tyre lever – some brands of lever have a built-in valve core tool.
Top Tip
Most mini pumps don't have a pressure gauge. On a road bike, the tyres should be firm enough that you can just about squeeze them with your finger and thumb. Leave them too soft, and you might get a pinch flat. Too hard, and you'll have a harsh, uncomfortable ride.
Step 6
Disconnect the pump and close the valve
If you’re using a track pump, to disconnect the pump, return the lever to its original position and carefully pull off the head. Then, if running Presta valves, tighten down the little knurled pip to seal. Replace the dust caps.
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