Pump It Up P1: Valve Types

I get asked all the time about pumping up bicycle tires. This is the first part of two to explain how to pump it up. First, you will need a pump. I recommend purchasing a pump constructed of metal with a gauge similar to this: http://www.topeak.com/products/Floor-Pumps/JoeBlowSport which costs around or below 40 dollars.

There are two types of valves commonly employed in maintaining a proper tire pressure.

Schrader Valve

The Schrader Valve is used for tires that only need to hold up to 40 lbs consistently. Any more pressure then this and it loses air too quickly requiring you to pump it up every time you ride. The first step is to remove the cap by unscrewing it.

This is what the Schrader Valve looks like on my 3 speed bike:

Then you push the pumps nozzle onto the valve and engage the clamp by flipping the lever. All pumps do not use the same nozzle so refer to your pumps owners manual to know how your particular pump operates. Once it is secure, inflate the tire to the recommended pressure on the side of your tire.

After you are done pumping it up, remove the nozzle head, replace the valve cap and go for a ride.

Presta Valves

Presta Valves are used for tires that require more then 40 lbs of pressure as their construction holds higher pressures better. They look a little different and require an extra step to inflate. There are adapters to convert one to the other, and we will address adapters at a different time. 

The first step is to remove your valve cap.

This is what your presta valve looks like:

On the top of the valve is a tiny little thumb screw. You must unscrew this in order to get air into your tire. 

Once it is unscrewed, put your pumps nozzle head onto the valve and engage the clamp. You will notice that this time I am using the opposite side of the nozzle head and flipping the lever again in the upward direction. This particular pump I am using has what is called a flip flop nozzle head. Pump up your tire to the recommended pressure written on the side of the tire.

After you are done pumping it up, remove the nozzle head, TIGHTEN THE VALVES THUMB SCREW, and replace the valve cap.

I hope this helps explain how to pump up the different types of tire valves on your bicycle. Part 2 will explain how much air pressure to put in your tires.

words and photos by Ray Heinsman