Inflate A Bike Tyre With A Schrader Valve Or Auto Valve

Introduction

The recommended pressure to inflate a tyre to is usually embossed on the tyre's sidewall, often as minimum and maximum figures rather than an exact target. There are a number of factors to consider when deciding how hard your tyres need to be(link to tyrepressurecheck.html)

Step 1

Check The Schrader Valve & Deflate The Tyre

Find the schrader valve and remove any dust-cap.

Step 2

Check valve

If the valve hasn’t been opened for a while release a short hiss of air to check it’s not stuck. The same process, holding the valve open longer, deflates the tyre.

Step 3

Schrader Valve or Auto Valve

Release air by pressing down on the valve stem. A match stick or some other small blunt tool may be helpful.

Pro Tip

The dust cap on a schrader valve is part of the system that retains air. If the valve doesn’t have a cap the tyre will deflate noticeably sooner.

Step 4

Connect The Pump

The hose or pump connection may screw on or press on. Some push fit connections lock with a cam lever. To check the correct operation of the connection look at the rubber washer and move the lever back and forth. The the ‘locked’ position squeezes the washer, the ‘on-off’ position lets the washer relax. The rubber washer in a pump connector wears out with use. It needs to be replaced when it stops gripping valves to give an air-tight sea. It's considerable easier to inflate a tyre when you're pump has a good seal.

Step 5

Schrader

A push fit connection to a schrader valve usually needs a locking lever. A small amount of air is released when the connector goes on or off. Pull the connector off briskly, parallel to the valve, to minimise the air loss after pumping.

Step 6

Inflate a tyre - pumping

Fully open and fully close the pump with each stroke. It’s important to press the piston right to the end of it’s travel to force air into the tyre. If you stop too soon the air in the pump will tend to compress rather than flow into the tyre.

Step 7

Floor or Track Pumps

Place both feet on the rests to stabilise the pump. Open the pump fully at the start of each stroke. As you get to the bottom of the stroke you can use your body weight – rather than your arms – to force the last bit of air out of the chamber by softening your knees. Using the full stroke is a more efficient way to inflate a tyre.

Step 8

Hand Pumps

It helps if you can brace the connection between the schrader valve and the pump by hooking a finger or two around the tyre or spokes. Plant your feet and try to position yourself so you can get your shoulder behind the piston of the pump.

Pro Tip

If you’re not sure exactly how hard you want your tyres to be, you can always inflate a tyre to the maximum recommended. If – when riding – you feel the road is shaking you about and bouncing you off the ground, it’s much easier to let a little air out than to pump more in.