How to Inflate Road Bike Tires

Inflating your bike tire is one of the most common maintenance tasks every cyclist should know. It can be easily performed at home once you have a bicycle pump.

This article covers the steps to inflate your road bike tires.

Tools required :

Bicycle pump (floor or hand pump)
Inner tube
Bicycle tire
Bicycle wheel

Estimated time : 1 to 2 minutes

Step-by-step instructions :

Step 1. Remove the valve cap by turning it anti-clockwise

Place the valve cap in a secure place as most cyclists tend to lose them easily.

Step 2. Identify the valve type

Road bikes have Presta valves. They’re also referred to as French or Sclaverand valves.
Other types of bikes, such as mountain bikes, might use Schrader valves. They’re also called the American valve, the same tire valves used in car tires.

More reading : Presta vs Schrader Valves Comparison

Step 3. Ensure you have the right inflator head

Most bicycle pumps are both Presta and Schrader compatible.
Depending on your bicycle pump’s model, you’ll need to swap the inflator head by removing the cover and flipping the rubber piece inside.
Some pumps such as the Topeak’s Joe Blow Booster have a single inflator head that can fit Presta and Schrader.

Step 4. Unscrew the small locking nut at the end of the valve

Make sure to unscrew it completely.
This will allow air to enter as you pump. Schrader valves do not have this small lockring.

Step 5. Insert the inflator head into the tire valve

Make sure it goes all the way in. Secure the inflator head if there’s a locking lever.

Step 6. Check the tire sidewall for maximum air pressure

Depending on the combination of tire and rim width, road bikes generally have a range between 60 to 110 psi.
As a rule of thumb, the wider the tire and rim are, the lower the tire pressure.

Step 7. Start pumping until your desired tire pressure

Do not exceed the maximum air pressure printed on the tire sidewalls.
If the air pressure is too high, the tire might get unseated from the rim wall or the ride could be harsh and jarring.

Step 8. Once at your desired tire pressure, give it another half a stroke

This is to compensate for some of the air that might be released as you remove the inflator head.

Step 9. Unlock the locking lever and remove the inflator head

Gently wiggle and remove the inflator head from the tire valve.
Some air might escape, but that is normal.

Step 10. Tighten the valve lockring and insert the valve cap cover

Repeat for the other tire if needed.