How do you inflate a bicycle tire?

Different types of valves

When you want to inflate your bicycle tire, the first thing you need to know is which type of valve is on your tire. There are three types of valves you may encounter:

Dutch valve (Dunlop): This is a classic valve that you often see on city bikes. It is easy to use; you do not need any additional steps to start pumping. The shape is quite recognizable — it is somewhat wider and sturdier, which makes it easy to work with.

French valve (Presta): This slim, long valve is usually found on road bikes and some mountain bikes. Before you start inflating your bicycle tire, you need to unscrew the small cap at the top. Be careful, as this type of valve is more delicate. If you press the small pin on the valve and air comes out, it is ready to be inflated.

Car valve (Schrader): This valve resembles a car tire valve and is more robust. It can be found on some mountain bikes and is convenient because you can also inflate it at a gas station if necessary.

Each valve has its own characteristics, and it is important to use the correct bicycle pump (or pump head) that matches your valve.

Determining the correct tire pressure

Now that you know which valve you have, the next step is determining the correct tire pressure. How many bars a bicycle tire needs depends on several factors, such as the type of bicycle, your weight, and the surface you ride on. Tire pressure is expressed in bar and is crucial for both riding comfort and safety. On the sidewall of your tire, you will usually find the recommended minimum and maximum pressure. For city bikes , this is often around 3.5 to 4.5 bar, while road bikes may require up to 8 bar for optimal performance. The tire pressure for mountain bikes is much lower, between 1.1 and 2 bar. Thanks to this low pressure, they offer good traction and shock absorption on unpaved roads.

Keep in mind that tire pressure that is too low makes your bike harder to ride and increases the risk of punctures, while pressure that is too high can lead to an uncomfortable ride and even a blowout. Regularly checking and adjusting your tire pressure is therefore essential.

Inflating a bicycle tire: step-by-step guide

With your knowledge of valves and the ideal tire pressure in mind, you are now ready to inflate your bicycle tire. Let us break this process down into simple steps so you know exactly what to do:

1. Remove the valve cap

Start by removing the valve cap from your bicycle tire. Unscrew it carefully and keep it in a safe place (as it can easily get lost).

2. Attach the bicycle pump to the valve

Carefully place the bicycle pump onto the valve. Do you have a Dutch or French valve? Then use the smaller opening of the pump. For car valves, it is best to use the larger opening. Secure the pump head properly to prevent air from escaping.

3. Inflate the bicycle tire

Start inflating the tire. Keep the recommended tire pressure in mind and pump until you reach this value. If your pump has a pressure gauge, this is a convenient way to check the pressure. No pressure gauge? Then you can press the tire to feel whether it is firm enough.

4. Remove the pump and check the tire pressure

Once you have reached the desired tire pressure, carefully remove the pump. Check the tire again by pressing it lightly or, if possible, taking a short test ride.

5. Screw the valve cap back on

Satisfied with the tire pressure? Then place the valve cap back onto the valve.

Note: with a French valve, there is a second small cap that you must open and close each time.

Different types of bicycle pumps

As an avid cyclist, you naturally want to be equipped with the best tools. A reliable bicycle pump is therefore indispensable. These are the different types of bicycle pumps available:

• Vloerpompen: dit is de klassieker onder de fietspompen. Ze hebben een lange handgreep en een stabiele voet waarop je kunt staan tijdens het pompen. Vele vloerpompen hebben een ingebouwde drukmeter, wat het eenvoudig maakt om de juiste bandenspanning te bereiken. Vloerpompen zijn wel minder praktisch om mee te nemen tijdens je fietstochtje.
• Handpompen: deze pompen zijn compact en handig voor onderweg, handpompen zijn kleiner en lichter in vergelijking met vloerpompen. Ze zijn perfect om mee te nemen tijdens fietstochten voor het geval je onderweg lucht moet bijpompen. Houd er rekening mee dat deze pompen meer inspanning vergen en het langer kan duren om je banden volledig op te pompen.
• CO2-pompen: wil je snel en efficiënt je fietsband oppompen? Dan zijn CO2-pompen een uitstekende keuze. Ze gebruiken CO2-cartridges om de band snel op te pompen. Deze zijn vooral populair bij racefietsers omdat ze heel makkelijk mee te nemen zijn in de achterzak of het zadeltasje.
• Elektrische Pompen: spaar je liever je energie voor op de fiets? Dan kan een elektrische pomp een goede investering zijn. Deze pompen doen het werk voor je en zijn ideaal voor mensen die frequent hun banden moeten oppompen.

What to do without a bicycle pump?

It can happen to you: you are cycling and suddenly you have a flat tire, but you do not have a bicycle pump with you. What do you do then? There are several options you can consider. You can look for a bicycle shop nearby . In our Cyclobility bicycle shops, we are happy to help you get back on the road.

If there is no bicycle shop in sight, you can look for a gas station. Some gas stations have air pumps suitable for car valves, which can also be used to inflate bicycle tires. Be careful with the pressure, as these are very powerful pumps.

And if there is no gas station nearby either? Then it is time to use your social skills and approach a fellow cyclist. They might have a bicycle pump with them that you can borrow.