Calibrating your bike's tires is a simple and painless task, as long as you know what tools you need. Identify your bicycle's valve type with the methods below and calibrate accordingly.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Schrader Valve
Step 1. The Schrader valve is also known as the American valve or car valve
The valve pin is surrounded by the thread. To press the pin down, you need to use a tool like a pen cap or the tip of your thumb. This type of valve is usually larger in diameter and is usually shorter than "Sclaverand" or "Dunlop" valves. They are often found in cars, conventional motorcycles and "mountain bikes". To open a Schrader valve, simply unscrew the rubber cap at the top.
Step 2. Find the recommended pressure for your tire
This value is usually embossed on the side of bicycle tires and is presented in a minimum and maximum range. Always calibrate within range.
Step 3. Find a bomb
If you don't have a pump, go to a gas station or borrow one from a friend.
- You're lucky if you have a Schrader valve, as you won't need adapters at a gas station. Ask the attendant where the calibration pump is and inflate the tire carefully, always checking the result of each tire before moving on to the next. Gas station calibration pumps are usually very powerful, so be careful not to blow the tire.
- If the pump has two nozzles, the larger one is for the Schrader valve.
- Some pumps have smart nozzles, which will adjust to your valve type.
- A pump with only one nozzle may require it to have a rubber adapter to fit the Schrader valve. Remove valve cap and attach adapter.
Step 4. Calibrate the tire
Unscrew the valve cap and store it in a safe place, such as your pocket, so you don't lose it.
- Fit the pump to the valve. If you have a lever next to the nozzle, keep it in the open position (parallel to the nozzle) when engaging the valve. Close the lever when it's in place. Keep an eye on the pressure gauge while calibrating.
- Open the nozzle lever to remove it from the valve and quickly close the valve with its cap.
Step 5. To deflate the tire with this type of valve, press the pin with the tip of your thumb or other tool and let the air escape
Method 2 of 3: Sclaverand Valve
Step 1. The Sclaverand valve (or French valve) is usually found on specialty bikes
They are usually longer and narrower than Schrader valves, and their pin is external, protected by a cap rather than a thread.
Step 2. Open the valve
To open this type of valve, unscrew the cap and store it in a safe place. Then loosen the pin protection - it won't come out completely, but you can lift it a little. To confirm that it has loosened enough, press the pin. If air comes out of the tire, you have slackened properly.
Step 3. Find the recommended pressure for your tire
This value is usually embossed on the side of bicycle tires and is presented in a minimum and maximum range. Always calibrate within range.
Step 4. Find a bomb
You can use a gas station calibration pump, buy one at specialty stores, or borrow one from a friend.
- To use a gas station pump, you will need a special adapter for this type of valve. It is usually a small crown that will be screwed onto the valve tip to become a Schrader-type valve. Some older calibration pumps will also require the adapter. Buy an adapter from specialty stores. Ask the attendant where the calibration pump is and inflate the tire carefully, always checking the result of each one before moving on to the next one. Gas station calibration pumps are usually very powerful, so be careful not to blow the tire.
- If the pump has two nozzles, the smaller one is for the Schrader valve.
- Some pumps have smart nozzles, which will adjust to your valve type.
- A pump with only one nozzle may require you to reverse the inner rubber to fit this type of valve. Remove valve cap and attach adapter. The smaller tip should be out.
Step 5. Calibrate the tire
Open the valve by unscrewing the cap and loosening the guard.
- Fit the pump to the valve. If you have a lever next to the nozzle, keep it in the open position (parallel to the nozzle) when engaging the valve. Close the lever when it's in place. Keep an eye on the pressure gauge while calibrating.
- Open the nozzle lever to remove it from the valve and quickly close the valve with its cap.
- Replace the cover.
Step 6. To deflate the tire with this type of valve, loosen the guard, press the pin and let the air escape
Method 3 of 3: Dunlop Valve
Step 1. A Dunlop valve, also known as an English valve, is common in Europe and Asia
It is larger than the Schrader valve, but its mechanism is similar to that of French valves. Use the same method as above to inflate the tire with this type of valve.
Tips
- Check tire pressure after a few days to ensure they are properly inflated. If not, you may have to replace the tires (or tubes).
- If you're buying a pump, buy one that meets your needs. You'll find several, for use standing (largest) or squatting (most compact).
- If you are not sure how much air to put in the tire or there is no pressure gauge on your pump, feel the pressure in the tire with your hands, pressing on them until they feel firm. When it feels right, it probably will.
- Check tire pressure periodically as you inflate them. Some valves have a built-in gauge to indicate pressure while calibrating.
- Always keep the valve caps. If you lose the cap, the valve will become dirty with dust and it will be difficult to calibrate properly on the next few occasions, and you will lose pressure more quickly.
- If you can't figure out your valve type, take a photo of it and take the photo with you when you buy your pump.
