Each owner of a two-wheeled iron horse knows how to pump up the wheels of a bicycle. However, even some experienced cyclists who ride for years do not understand how to do the job correctly.
How to inflate a bicycle wheel with a pump, what pressure should be in tires, how often it is necessary to resort to procedure? Inveterate cyclists care about all these issues.
How to determine the level of tire pressure?
There is a common "grandfather" method, which allows you to assess the pressure in the wheels. It consists in pressing the tire with the fingers. If the rubber practically does not bend, then the pressure is normal. However, the method is quite inaccurate, because some people are able to chop nuts with their hands, while others will not be able to flatten even a piece of plasticine in their fingers.
A more reliable way to determine the pressure in the wheels is to use a pressure gauge. Performing a task with the use of the device, it is worth counting the number of pump strokes to the optimum level. This approach will tell you how to pump up your bike next time even without access to the pressure gauge.
Why is it important to maintain high tire pressure?
Immediately it is worth noting that you should not be afraid to pump wheels. The upper limit for most tires is quite high. Therefore, extra efforts usually do not lead to rupture of tires. It is much worse to drive on flat wheels, because in this case the likelihood of punctures and other damages increases, which can lead to the need for repair or replacement of the bicycle camera.
What else threatens riding on half-rolled tires and unwillingness to understand how to pump up the wheels of a bicycle? Due to insufficient pressure, the shock absorption capacity of the tires deteriorates. High-speed riding on bumps, moving over rough terrain - all this can lead to the formation of the so-called figure-eight on wheels, damage to rims.
To what level should the wheels be inflated?
The required pressure in the tires of a two-wheeled vehicle largely depends on the nature of the road surface on which the movement occurs:
- How to pump up bicycle wheels for a comfortable ride on a flat hard surface? In this case, it is necessary to create a higher pressure in the tires of the order of 3.5 atmospheres. Insufficient pumping of the wheels will lead to an increase in the area of contact of the wheels with the road and, accordingly, a decrease in the driving speed.
- How to pump up a bicycle wheel when preparing a vehicle for riding on the ground? It is worth setting the pressure in the tires, which is slightly higher than the minimum and is about 2.6 atmospheres. Softer wheels will dampen when in contact with bumps. Among other things, an increase in the area of contact with the road will increase traction during descents and sharp turns.
Getting started pumping wheels
Inflation of
bicycle tires occurs in the following sequence:
- Having released the tire nipple, it is necessary to completely release air from the wheel.
- A pump is connected to the nipple, the wheel is pumped to the desired level.
- During operation, the pump is disconnected from time to time to check the pressure with a pressure gauge.
- At the end, the pump retracts to the side, a protective cap is screwed onto the nipple.
Similar actions are done with the second wheel. The tire will be considered optimally inflated when the pressure level is exceeded by about 5-8% of the value that is noted on the tire.
The main thing is not to forget to count the number of strokes until the required pressure level is reached. Subsequently, this will save you from unnecessary trouble and save a lot of effort.
How to pump up a bicycle wheel without a pump? It would seem impossible to cope with such a task. However, when there is no standard means for inflation of tires at hand, you can use a homemade compressor from a vacuum cleaner with the function of reverse air injection. The main thing is to find a suitable hose for this and reliably isolate all the connections of the homemade device.
How often should bicycle tires be inflated?
If a solid new mountain bike from a reputable manufacturer is available, you can forget about the need to “refuel” tires with air for several months. Over time, with regular driving, the wheels will gradually begin to lower. In fact, riding on flat tires may seem even more comfortable, especially when traveling over rough terrain. However, such a decision will adversely affect the condition of the rims.
If the tire pressure is exceeded, the latter may burst or explode. Therefore, it is worth regularly checking the condition of the wheels with a manometer. For a mountain bike - several times a week, for a road model - after each trip.
If you follow such simple recommendations, trips will be much more pleasant, easier and more efficient. Ultimately, timely pumping of wheels and maintaining the optimal level of tire pressure will eliminate the need to carry your favorite bike on your own shoulders.