Pumping bicycle tyres, help!

greensalad

pinkteapot wrote: »

It will say on the sidewall of the tyres what pressure they should be pumped to. Eg my hybrid tyres say something like 60-90psi. I like to ride them at 80psi.

If you don't pump them up to the minimum recommended pressure you risk getting pinch punctures.

If you're using it daily it's well worth getting a track pump with a gauge to use at home. I top my tyres up weekly as they lose pressure with use.

I got this one because the gauge is at the top of the pump:
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/tools-maintenance/pumps-puncture-repair/bikehut-performance-track-bike-pump-with-gauge

Most have the gauge at the bottom (by your feet) which I find harder to read. Most people don't mind though and you can get cheaper pumps if you're not as fussy as me!

Also like mine because it works on both Schraeder and Presta valves without anything being altered on it - handy as I have one type and hubby has the other. You just take the dust cap off the valve, put the pump head on and open the lever.

I also have a mini pocket pump that I carry with me for puncture repairs, but it's more physical effort to pump with than my track pump and doesn't have a pressure gauge.

Thanks. The pump I have is a mini one so I will keep that in my basket just as a precaution. I'll have to wait until the new year before I can afford a new pump.

I couldn't seem to get the gauge in the mini pump to do anything. It didn't move at all. I'll invest in a better pump when I can afford it!

dandelionclock30

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/joe-blow-max-ii-track-pump-ec033891#BVRRWidgetID

Get this its very good and its unbelievable the difference it makes having your tyres pumped up properly makes.

greensalad

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/topeak/joe-blow-max-ii-track-pump-ec033891#BVRRWidgetID

Get this its very good and its unbelievable the difference it makes having your tyres pumped up properly makes.

Thanks, looks good. I've put it on my Christmas list!

[Deleted User]

The correct pressure for your tyre is 50psi, which will be easily compressible with your thumb, hard as nails is far too much for a tyre that wide. If you overinflate, the bead may come off the rim.

greensalad

jack_pott wrote: »

The correct pressure for your tyre is 50psi, which will be easily compressible with your thumb, hard as nails is far too much for a tyre that wide. If you overinflate, the bead may come off the rim.

Oh really? Thanks. It is a lot chunkier than most other tyres I've seen.

At present, it's squidy enough that when I cycle I can see a slight "splay" of the tyres on the front. I was worried that meant it not inflated enough.