Do you want to know how to inflate presta valve like a professional? Are you an avid bike rider? Do you seldom find the opportunity to ride and enjoy yourself? Do you spend your week watching the time tick by, completing your work bit by bit, in wait for the weekend?
If you’re anything like me, your weekends are reserved for only the most daunting (yet fun) trailheads. Consider this: it is Saturday. You have waited and toiled all week for this moment. You take out your bicycle, check the weather, fill up your water bottle and grab your backpack. So, are you ready to learn how to inflate presta valve without any trouble? Here we go!
You are ready for a great day out on the trail. You head out, riding your bike slowly, but something feels off. You stop to inspect your bike, hoping there is no major problem… only to find out that one of your tires isn’t looking the best.
In fact, it’s completely deflated! Here’s the predicament: you can’t find a gas station nearby and cannot waste this Saturday. You know the tire has a specific valve, which isn’t standard. Sadly, you need to learn how to inflate the Presta valve!
So, you’re in a messy situation. What can you do? Before giving you any solutions, we need to discuss some of the inner workings of your bike.
What is a Presta Valve?
A bicycle has two tires, which have tubes inside them. Bikes tend to have different types of valves inside their tires.
There’s a standard valve (the Schrader valve) and a Presta valve. Presta valves are relatively modern and are used in bikes meant to travel long distances.
They are longer and narrower and have threaded screws attached from top to bottom. The screw holds in the air pressure when closed and releases it when opened.
Many people need to learn how to pump up a Presta valve, where the problem begins. A basic understanding of its functioning is good for you to know how to air up a Presta valve.
What are the Benefits of Having a Presta Valve in Your Bike?
Before learning how to pump a bike tire with a Presta valve, it is good to understand its benefits. Here are a few:
- Presta valves hold in pressure much more tightly than standard ones and thus are more reliable for long journeys.
- Presta valves are easily extendable, and you can even learn how to use a Presta valve adapter for your convenience.
- Presta valves ensure that your bike operates with minimal interruption to the rim’s structural integrity and less damage, saving you time and additional costs for the future.
- Another benefit of Presta valves is that instead of getting a new tube, you can create an extension of the valve and increase its length. This will make it more compatible with new rims and cost you nothing extra!
The Issue: How To Inflate Presta Valve?
So, how to fill a Presta valve and be on your way? Presta valves can be inflated with normal air pumps, which can be found at gas stations or stores.
There is no ideal tire pressure that you need to opt for. It depends on the kind of bike you are riding and your assessment of the tire.
However, expert riders recommend having a 30 PSI on the front tire and a 33 PSI on the back tire, so it’s best to keep close to these numbers.
The tricky part is that you’ll need a specific adaptor to inflate a tire with a Presta valve. Here are two distinct ways that will tell you how to pump a Presta valve:
How To Inflate Presta Valve: Firstly, you will need the help of a Presta valve adaptor and a standard pump. There is a screw at the top of the Presta valve: you unscrew it and place the adaptor on the tip.
You use the pump to inflate the tire. Be sure to choose the pressure wisely and take your time. Once satisfied and have checked the tire, you can remove the adaptor and close the valve with the screw.
You might be wondering where you’ll even find a Presta valve adaptor. Not to worry! They’re considerably cheap and easy to find. You can go to your nearest sports supply store or the internet, get a handful, and keep it in your backpack for the future.
However, if you find yourself in a punch with a deflated tire and no adaptor, there is another solution.
- How To Inflate Presta Valve Without Adapter
Yes, you can inflate a Presta valve without an adaptor. All it takes is a bit of DIY, and you’re on your way. You can play around with a tube cap and turn it upward until the nut is at the tip.
It will open at two sides now, and you can cut the top off with anything sharp. You will then place this upside down on the stem of your tire. The pump connects to this cap and inflates the tire just as an adaptor would.
You can pump until the tire is at the right pressure and then remove the pump. Be careful and try to avoid bending the nut while doing this. Now all you have to do is tighten and put the cap back on.
The Bottom Line
Here we are! Now you know how to inflate the Presta valve and can do the job yourself next time. The best part about the Presta valve is that it is functional and adaptable. You can inflate your tires with more precision and ease. Standard pumps can be used with a Presta valve adaptor, or a nice DIY option can be employed if you’re in trouble. All in all, make sure to check your tire pressures before heading out for the weekend, and always have a backup plan. Happy riding!
