Recently purchased a new gravel bike and was going to fill the tires before a ride as they felt low, but I’m noticing my pump doesn’t seem to fit/work with the valve on these tires. Am I missing something here? Do I need a special pump or am I just an idiot?
by vfetchero
5 Comments
You need to unscrew that top nubbin thingy on top of the valve. Also use a presta pump head
Look up presta valve. The part at the top will losen like a nut and allow you to push it down, that’s how you get air into it. Your pump may or may not work with a presta valve.
That’s a presta valve. Car tires use schrader valves. Many floor pumps will have an adapter for both valves. If yours only has schrader there’s an adapter you can buy for a couple dollars at your local bike shop or online
If you’re trying to fill it at the gas station, yeah that’s not gonna work.
Cars use Schrader valves. Bikes (unless it’s a cheap beach cruiser) use Presta valves. Most Bike pumps have the option to fill either one.
Did you unscrew the tiny metal portion at the top of the valve? You have to do that first…Lefty loosey. Just give it a couple twists to the left, put your bike pump on and it will fill. Make sure you re-tighten it. Then put the plastic cap on if you have it (though it’s not necessary). Edit… you’re unscrewing that round, knurled, barrel-shaped part. 2-3 turns. You’re not actually removing it as it can’t be removed. But that’s how you get the air in…
As the addition to the all answers – consider to update it to Schwalbe Click Valve, it’s easy replacement making the things better.