How to inflate the bicycle wheels? Useful recommendations

How to inflate the wheel of a bicycle, every owner of a two-wheeled iron horse knows. However, how to do the work correctly is not even understood by some experienced cyclists who have been traveling for years.

How to pump a bicycle with a pump, what pressure should be in the tires, how often it is necessary to resort to the procedure? All these issues are of concern to avid cyclists.

How to determine the level of pressure in the tires?

There is a common "grandfather" method, which allows you to assess the pressure in the wheels. He is in the pressure on the tire with his fingers. If the rubber practically does not bend, then the pressure is normal. However, the method is rather inaccurate, because some people are able to prick nuts, and others can not flatten even a piece of plasticine in their fingers.

A more reliable way to determine the pressure in the wheels is to use a manometer. Performing the task with the application of the device, it is necessary to calculate the number of pumpings by the pump until it reaches the optimum level. This approach will tell you how to pump the bicycle wheels next time even without access to the gauge.

Why is it important to maintain high tire pressures?

Immediately it is worth noting that you should not be afraid of pumping the wheels. The upper limit for most tires is quite high. Therefore, extra efforts usually do not lead to the rupture of tires. It is much worse to drive on flat tires, because in this case the probability of punctures and other damages increases, which may lead to the need for repair or replacement of the bike chamber.

What else threatens to ride on the half-empty tires and the reluctance to understand how to inflate the wheel of a bicycle? Due to insufficient pressure, the tires' damping capacity deteriorates. High-speed driving through irregularities, movement in areas with rough terrain - all this can lead to the formation of so-called eights on wheels, damage to the rims.

To what level should the wheels be pumped?

The necessary pressure in the tires of a two-wheeled vehicle depends largely on the nature of the road surface on which the movement takes place:

1. How to inflate the bicycle wheels for comfortable travel 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 between the wheels and the road and, accordingly, a decrease in the speed of driving.
2. How to pump a bicycle wheel while preparing a vehicle for driving on the ground? It is worthwhile to set the tire pressure, which is somewhat higher than the minimum and is about 2.6 atmospheres. Softer wheels will dampen vibration when in contact with irregularities. Among other things, increasing the area of contact with the road will increase grip on descents and sharp bends.

Let's start pumping the wheels

Pumping bicycle tires occurs in this order:

• Having released a nipple of the tire, it is necessary to completely exhaust the air from the wheel.
• The pump is attached to the nipple, the wheel is pumped to the required level.
• During operation, the pump is disconnected from time to time to check the pressure with a manometer.
• At the end of the pump is removed to the side, a protective cap is wound on the nipple.

Similar actions are performed with the second wheel. The tire will be considered pumped optimally when the pressure level is exceeded by approximately 5-8% of the value indicated on the tire.

The main thing - do not forget to count the number of pumping before reaching the required level of pressure. In the future, this will save you from unnecessary trouble and save a lot of effort.

How to pump a bicycle wheel without a pump? It would seem that it is unrealistic to cope with such a task. However, when there is no standard means for pumping tires at hand, it is possible to use a self-made compressor from a vacuum cleaner with the function of reverse air injection. The main thing is to find a suitable hose for this and securely isolate all the connections of the homemade device.

How often should bicycle tires be pumped?

If there is a solid new mountain bike from a reputable manufacturer, the need to "refuel" tires with air can be forgotten for several months. Over time, with regular driving, the wheels will gradually start to lower. In fact, running on flat tires may seem even more comfortable, especially when traveling on rough terrain. However, such a decision will negatively affect the state of the rims.

If the tire pressure is exceeded, the tire may burst or explode. Therefore, it is worthwhile to regularly check the condition of the wheels using a manometer. For a mountain bike - several times a week, for a highway model - after each trip.

If you comply with such simple recommendations, the trips will be much more pleasant, easier and more efficient. In the end, timely pumping of the wheels and maintaining the optimal level of pressure in the tires will save you from having to carry your favorite bike on your own shoulders.