How to Inflate a Tire with a Presta Valve
The Presta valve is often set up on mountain bikes but it is more frequently used on racing bicycle tires for high-pressure roads where other types of valves fail over extended periods. All the professional cyclists understand the importance of the valve of a tyre in their performance. Presta valves have an exposed valve stem which is locked by a little nut. Most cyclists prefer to use Presta valves once they get used to them, although inflating tires with such valves can be extremely frustrating in the beginning.
Instructions
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1
Position of the valve
Before you start to inflate the tire, it is imperative for you to make sure that the wheel is in such a position that the valve is resting just above the floor. -
2
Press down the stem
Once the desired position has been achieved by rotating the wheel, you need to open the locking nut on the stem. In order to loosen the seal, you should swiftly press down the stem, making sure that you hear air being discharged when the stem is pushed. Loosen the nut and make another effort if you do not hear the escaping air. -
3
Attach the pump head
In order to make a seal, turn over the locking lever after pressing the pump head onto the valve. You would be able to hear the escaping air but that should be stopped once you lock the lever. Remove the pump head and attach it once again if the air continues to get discharged. -
4
Make pump strokes and inflate the tire
Make a couple of pump strokes and watch out for the sound of air entering the tire. If you feel that the pressure gauge elevates very quickly or the handle of the pump has become quite hard after some strokes, you need to repeat the previous step by removing the pump head.
Now you can inflate the tire according to the pressure recommended by the experts. By unlocking the lever, you must remove the head and pull it off the valve stem swiftly. Do not forget to lock the lever once you are done. Your tire with a Presta valve has been inflated successfully and now you can enjoy the ride.
