Can't get up to minimum tyre pressure

[Deborah]

Hi, I've got a trek 7.0fx with tyres 700X32c. The tyre says inflate to 60-80psi. I'm using a track pump. I've managed to get the front tyre to just under 60 but there's so much resistance I can't get any further and I feel like it's going to explode if I carry on. Should I carry on or is it OK there? On a recent ride I felt like I was dying, and a friend checked my tyres and told me they were much too soft. I bought the track pump and the pressure registered at 0. When I got them up to about 60 and tried the bike again I suddenly felt like I could fly! Friends have said if I can get them nearer to 80 then it would feel even better, so I would like to get them higher if it's possible. Should it feel like I'm pushing against a brick wall, or is that when you stop pumping? Sorry for being such a noob.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I have some 35mm tyres & the back one I run at 6 bar which is several pounds beyond what you are trying to achieve.

It does take a decent-ish, although not massive, push as it nears 'full' pressure.

If that's you in your avatar I guess you are not big and beefy and it may be a bit beyond what you are capable of to achieve the minimum level of pressure let alone the maximum?

Also, be aware that it may not be best to inflate the tyres to maximum pressure if you are not a heavy rider (again, you don't look like a heavy rider) - tyres are designed to deform under load which increases the contact area which equals more grip. Light rider + maximum tyre pressure could result in a skittish front end as well as a rock hard ride.

 

[Steady]

Sad to say that some pumps just aren't designed for us women, I struggle with this myself, I'm sure some women get a long fine but I'm not one of them!

With presta valves to 'pump' the tyres you have to exceed whatever pressure is already in the tyres to open the valve before any air will go in. I believe there are certain pumps with narrower cylinders which make it easier for those that can't put the upper strength down, but I think they're £25+

I always check out the reviews for the pumps before I buy any, I find most 1 star reviews come from women who just don't have the upper body strength, the Joe Blow Sport II (Not Max II, the Max has those one star complaints from women!) gets a lot of good reviews from women, other than that access to a male friend has its uses!

That said, I cheated went for an £8 air compressor with a brass presta to schrader adapter but it's not that great, I'm still on the look out for a good pump I know I'll actually be able to use up to 80-100psi all by myself.

 

[Ian H]

There are narrow barrelled and wide barrelled track pumps. The latter are more common, often cheaper, and designed mainly for MTB tyres. They are much harder work with narrow tyres. Try keeping your arms straight and bending your knees to pump higher pressures. Best to look at a more suitable pump when you can.

 

[moo]

A good track pump will get to max psi with minimal effort. Somewhere between min and max is best tho. What model do you have? I have a weak right arm atm, yet can get 120psi using just that arm with my topeak Joe blow. I'm a skinny 10st guy for comparison.

 

[cyberknight]

I know technically your not supposed to use a car pump but i used an electric pump for ages on my subway and the tyres never exploded .

 

[raleighnut]

Hi, I've got a trek 7.0fx with tyres 700X32c. The tyre says inflate to 60-80psi. I'm using a track pump. I've managed to get the front tyre to just under 60 but there's so much resistance I can't get any further and I feel like it's going to explode if I carry on. Should I carry on or is it OK there? On a recent ride I felt like I was dying, and a friend checked my tyres and told me they were much too soft. I bought the track pump and the pressure registered at 0. When I got them up to about 60 and tried the bike again I suddenly felt like I could fly! Friends have said if I can get them nearer to 80 then it would feel even better, so I would like to get them higher if it's possible. Should it feel like I'm pushing against a brick wall, or is that when you stop pumping? Sorry for being such a noob.

Are you unscrewing the top knurly nut thing on the valve enough.

 

[stephec]

Are you unscrewing the top knurly nut thing on the valve enough.

This could be it, combined with maybe not seating the connector on the valve properly?

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Are you unscrewing the top knurly nut thing on the valve enough.

This could be it, combined with maybe not seating the connector on the valve properly?

I wondered these too, also I would suggest taking the tyre off and ensuring the tube is not twisted or in some way impaired around the valve.

Just in case there is a physical problem affecting how much air can get in, a good rule of thumb for a tyre about to explode and come off the rim is a creaking noise almost like old wood, stereotype pirate ship creaky noise. If you hear that stop pumping and step away with your hands over your ears. Even outside it'll go with a hell of a bang if it goes, indoors it'll set your ears ringing for minutes.

 

[byegad]

I use a Track Pump at home and a car foot pump, with a Track Pump head fitted when away for a cycling weekend. (I go to Northumberland with Bike Rite twice a year and the York Rally when it's on (It was cancelled last year and this, but is trying to make a comeback for 2015!)

 

[wisdom]

If its a presta valve undo the knurled nut at the top and press it down to release a little air then away you go.I recommend a track pump for ease I use a joe blow sport and can easily get mine to 110psi.prior to getting the joe blow I used a tesco track pump not expensive but still reached the same pressure just a little harder work.

 

[User6179]

I know technically your not supposed to use a car pump but i used an electric pump for ages on my subway and the tyres never exploded .

There is more pressure in a bike tyre than in a car tyre so would of thought the problem using electric might be that they are not powerful enough!?

 

[cyberknight]

There is more pressure in a bike tyre than in a car tyre so would of thought the problem using electric might be that they are not powerful enough!?

The OP is running 60- 80 psi , not road tyre pressures.I used to run my subway with city jets at 70 psi and as i said i had no problem, mind you the pump was a mercedes benz supplied one that the father in law gave me

 

[jarlrmai]

Sounds like the valve is not open and the pressure is just building up inside the pump.

If it's presta (I googled your wheels and it seems likely it's presta) and its a track pump

Unscrew and remove dust cap
unscrew the valve lock on the valve
press down a little till you hear air release
ensure pump head lock is open (the lever will be tight against the pump head)
push the the presta hole over the valve on a new track pump this can be a little stiff, you will hear a hiss and then it will stop and the current pressure will show on the gauge.
Open the pump lock by unfolding the lever
Pump till you reach desired pressure
Close lock (watch your fingers)
Remove pump head
Screw down valve lock
replace dust cap

 

[sreten]

Hi,

If you don't weight much you'd probably be fine with 60 psi in the back and 50
psi in the front for 32mm tyres. 33% total heavier would run 80 psi / 67 psi.

70 psi back and 60 psi front if you don't want to go below the tyre minimum.

rgds, sreten.

Best tyre pressures are related to total weight (bike + rider) and tyre size.