Newbie Tyre Questions

[Jim77]

(Hopefully) three simple tyre questions:

(1) How do I know what my tyre pressures are?

(2) Can I use one of those electric pumps that I use on my car?


(3) Do all tyres have inner tubes? If not how do I know what I have? And how do I repair them?

(I realise question 3 is not strictly speaking one question, but I like 3s)

Cheers.

Jim

 

[wlc1]

1) depends on what bike you have

2) I wouldn't.. use an electric pressure gauge but track /stand pumps are best IMHO.

3) Yes - I think so.

 

[John the Monkey]

(1) How do I know what my tyre pressures are?

In terms of max/min, those should be on the sidewall of your tyre. Some tyres also carry a recommendation for pressure too.

If you mean how much is in there already, a good track pump with a reliable gauge will tell you.

(2) Can I use one of those electric pumps that I use on my car?

Depends - car tyres have a requirement for high volume and low pressure. Bike tyres are relatively low volume at high (ish) pressure. I'd use a specific bike pump.

(3) Do all tyres have inner tubes? If not how do I know what I have? And how do I repair them?

For the most part.

There are tubeless systems - ( http://www.mtbbritain.co.uk/tubeless_tyres.html gives a good summary of what they're good at, and what they aren't). There are also solid tyres, which in general are horrible and should be avoided (imo).

There's a decent guide here to repairing a tube. Make sure you know how to remove your wheel too (and have the tools to do it). For roadside repairs, I strongly suggest buying a spare tube (or two, 3 or 4 if you run Kenda Kontender tyres ) for a quick roadside repair, and then repairing the punctured tube in the comfort of your home/work