Pumping up road tyres..

[Sellyb]

I recently bought a road bike, and even though the mechanics built the bike, I didn't think the tyres felt inflated enough, as they were a little squidgy under hand. I also purchased a Toppeak mini dual DXG pump, which in theory has a gauge, showing you the pressures. However, on pumping up the tyres, the maximum I can get them to says 4 bars on the gauge, before air starts to force it's way back out, and it almost becomes impossible to pump them up anymore. Looking at the internet, this equates to 58 psi, but the tyres do feel quite solid now. Surely this can't be just 58, when the max on these tyres indicates 120? I was hoping to try and get them to 100 at least. Any ideas?

 

[derrick]

You need a proper pump, i use a joe blow goes up to 120 no probs.

 

[Pauluk]

You may need a track pump to get to 120. I have a bontrager mini and I doubt that I would get to 120psi. I can get this from my track pump with ease

 

[coffeejo]

I've got a topeak hand pump and can get mine up to 120 PSI with it. Not as easy as with the track pump but beggars at the side of the road can't be choosers.

 

[derrick]

I've got a topeak hand pump and can get mine up to 120 PSI with it. Not as easy as with the track pump but beggars at the side of the road can't be choosers.

Gas bottle.
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bontrager/co2-cartridges-ec017730?query=pumps co2

 

[Edge705]

Track pump always they are dirt cheap now and are the only way to pump your tyres at home IMO

 

[ianrauk]

Track pump always they are dirt cheap now and are the only way to pump your tyres at home IMO

Indeed......

 

[smokeysmoo]

Track pump at home and a Topeak Road Morph G on the bike, http://www.topeak.com/products/Pumps/RoadMorphG

Gas is OK, (I used to use it but have now got rid). However, it deflates more quickly than air, plus it's bulky and potentially costly. After the purchase cost the two options I have cost me nothing to use, and they both inflate to my preffered pressure of 120psi quickly and easily

 

[black'n'yellow]

don't pump them to 120psi - the ride will be awful - and unless you are particularly heavy, it won't be necessary. I'm 11st and for regular road riding, I usually have my tyres at around 80-90psi. Find a comfortable pressure which gives you the best compromise between ride quality and pinch protection. The number on the side of the tyre will be the maximum rated safe pressure - not the 'recommended' pressure...

 

[Sellyb]

I was guessing 100 may be OK. I am 5'3.5" but new to road bikes?

 

[HLaB]

Selly, get yourself a track pump and keep the mini for on road emergencies (which will hopefully be limited). A decent track pump will pump up easily to 100psi, fwiw In the summer I pump my tyres to 95-100psi front and 105-110psi rear and in winter I run them lower and pump up less frequently; this seems to offer me the best balance of grip/rolling/p'ture/comfort for my 5'9'', 9.5stone frame.

 

[ianrauk]

I was guessing 100 may be OK. I am 5'3.5" but new to road bikes?

yes, 100 will be ok. Though it may be worth experimenting with the psi to see what is comfortable for you.
Some people like a softer tyre, others like a harder tyre. (I ride at 120, Gaz rides at 140 iirc)

 

[HovR]

Mini-Pumps like the one you have are primarily intended for you to take on your rides to inflate your tire in the event of a puncture - They will inflate the tire enough to get you home, but don't expect miracles!

At home a track pump is the best way to get your tires up to full pressure (without using an air compressor!).

 

[HLaB]

(Gaz rides at 140 iirc)

and he skids out on loose leaves I prefer to run something a bit lower for grip and not for TT's.

I was guessing 100 may be OK. I am 5'3.5" but new to road bikes?

100psi will more than likely be ample but as said get a track pump and experiment.

 

[Sellyb]

Thanks guys