Racing Bike Tyres, Tubes & Air?

[Hutch63]

Hi after christmas i decided my raleigh mirage (bought in 1991) whilst a great all rounder wasnt letting me get the most out of road work so I bought a cheap racing bike with skinny wheels/tyres, I live in the Yorkshire dales and my lunch time 9 mile circle, had got it down to 36 minutes but this week been 40/42 depending on the wind (very hilly) some A but mainly single track dirty and old well used tarmac lanes, have noticed he tyres have lost air I think when i got the bike tyes were 100psi but now i cant get them over 40psi with my little pump several inces long type. I am undoing the thread and puting end over lifting lever and pumping trying to hard bent the inner thinner bit of valve so try and do it controlled but doesnt seem to work any ideas... also due to the roads im on im not sure if I have a slow puncture is there a good upgrade tube or tyre for this work? comfort has been fine the trheads I read when choosing a bike made it sound hurrendous to ride on these roads with skinny tyres but I was pleasantly surprised and didnt notice that much difference from my old raliegh, so happy to keep same wheels. So if any body has experience of a long life tyre/tube and any advice on best way to inflate with the thin non car type of valve. Thanks

 

[TheDoctor]

One word - Trackpump.
They make getting up to 100 psi easier than an easy thing.
Mini pumps are really just a get-you-home device.
Wiggle, CRC etc have loads.

 

[youngoldbloke]

See earlier thread http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/pumping-up-road-tyres'.100778/
Are you very briefly pushing in the little threaded bit to release it after unscrewing it? The pressure in the tyre can hold the valve stuck sometimes so that air won't enter it. You might have a slow puncture but I doubt it. All tyres lose pressure with time. I check mine and put more air in at least once a week, and before any longer rides. Careful removing your pump as it is easy to break the thin valve core. I firmly push the pump away from the rim with both my thumbs, one hand either side of the rim. Don't remove it with a 'karate chop'

 

[biggs682]

i use a tesco track pump cost around £7 does the job up to 115 psi

 

[Globalti]

Be sure not to buy a track pump with a fat barrel; you will need muscles like a gorilla to achieve 100 psi. A good one is the Topeak Joe Blow.

 

[sidevalve]

I use the tesco pump as well, not bad and even after 5 months when the connector failed they just changed it for a new one. Tend to run at 80 - 90 psi, not everybody's ideal but works for me although I admit I do slow down for the rougher bits.