jonb5

I have a real problem pumping up tires with a Presta valve, I just can't get the hang of it.

I've tried using a vertical pump with an opening for both Presta and Schrader valves, when I use the Presta opening the first time I push down on the pump, air seems to go into the tire but then the pump seems to block itself as if the tire is fully pumped even though it's not.

I've tried using the vertical pump with a Presta valve adapter and it just deflates before I can get any air into the tire.

I've tried using a small hand pump with the Presta valve adapter, which works to a point, but still doesn't get enough air into the tire for me to ride the bike.

I've had the problem on different bikes with Presta valves, the vertical pump also works absolutely fine on bikes with Schrader valves.

I just don't know where I'm going wrong, I always open up the valve and touch the top to let out a bit of air, I've watched YouTube videos and they don't seem to do anything different.

The tires on my bike are Continental Grand Prix Season 700 X 23, would they be compatible with Schrader valves? Would I get enough air into them to avoid pinch flats?

Would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks

saulgoldie

The technique can be a little tricky until it finally "clicks" in your mind, and suddenly it is easier for the duration. Get some help from someone who knows how to do it. Perhaps Youtube has some videos.

Saul

Jeff Neese

Make sure that the Presta valve is unscrewed all the way out, not just loosened a couple of turns. I've experienced the symptoms you describe when I was in a hurry and didn't open the valve fully. Just an idea.

Sy Reene

Typically, just in case this could be the issue, with most pump heads, you are not supposed to actually install it so far down on the valve stem that you're pushing down on the top of the valve at all. You just put the pump down far enough where the seal will mate with the side of the valve stem.

Jimriides

Sometimes my valves stick. Use your finger to give it a quick push down, then it will take air easily.

rsbob 

Like what Jim has stated, after I fully unscrew the ‘nut’, then I give the valve a quick push to release a tiny bit of air to make sure the valve isn’t stuck. If you try pumping and no air seems to enter the tube/valve, give the valve a little shake and sometimes that’s enough to loosen the valve so you can get air in. you may hear a subtle click.

Sy Reene

Though OP indicated he already does this:

"I just don't know where I'm going wrong, I always open up the valve and touch the top to let out a bit of air, I've watched YouTube videos and they don't seem to do anything different."

alcjphil

Tires don't care about what valve you have but the hole in a rim for a presta valve is too small for a Schrader valve

smd4

Absent a video of the OP using the valve, or someone on-site who can accurately describe what’s happening, I doubt we can give the OP any meaningful advice.

shelbyfv

This is just the pump and hose being pressurized and indicates the valve is not open. Probably you just need the release more air than a tap once you've unscrewed the valve. Try releasing air until the tire is flat or almost flat, then try your floor pump. That will give you an idea of how it should operate. You'll get the hang of it.

wolfchild

Almost sounds like the air chuck on the pump isn't installed correctly on the valve and is blocking the air flow when trying to use the pump. Get a pump that has an air hose and an air chuck with a lever that locks and holds it in place while pumping or even better get a pump with an air hose that screws on the valve.

Daniel4

Here are my mistakes and their remedies.

1) the handpump had a direct solid connection with the chuck. I would break a lot of valve stems that way. Get a pump, hand pump or floor pump with a flexible hose and let it flex as you pump.

2) I used to thread the adapter onto only the top set of threads. Those threads are actually for the dust cap. So when I pumped, some of the air would go in but most would leak out. Thread the adapter to the bottom set of threads but not too far. You want the internal stem to reach its fully extended position when you're drawing back or releasing the chuck. When you're unscrewing the adapter, be careful not to have anything touch the valve core or you'll be releasing air. It's very sensitive to lateral movement.

KerryIrons

My guess as well. One other possibility (if this is just one valve causing problems) is that the valve is sticking. A little bit of silicone oil down the valve stem will fix this. Note not to use petroleum oil as that can rot the inner tube.

Trakhak

Go to your favorite local bike shop. (Might be best to call ahead to ask when they're likely to be less busy. Or just go on soon after they open.) Almost anyone who works there will be able to show you proper Presta valve technique.

jonb5

Thanks for the replies, I'm still struggling to get the hang of pumping up the tires.

I'll have to take the bike to a bike shop and see if they can give me a demonstration.

beng1

I just drilled a bikes rims out and put the nice fat Schrader tubes in it, problem solved. I have done this to every bike I possible could for years. The easier cycling is and the more BS free it is the more fun it is and the more you want to ride. That is the reason I built my single-speed coaster-braked Schrader-valved, flat-pedaled road bike. I am free......

njkayaker

This is still a “you” problem. An overwhelming number of people don’t have issues with Presta valves.

Iride01 

Hard to tell you what you might be doing wrong trying to inflate your tires. I think that's probably because few of us have ever really had any issues inflating them.

Presta and Schrader don't work the same. You don't need to push the air chuck down very far at all on the valve stem with presta's. But even if you were doing that, I can't think why they'd act like you describe.

Perhaps you'd be better off demonstrating it in front of someone at a bike shop and then seeing if they experience the same thing when they try to pump up your tires or if they do something just a tad differently than you.

big john

You said you are using a Presta "adapter". This might be the problem. Use a pump head designed for Presta valves. If it is worn out it won't stay on. Don't drill your rims.

soyabean

Always fill PV's directly with a PV specific chuck.

No crappy "adapters". This is a hack that always never works.

No crappy Walmart pumps that claim to be PV/SV compatible. Most of them try to grip on by ballooning rubber around the PV.

Do things half-arsed and improper, don't expect things to work.

njkayaker

People have already given him the standard advice.

He should go to a shop (like he said) or have some one knowledgeable look at what he is doing.

rumrunn6

some ppl drill out the hole to fit a schrader valve. the size difference is insignificant. easy enough, but it's not for everyone. got pics of your wheel, at the valve?

these are mine




like I said, the conversion isn't for everyone, but if you lose your patience, even w/ personal guidance at a shop, ask them what they think about converting yours

smd4

I agree with most all of your other thoughts, but adapters work just fine--even the cheapie screw-on ones.

chaadster

As someone else mentioned earlier, in this situation, it may be the pump head is not functioning properly, and the valve which switches between the schrader nozzle and the presta nozzle is sticking. Given this pump is probably the best inflation solution of the three you mention, I’d take the advice to try a squirt of silicone lube in the pump head to see if you can’t get it working properly.

By “vertical pump” I think you’re referring to what’s most commonly called a “floor pump.” Assuming this is the same floor pump you were trying to use the presta nozzle on, it seems like an adapter on the presta valve to use the schrader nozzle would work. I frankly don’t understand how the tire deflating “before you can get any air in” explains at all whether the pump can inflate the tire, let’s assume here that it does but then deflates after you remove the pump head. In this case, I’d look at the valve pin and make sure it’s straight and not bent, because if bent, it could be that when screwing on the adapter, you’re also depressing the pin, opening the valve. You can straighten it with your fingers, or gently with pliers.[/QUOTE]

First, it basically sounds like you’re giving up because the hand pump is hard to work. Get a better hand pump, but know they all take some strength and endurance to use. Second, if the adapter works with the hand pump but not the floor pump, it may be that the check valve in the floor pump has failed; does the pump work on anything else? If yes, it’s most likely the switching valve in the pump head which is inop as described in my first reply.

Ah, well this strongly suggests you’re simply doing something wrong. It could be that both the switching valve on the pump is fouled *and* you’re improperly screwing on the adapter (perhaps due to a bent pin), but it seems a bit unlikely that those things are happening simultaneously given you generally have presta problems.

I think the best thing you can do is to take your wheel and your pump to someone who knows what they’re doing and have them show you. Ideally it’s your local bike shop, but maybe it’s an experienced friend. There’s really no special skills or tricks which need employed to inflate a presta tube, so it may be your pumps are rubbish, so it will be best if the person you go to is a pro or at least an experienced amateur tech with specific experience with bicycles and presta valves.

mpetry912 

what I'm thinking is that the rubber grommet in the pump head is worn or not gripping the valve stem.

so you're always going to have air leaking out of the pump head.

on quality pumps this part is replaceable, on cheap ones, forget it

Sometimes you can tighten the collar on the pump head to give the pump head a little more "bite"

/markp