How to Use a Bike Pump (Every Type, Step by Step)

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Using a bike pump is mostly about matching the pump head to your valve and getting a good seal. This guide covers each type of pump. If you want the basics of what happens inside the pump, see how a bike pump works.

First: Identify Your Valve

Valve	How to spot it	Before pumping
Schrader	Wide (about 8mm), like a car valve	Remove the cap
Presta	Thin (about 6mm) with a small locknut on top	Remove the cap, unscrew the locknut, tap it once
Woods/Dunlop	Less common, mostly outside the US	Use a Presta-compatible head

The valve sizes and the Presta locknut step come from Park Tool’s tire and tube guide. Tapping the Presta valve makes sure it isn’t stuck.

Check the Pump Head

Pump heads come in three main designs:

Twin head: Two holes, one for Presta and one for Schrader.
Smart or auto head: One hole that adjusts to either valve.
Reversible head: You unscrew it and flip an internal part to switch valve types.

Check your pump’s instructions if you’re not sure which you have.

How to Use a Floor Pump

Prepare the valve as shown above.
Push the head straight onto the valve and flip the lever to lock it.
Stand on the foot pads and pump with long, full strokes.
Watch the gauge and stop at the pressure printed on your tire’s sidewall.
Flip the lever, pull the head straight off, and replace the cap (and tighten the Presta locknut).

We go into more detail in our floor pump guide.

BV Bike Pump out of durable Steel - Bicycle pump 160 PSI high Pressure, Bike Tire Pump 17/24 inch Smart Valve Head, Schrader bike pump with gauge, Automatically Reversible Presta & Schrader, ball pump

COMFORTABLE HANDLE because of ergonomically designed air pump for bike handle.
160 PSI HIGH PRESSURE Air Pump for balls and bikes, for easy pumping even for high pressures.
EASY TO CARRY: Only 16.25 inches, easy to use and carry.
TWIN VALVE DESIGN Easily switch between Presta and Schrader valves by simply reversing the components in the valve head. No compromises.
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How to Use a Mini Pump

Prepare the valve.
Fit the pump onto the valve. Many mini pumps screw on or have a small lever.
Hold the pump head and valve firmly with one hand so you don’t bend or snap the valve.
Pump with short, steady strokes. It takes many more strokes than a floor pump.
Check firmness with your thumb, then check with a gauge when you get home.

Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump - Presta & Schrader Bicycle Pump - 120 PSI Tire Pump for Road & MTB - No Valve Changing Needed

CLEVER VALVE - Securely locks onto all bike tires, Road bikes, MTB, BMX, Kids. Fits both Schrader and Presta, no leaks, no valve changing needed, or extra bike pump adaptors needed.
HIGH PRESSURE INFLATION - Pumps to 120 PSI, the perfect mini bike pump for commuter, road bikes, bikes and MTBs. Not for wagon wheels, stroller tires, tubeless tires.
SECURE MOUNTING BRACKET - With Velcro strap mounts to your frame' waterbottle cage holes. It holds the bicycle pump firmly in place, with no rattles or lost pumps.
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IRONCLAD WARRANTY - Backed by our 5-year manufacturer's warranty. Vibrelli gear is designed by cyclists for cyclists and built to last

How to Use a CO2 Inflator

Screw a CO2 cartridge into the inflator head, following the maker’s instructions.
Press the head onto the valve.
Release the gas in short bursts. CO2 fills a tire in seconds.
Hold the inflator by its sleeve or wear gloves. The cartridge gets very cold.

CO2 gradually leaks out of tubes faster than air, so many riders refill with a regular pump after the ride.

How to Use an Electric Pump

Charge the pump fully before the ride.
Attach the hose or head to the valve.
Set the target pressure if the pump has an auto-stop feature.
Turn it on and let it run until it stops.

CYCPLUS Tiny Electric Bike Pump AS2Pro, 120g, Aluminum Alloy Shell, Black | Mini pocket size, Max 120PSI, Fast inflation, Auto stop, pressure gauge, Presta and Schrader Valve, for MTB, and Road Bike

【Pocket Size & Portable】: Weight: 𝟒.𝟐𝟑 𝐨𝐳 (𝟏𝟐𝟎𝐠); Size: 𝟐.𝟕𝟓 𝐱 𝟏.𝟏𝟎 𝐱 𝟏.𝟗𝟐 inches - mini and light-weighted, perfect for single-handed use. Portable to carry and store - can be attached to the backpack or put in your pocket.
【Powerful Inflation】Its compact size belies its lightning-fast performance. With a maximum air pressure of 𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝐏𝐒𝐈, It takes only 𝟓𝟐 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚 𝟕𝟎𝟎 𝐱 𝟐𝟓𝐂 𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 (𝟎-𝟖𝟎 𝐏𝐒𝐈) and only 𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐛?𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 (𝟎-𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝐏𝐒𝐈). It focuses mainly on bicycle inflation, and is more professional for E-Bike, Mountain Bike, City Bike and Road Bike.
【Auto Shut-off】The LED large screen with pressure gauge function allows easy reading of preset pressure values and real-time pressure readings, with a measurement accuracy of ± 𝟏 𝐏𝐒𝐈. Once the desired pressure is set, this bicycle tire inflator will automatically complete the remaining tasks, stopping automatically when the target pressure is reached.
【Fast Charging】Only 𝟑𝟎 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 to be fully charged. With a full charge, it can inflate at least TWO 𝟕𝟎𝟎*𝟐𝟓𝐂 tires from 𝟎 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟏𝟎 PSI.
【2 Kinds of Valves】Compatible with both Schrader valve and Presta valve - 2 in 1 for easy to carry. Besides, the extra air hose in the package can help you to avoid any awkward angles or blind spots.

FAQ

How do I know how much air to put in?

The recommended pressure range is printed on the tire sidewall. Park Tool recommends checking it with a gauge.

Why won’t my pump put air in the tire?

The head may not be sealed, may be set for the wrong valve, or a Presta locknut may still be closed.

Which pump should I buy?

Start with a floor pump with a gauge. See our best bike pump guide.