Bicycle Mechanics - Tire Inflation Problems

My 27x1 wheels have presto valves. I used a schrader adapter and then my new portable bicycle pump but I can't seem to get the pressure up enough in the tire. It is rated for 100psi. I am bottoming out on bumps. I know this is not acceptable but I don't know how to get the pressure any higher.

I've seen presta adapters not fit tightly enough into inexpensive shraeder pumps.

You would probably do well to buy a good floor pump, Topeak or Blackburn, etc, that has a shraeder/presta head. I've seen decent ones from $40US, certainly no more than $50.

Portable pumps... I'm assuming you mean a frame or pocket hand pump... will fill that tire, but it could take a while. They work best in a getcha home kind of way...

buy a floor pump. I got a $30 "tech force" (i think?) from the bike shop when I bought my road bike. Goes to 120 EASY...i only pump to 115/110 though. Well worth it.

Thanks. I bought a floor pump with a gauge today. It should do the trick.

I replaced my tires and tubes and then inflated them to the 90 psi. No wonder I was bottoming out. My old tires weren't nearly this tight. I was probably only getting to 45 or 50 with the small hand held pump. Thanks for all the advice.