General Cycling Discussion - 700x28C tires

Is there a type of pump for these tires?
I can't seem to pump it with the pump I got for my 26 inch tires. Just received my new bike that came with these tires. Never had a bike that had 700 tires before.

Probably have Presta valves (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presta_valve) rather than the Schrader valves (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schrader_valve)that you are used to. Most decent quality pumps can handle either, typically by unscrewing the head and switching the internal parts around. Or you can buy an adapter, or a pump that has a dual head that can do both.

Aaron :)

Most 700c (and many high performance 26")wheels use presta headed valves. http://sheldonbrown.com/brandt/presta-schrader.html
You can buy an inexpensive adapter for like a buck at any bike store.

Just about every bike pump has a simple way to adapt to the 'presta' or 'French' valve, but without seeing your pump I cannot imagine what that entails.

It is possible for a bike shop to drill out your rim to fit the tubes with the more familiar 'Schreader' or 'American' valves, which are also available in the 700X28c size.

Thanks everyone. My pump probably came with the presta valve adapter, but I probably threw it away a long time ago. Will head to the store tomorrow and get one. Wanted to test out my new 2010 Fuji Absolute 2.0 today, but no adapter and it's like 2 F today in Minnesota. :(

some Floor pumps have a 'Smart Head' which helps when its required,
Perhaps that's at least 1 in the room.:roflmao2:

Thanks everyone. My pump probably came with the presta valve adapter, but I probably threw it away a long time ago. Will head to the store tomorrow and get one. Wanted to test out my new 2010 Fuji Absolute 2.0 today, but no adapter and it's like 2 F today in Minnesota. :(

What brand of pump? I have a Serfas Bones and an older Canondale, both require you to partially disassemble the head to make the switch between Presta and Schrader. I used to keep one set up for Schrader and the other for Presta. Got a new Park Tool PFP-4 (http://www.parktool.com/product/professional-mechanic-floor-pump-pfp-4) for Christmas, it has the dual head on it. :D

Aaron :)

What brand of pump? I have a Serfas Bones and an older Canondale, both require you to partially disassemble the head to make the switch between Presta and Schrader. I used to keep one set up for Schrader and the other for Presta. Got a new Park Tool PFP-4 (http://www.parktool.com/product/professional-mechanic-floor-pump-pfp-4) for Christmas, it has the dual head on it. :D

Aaron :)

It's a Bell foot pump.
http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4263306

It's a Bell foot pump.
http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4263306

Can't find directions for that one on line.... but on the ones I have you unscrew the ring on the head where it goes over the valve, pull the rubber ring out, a small plastic piece falls out, you turn it over so the pin is pointed back into the pump, then reverse the rubber ring so the smallest side is facing out, screw it all back together. Also with Presta Valves you have to unscrew the top of the valve before you start to put air in. They are a bit delicate and don't like to be pushed from side to side.

Aaron :)

Thanks everyone. My pump probably came with the presta valve adapter, but I probably threw it away a long time ago. Will head to the store tomorrow and get one. Wanted to test out my new 2010 Fuji Absolute 2.0 today, but no adapter and it's like 2 F today in Minnesota. :(

Try this:

1. See if you can unscrew the end of the valve chuck on your pump.
2. Look to see if 2 parts can come out - a rubber grommet and a round plastic "thingie" with a stick on one side.
3. Turn both parts upside down and reassemble the chuck.

That should do it.

It's a Bell foot pump.
http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4263306

Best thing to do with those is throw them the hell away and buy a decent floor pump.

I didn't see the link originally...that one isn't going to come apart. Buy an adapter or a new pump. Given that the new bike probably has high pressure tires a new pump would probably be the best bet.

Aaron :)

Most 700c (and many high performance 26")wheels use presta headed valves. http://sheldonbrown.com/brandt/presta-schrader.html
You can buy an inexpensive adapter for like a buck at any bike store.

In my experience the adapters are mostly useless. They leak terribly at pressures above around 40-50psi, which makes them pretty useless for pumping up high pressure tires.

In my experience the adapters are mostly useless. They leak terribly at pressures above around 40-50psi, which makes them pretty useless for pumping up high pressure tires.

I have never* had this experieice. THe trick is to unscrew the nut on the valve stem about halfway, then screw the adapter on to the valve stem so the rubber gasket just nudges up against the start of the larger diameter of the valve stem, then put the pump on the adapter as if it were a schreader valve and pump.

* In the past I have actually seen some ultra-cheap adapters that were just a peice of brass and did not have the little rubber o-ring. These did not work well and did leak. I have not seen these adapters for years and years, though - all the ones I have seen have had the o-ring and work perfectly. I bought a $9.99 pump from a box store a couple years ago and it came with a greay plastic adapter and even that one had the o-ring and worked fine.

In my experience the adapters are mostly useless. They leak terribly at pressures above around 40-50psi, which makes them pretty useless for pumping up high pressure tires.

Absolutely not true. The tires on both my road bikes stay a around 100psi for days at a time with adapters on them. I alternate using two bikes, so I check them right before I leave.

Absolutely not true. The tires on both my road bikes stay a around 100psi for days at a time with adapters on them. I alternate using two bikes, so I check them right before I leave.

I also agree that in my experience I never had any issues with using the adapter to my Presta valves, well, other than the added step of having to use it before I could pump my tires. But after I'm done pumping, I remove it and lock the core. I don't leave it on my tire(s).

Try this:

1. See if you can unscrew the end of the valve chuck on your pump.
2. Look to see if 2 parts can come out - a rubber grommet and a round plastic "thingie" with a stick on one side.
3. Turn both parts upside down and reassemble the chuck.

That should do it.

Already got a presta valve today and pumped up the tires. Now just waiting for it to get warmer.

Best thing to do with those is throw them the hell away and buy a decent floor pump.

I had a hand pump and didn't really like it, because it takes longer to pump and the needle inside broke. The only thing that I like about it was that it's light and can be easily carry by attaching it to the bike frame. Floor pump (if those are the one that is shape like a T) are too big. The foot pump works well for me.

I had a hand pump and didn't really like it, because it takes longer to pump and the needle inside broke. The only thing that I like about it was that it's light and can be easily carry by attaching it to the bike frame. Floor pump (if those are the one that is shape like a T) are too big. The foot pump works well for me.

I am not familiar with the model of pump you linked to, but is it capable of pumping to at least 90+ psi? Because that is the approximate pressure you need for 700X28 tires if you don't want repeated flats. If the pump is capable of that then it actually should work fine, regardless of what us bike snobs think.

In my experience the adapters are mostly useless. They leak terribly at pressures above around 40-50psi, which makes them pretty useless for pumping up high pressure tires.

When I got home. I connect the presta valve adapter to the pump and tried to pump the tires. Air was leaking. Then I connected the presta valve adapter to the tires first, then connected the pump and it worked flawlessly.