UnsolvedCypher

I'm new to biking, and I hope to get more into it! I have Bontrager Race All-Weather Hard-Case 700x32c tires, and I can't figure out how to inflate them (they're pretty flat right now, and I can't ride until they're inflated). I tried to use a regular presta pump, but that didn't work. It doesn't look like a schrader either, so I'm not sure what to do. Does anyone know how to inflate these?
Thanks!

fauxto nick

Just from experience at the shop.

1) Did you check that the tip on the presta valve is open all the way, if it is try pushing it in before you put the pump head on it, sometimes the rubber seal inside makes it stick and the pressure coming out of the pump isn't enough to 'pop' it open.

2) Obviously check that the pump you're using is presta valve.

3) If neither of those work check that you don't have a major blow out in the tube so large that the air is literally just coming right out so quickly it won't inflate even a little.

Those are the most likely sources if it doesn't seem like it's inflating at all from my experience with new cyclists.

RoyIII

Opening a presta valve: Presta valves unscrew at the very top. The head of the valve is on a slender rod. Unscrew the valve carefully so as not to bend or damage the wire-slender rod

UnsolvedCypher

Thank you for all the replies. The pump worked fine on another bike, but the problem is that the pump doesn't go all the way onto the valve, and I don't want to push as to not break it. Are you sure that those tires use presta?
Thank you!

fauxto nick

It's either going to be the valve like on a car or a presta like RoyIII described, there's only one other type of valve and it's highly unlikely that's what you're dealing with. It's not what the tires use, it's what your rim uses by the way.

UnsolvedCypher

Ok, thanks. I'll try tomorrow.

David Broon 

There are two parts to a tire like you have. There's the tire, which is the thick part on the outside. That's what goes on the ground. Inside that, there's a tube, which holds the air. Do you know what kind of tubes you have? And don't be afraid to push the pump head down on the valve.

robbyville

Also, if you're using a double headed pump young need to lock it to the valve, with some pumps if you don't lock your chuck on the right direction you may be blowing air out the other (shraeder) side

TromboneAl

This explains everything:

UnsolvedCypher

Thank you, awesome video.

bt

chick fingernails

halfspeed

Yeah, WTF is up with that? He probably shaves his legs, too!

pdedes

Found his nails disconcerting.

Vicegrip

I am confused. I have the same bike pump but my fingernails don't look at all like his.