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Max. Air Pressure

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Old 06-02-14 | 07:26 AM
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Max. Air Pressure

Hi,
Is anybody knows what is Max. air pressure that the air pumps in the gas stations can provide?

thanks,
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Old 06-02-14 | 08:00 AM
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Around here at least, every gas station company uses different pumps so it's a difficult question to answer.

I'd be more worried about over-filling, since the air comes out pretty quickly in those pumps. I bet a bike tire would go from 20-100 psi in a few seconds.
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Old 06-02-14 | 08:34 AM
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Whatever it is, it's too darned high for a bicycle!
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Old 06-02-14 | 08:34 AM
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I wouldn't try using one of those gas station pumps on bike tires. Get a decent floor or frame pump with a gauge.

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Old 06-02-14 | 08:48 AM
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The pumps can be set to different pressures. Most can get you up to 80-90psi or higher. But I've seen a few that wouldn't.

As noted above be careful. Although in all my life I've only blown 1 tube at the gas station. It is pretty loud when you have your ear right next to it.
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Old 06-02-14 | 10:49 AM
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The Sheetz gas stations down near me have digital pumps that let you set them up to 70.

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Old 06-02-14 | 10:53 AM
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1 million psi.

Can't find the link right now, but I'll let you know when I find it.
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Old 06-02-14 | 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by WestPablo
Whatever it is, it's too darned high for a bicycle!
Actually probably not. Mostly I think they regulate the pressure down to about 40 PSI, to keep morons from exploding their car tires. Too LOW for bicycle tires. At least they're like that around here. When they work at all.
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Old 06-02-14 | 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by ItsJustMe
Actually probably not. Mostly I think they regulate the pressure down to about 40 PSI, to keep morons from exploding their car tires. Too LOW for bicycle tires. At least they're like that around here. When they work at all.
All I know, is that many years ago, I once tried to fill my bicycle tire with air from a gas station and the darned thing blew my tire up!

I've been a believer ever since!

Last edited by WestPablo; 06-02-14 at 12:16 PM.
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Old 06-02-14 | 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by ItsJustMe
Actually probably not. Mostly I think they regulate the pressure down to about 40 PSI, to keep morons from exploding their car tires. Too LOW for bicycle tires. At least they're like that around here. When they work at all.
x2

I know the ones at Sheetz, where you can set the PSI, don't go high enough for bike tires.

Check tires before riding, and if you feel the need, carry a small pump on you.
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Old 06-02-14 | 12:53 PM
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Originally Posted by WestPablo
Whatever it is, it's too darned high for a bicycle!
I've been using gas station pumps all my life. (50+) The comp in my garage is set for 160 psi. Have never blown a tire. A little common sense IS required. Unfortunately, there is far too little of that these days.
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Old 06-02-14 | 01:58 PM
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Originally Posted by yote223
I've been using gas station pumps all my life. (50+) The comp in my garage is set for 160 psi. Have never blown a tire. A little common sense IS required. Unfortunately, there is far too little of that these days. Well, at least you've got more sense, than me and my entire family put together!
fify

I was a teenager when it happened. All I remember, is that just a few seconds after I connected the pump to my tire valve___BOOM!!!

PS.

Thanks for the compliment, my friend!

Last edited by WestPablo; 06-02-14 at 02:07 PM.
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Old 06-02-14 | 08:05 PM
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Regardless of max PSI available from motor pump, get a digital pressure gauge or rugged analogue gauge as to not over-inflate.

- Andy
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Old 06-02-14 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by TransitBiker
Regardless of max PSI available from motor pump, get a digital pressure gauge or rugged analogue gauge as to not over-inflate.

- Andy
My calibrated thumb and index finger combo have served me well for six decades.
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Old 06-03-14 | 06:21 AM
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Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike
My calibrated thumb and index finger combo have served me well for six decades.
Lucky you! My bike sits on concrete when home here, so the tires & air inside can cool quite a bit. After a ride on a hot day, this can create a bit of slack, that in turn makes for a very sluggish ride... So, i'm pumping up 50% of the time due to temperature fluctuation after the bike sits for hours in a cool garage on cold concrete.

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Old 06-03-14 | 09:02 AM
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With the 23s I'm running now, I get pinch flats below about 90 PSI. My thumb and forefinger can't tell the difference between 90 and 110 PSI very well.
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Old 06-03-14 | 09:19 AM
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Originally Posted by WestPablo
All I know, is that many years ago, I once tried to fill my bicycle tire with air from a gas station and the darned thing blew my tire up!

I've been a believer ever since!
Same here and it even bent my rim. Mine happened at a gas station which was also a truck stop. Trucks need more pressure. Also this was before hook-beaded rims and gumwall tires took less pressure.
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