Bicycle pump in question: https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bc/...jsp?spid=42021

I'm not sure if the pump is broken, or if I am actually this hopeless. I purchased a bike recently, and the above frame pump came with it. However, I can't seem to use it. It has two holes - one for each of the two different types of valves.

I take the cap off my tube, and insert the Shrader valve into the pump. The pump head is labeled, and the valve only fits in one side of the pump. I try to make sure the valve is inserted as much as possible.

Then comes the lever. When left in the neutral position or pointed towards the Shrader valve, pumping just results in air coming out the unused Presta hole. There is very little resistance with pumping. Pointing the lever towards the Presta hole results in air rushing out of the Presta hole very quickly, even when not pumping. It does this for both of my tubes, one of which is now flat.

I'm sure if I'm doing something silly here, but I can't figure it out. I've used a floor pump before, so am not unfamiliar with how to pump a tube.

Thanks

If you lock the lever to use on a presta valve then it should be fine. Are you unscrewing the presta valve screw (the depressor) first, then tapping the screwed out depressor (little plunger thingy) down first? If so then your pump may be having problems; take it to an LBS and see if they find the problem.

You might also consider getting a good floor-pump for in-house use. No point in wearing yourself out, before you ride, by pumping-up your tires with a small carry-on pump.

Happy Trails!

poster mentioned Shrader valve not presta.
obviously you tried all positions of the lever.
could be a defective valve. take it back to LBS and have them check it or demonstrate it.