Bike maintenance for dummies.

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Jun 2016
12:13pm, 4 Jun 2016
19,718 posts
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GlennR
Ok, simply to eliminate the obvious we unscrew the bit at the top of the valve, but you know that.

My track pump connector has two holes. You want the smaller one of the two.

Make sure the clip thing is undone - without knowing the model of your pump I can't be sure which way that goes, but trial and error will sort it.

Push the connector down firmly.

Do up the clip.

Pump up the tyre and reverse.
Jun 2016
12:14pm, 4 Jun 2016
4,202 posts
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Winded
1. Priests valves have to be unscrewed (the pressure holds it shut but best to screw up again afterwards).
2. A presta pump head must be used.
3. Take care attaching and detaching; don't bend the thing - they break.

That's it - hopefully. Good luck.
Jun 2016
12:15pm, 4 Jun 2016
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Winded
Cross post - more interesting is the phone typo- priests have their own valves - who knew?
Jun 2016
12:30pm, 4 Jun 2016
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Winded
If unfamiliar you need to take care with some kinds of pump.

Some presta valves (not all) have removeable cores - this makes it easy to put latex in your tube if you want to or to use valve extenders. It can be a pain though; you need to just unscrew the very end bit of the valve- don't loosen the valve core or it will leak.

Some presta pumps have screw on heads. This makes a great connection but the valve can get hot (especially if using a small hand pump and 300 strokes) - when the core gets hot it can become loose and unscrew when you unscrew the valve head. You can fix this with superglue or similar or just leave it for 10 seconds before taking the hose off. Or just buy tubes with cores that don't come out.
Jun 2016
12:44pm, 4 Jun 2016
14,728 posts
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Diogenes
Thanks all. The problem I'm having is that although the tyre is quite flat, when I attach the adapter securely I can't put any air through the pump. If I loosen it air is released from the tyre, I can pump the tyre but the air is not going in. The nozzle is undone.
Jun 2016
12:47pm, 4 Jun 2016
721 posts
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Tonybv9
Are your tyres already fairly well inflated? Do they refuse to accept more air from the pump? It's a common problem and I believe it's because the pressure in the tyre is too great to allow any more air in. THe thing to do is let lots more air out of the tyre before pumping up.
Jun 2016
12:48pm, 4 Jun 2016
19,720 posts
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GlennR
Duo, it sounds to me as if the connector is not pushed down far enough
Jun 2016
12:49pm, 4 Jun 2016
14,730 posts
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Diogenes
No, it's quite soft (and getting softer). This is a new pump and I'm wondering if I don't know how to use it? It has a pressure gauge and there is a valve you can open or close, do I need to do anything with that?
Jun 2016
12:56pm, 4 Jun 2016
14,731 posts
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Diogenes
Brilliant! Glenners can puff out his chest with pride as he has provided the answer. I thought I had pushed it all the way in but I hadn't gone ball-deep, if you'll excuse the expression.

Right, no excuse not to go for a ride now.
Jun 2016
4:58pm, 6 Jun 2016
5,790 posts
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CStar
:-O ;-)

About This Thread

Maintained by DeeGee
A thread for your questions about fixing common bike problems.

Need help naming a part? jimlangley.net

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