Cycling enthusiasts know firsthand what it means to get a puncture during an active pastime. The unexpected can happen in the middle of the forest, or along the highway. Unfortunately, not every car owner will stop to help in this case, and a full-fledged pump takes up too much space, which is already in short supply. There are several methods for inflating a flat tire, in the absence of a reliable and familiar pump. All bicycle owners, without exception, should familiarize themselves with them.

I would like to draw your attention to the following fact. The wheels are almost impossible to overinflate, since quality tires have a fairly high upper limit. Therefore, if you are full of strength and energy, then all the same, excessive efforts will not be enough to break the lids from excess air. The worst thing is to ride an iron horse with flat tires. This can lead to punctures and other damage and subsequent serious repairs or the purchase of a new bicycle tube.

You need to understand that driving on flat tires just because you don’t have a pump and you can’t figure out how to pump them up is unacceptable. If the tire pressure is insufficient, their shock-absorbing ability deteriorates. If you are driving perfectly smooth road, then you won’t see the problems right away. But if your path runs through rough terrain, through potholes or off-road, then you will soon be guaranteed the presence of “eights” on wheels. This will cause the rims to be damaged.

Possible consequences of cycling on flat tires

There are several methods for determining what pressure is in the tires and whether there is a need to inflate them. There is an old and well-tested method, and it is as follows. We take the tires and squeeze them with our fingers. If the rubber practically does not allow itself to be compressed, then the pressure in it is normal. But this method should be treated with caution. There are people who have remarkable strength, so it will not be difficult for them to squeeze rubber twice, even under pressure. And there are more frail ones who are not able to even slightly squeeze an almost empty tire.

Manually checking bicycle tire pressure

The most effective way to check tire pressure is to use a pressure gauge. To do this, the number of pump strokes to achieve the desired pressure level is calculated. The result is remembered so that later, when you don’t have a pressure gauge at hand, you can independently determine whether the tire pressure is sufficient.

Determining bicycle tire pressure using a pressure gauge

It is necessary to understand that it is precisely such an indicator as tire pressure that affects the speed of travel, the quality of road grip and, as a result, your safety. It is generally accepted that the average pressure for all bicycles is 2 atmospheres. But if your path constantly passes on an asphalt surface, then it can be equal to 3.5 atmospheres. If you are traveling on a dirt road or across fields, the pressure should be an average of 2.7 atmospheres.

To determine the pressure indicator using a pressure gauge built into the pump or individual, you must take the following steps:

1. place the bike so that the nipple faces down;
2. unscrew the protective cap;
   
3. install a pressure gauge to the nipple tongue or connect a pump tube to it and clamp the valve;
   
4. The device will display the current tire pressure value.
   

What can happen if the tire pressure is higher or lower than normal:

To avoid negative consequences, it is worth constantly monitoring the tire pressure. There are optimal pressure levels that will allow you to travel on bicycles with greater comfort and health benefits. These data are shown in the table:

Rider weight	Number of atmospheres
	2,38 – 2,59
	3,1
	2,72 – 2,9
	3,6
105 kg
118 kg

To properly inflate your tires, you need to understand which roads your cycling route will take. If you are sure that only hard and high-quality road surfaces await you ahead, then you should inflate your tires to 3.5 atmospheres. If the pressure is lower, then you will not have a comfortable trip.

If the main route will be along a dirt road, then try to set the tire pressure at 2.5 - 2.7 atmospheres. The softness of the wheels eliminates bumps and uneven ground, making it possible to turn sharply and brake when descending.

Almost all bicycle tires have numbers on the sides that indicate the minimum and maximum pressure threshold. If you don’t want to understand all the intricacies of tire inflation, you can simply take the average value and inflate to this limit, or better yet, slightly more than the average.

The numbers on the tire indicate the pressure values ​​at which it is recommended to inflate it.

For more information about the pressure in bicycle tires, how to inflate them correctly, and what features and conditions you should pay attention to, watch this useful video:

There are several ways to increase tire pressure, if not to the optimal level, then at least to the minimum acceptable level. To inflate the wheels to the required value, a flow of air under pressure is necessary, and this is not always achieved.

• We use a vacuum cleaner. There are models that not only draw air in, but also blow it out. To connect this device to the bicycle nipple, you will need a thin hose. A positive result will only be achieved if the system can be sealed. To do this, you can use rubber pads, tourniquets, and all kinds of rags.
  
• Bottle pump. To do this you need to take two plastic bottles, one of which will act as a cylinder, and the other as a rod. We separate the bottom from one bottle and thread a small diameter hose through its neck, which is connected to the camera. A second bottle is inserted into the first bottle, thanks to which air is pumped into the hose through the cylinder. To achieve a tight seal between the neck and the hose, we use sealant or a rubber gasket. You won't be able to overinflate your tires this way, but you'll most likely be able to get home.

  

  The process of making a homemade pump from two bottles

• Air fork pump. In order to inflate tires with it, you need to work hard, since it is designed for a small volume. But it's still better than doing nothing.
  
• Tire inflation stations at gas stations. Most gas stations have special compressors (there are both paid and free), with which you can cope with the task. Many compressors can automatically inflate the tire to the pressure that the visitor enters on the device screen.
  
• Identical to inflating a balloon. To do this, you need to remove the nipple and use your mouth to try to “inflate” the tires. This option is not good, since after removing the protective cap, air will begin to escape, and it will not be possible to quickly put it back in place.
• Someone else's pump. It is unlikely that you will ride in places where no one has ever set foot. And you will probably meet a cyclist like you, only who has a pump. Of course, he will not leave the same lover of traveling on a two-wheeled friend in trouble.
  

If you are able to purchase a quality mountain bike from the best manufacturer, then the tire pressure can remain at the proper level for a couple of months. But it all depends on how often you use it and what distances you cover on it. The quality of the road surface will also be important. But gradually the tires will deflate and will have to be inflated so as not to render the rims unusable.

If exceed permissible norm pressure, the tire may burst. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly check the pressure using a pressure gauge. Regarding mountain bike the check should be carried out a couple of times a week, and road-type models should be checked after each trip.

If you follow all these rules, then you can travel long distances without fear of adventure and receive only enjoyment and pleasure from your walks. If your wheels are properly inflated, you will have no chance of dragging your iron horse home.

As a rule, all motorists keep a pump in the trunk. But there are times when the tire pressure has dropped, but for some reason there is no pump. If this happened on a highway where the flow of cars is significant and you can always stop a passing car to provide assistance, or there is a station in the immediate vicinity maintenance, then it’s not as scary as being stuck in the forest where there’s not a soul, but to the nearest settlement tens of kilometers.

But there are no limits to human imagination, so craftsmen have come up with a way to inflate tires using a regular car carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. But this idea is not the simplest and not the safest. To do this, you need to have a special hose that will serve as an adapter between the fire extinguisher and the nipple. The hose can be disconnected from a compressor that has become unusable by providing it with a threaded sleeve so that it can be screwed into the fire extinguisher fitting.

As a rule, carrying an OU-2 fire extinguisher with you is a mandatory fire safety requirement. Its pressure is about 5 megapascals, the volume is up to 2 liters of extinguishing agent. If you press the trigger guard, the substance from the fire extinguisher quickly rushes out, turning into gas. This method will help inflate a tire in a matter of minutes. But such actions cannot be called safe, so it is not recommended to use it. As soon as carbon dioxide changes from liquid to gaseous state, it results in strong cooling of both the fire extinguisher itself and the hose. Therefore, after such pumping, the first thing you need to do is drive to a gas station or a tire shop, bleed the carbon dioxide out of the wheel and pump in the usual air.

For more information about this method of inflating a wheel, watch the video:

It would seem that’s it: in the field of automotive compressors, the development limit has already been reached and we can call it a day. But at the same time, “a couple of questions” remain for such devices. Let's start with performance. Most of them, even a relatively small 16-17th “radius”, pump for quite a long time. Powerful and efficient pumps are several times more expensive than the average high-quality one car compressor. At the same time, they are much more massive.

However, when using this pumping method, it is worth keeping two nuances in mind. The first is strong cooling of the fire extinguisher and hose due to the transition of carbon dioxide from liquid to gaseous state. In addition, CO2, when interacting with water vapor present inside the tire (it is always in the air), forms a weak but acid that can slightly corrode the surface of the disc. Therefore, after a carbon dioxide emergency, it is advisable to stop by a gas station or tire shop where you have access to compressed air, bleed CO2 from the wheel and pump regular air into it.

Flat tires do not bode well for a cyclist. The situation must be resolved immediately, otherwise you will have to become a pedestrian for a while. What needs to be done? That's right, pump up the camera and calmly continue moving. Let's look at how to inflate a bicycle wheel using a pump, what subtleties there are when using a car compressor, and whether it is possible to do without a pump.

Why do you need to maintain tire pressure?

Tire pressure is the main parameter that is responsible for the speed of movement, grip on the road surface and the safety of the cyclist. The average minimum value for bicycles is 2 atmospheres. For driving on asphalt, the recommended value is within 3.5 atm, for primers – 2.6 – 2.8 atm.

Determining the pressure inside a bicycle tube is easy and simple using a pressure gauge - separate or built into the pump:

1. Place the bike with the nipple down.
2. Unscrew the protective cap.
3. Install a pressure gauge on the nipple tongue or connect the pump tube to it and tighten the valve.
4. The device will show the current value.

Another method: use your fingers to feel the entire circumference of the tire. If the tires do not sag, then you can drive. It should be noted that this method will give accurate results only for thin slicks on road bikes and tires on city bikes.

Consequences of underinflated tires:

• decreased dynamics due to an increased contact patch;
• force costs to overcome resistance;
• deterioration in bicycle maneuverability;
• punctures;
• wheel damage.

Vice versa, excess quantity air in the chambers threatens the following:

• deterioration of road grip;
• risk of puncturing a tire;
• uncomfortable ride.

Cyclist weight, kg	Atmospheres/PSI*
50	2.38 – 2.59/35 – 38
65	3,1/45,5
77	2,72 – 2,9/40 – 42,6
90	3,6/53
105	3,9/57,5
115	4,1/60
118	3,2 – 3,4/47 - 50

*1 atm = 14.696 Psi

How to inflate a tire using a hand pump

In general, it is a necessary thing for every cyclist. With the help of this simple device, you will be able to inflate your tires yourself, rather than taking your bike to a service station or gas station.

Hand pumps are divided into two types: simple and with a recording device (pressure gauge). It is recommended to purchase the second option, but if you have a separate pressure gauge lying around in the closet, you can buy a cheaper pump.

Universal hand pump with dial pressure gauge

For the convenience of pumping with a conventional hand pump, you can immediately count the number of air intakes until the optimal pressure is achieved and then pump in exactly this way, even without the additional use of a pressure gauge.

How to properly pump air into the chambers:

1. Rotate the wheel until the nipple is down. You can also inflate the bike upside down or the wheel separately if the bike is being dismantled.
2. Unscrew the cap and release all the air while holding the nipple tab.
3. Insert the pump outlet and turn the valve until it stops.
4. Place the device body in a vertical position and use smooth movements of the rod to release air into the wheel.

Pressure tracking:

• according to the pressure gauge arrow;
• periodically disconnect the pump by inserting a separate device into the nipple;
• check tire hardness.

By the way, it would be a good idea to do the latter with a pressure gauge, since the pressure inside the pump may increase during pumping, but air will not enter the chamber (the valve is not completely closed) or escape through a hole in it.

Common options are automotive and Dunlop. For thin wheels, a Presta valve nipple is used. It requires cleanliness and care in handling.

Presta thin nipple cameras are installed on road bikes and some hybrid models

A special small-volume pump is selected for it. A regular bicycle frame may not fit, or you may need to use an adapter.

Car pump - how to inflate tires with it

Most bicycles have a "schrader" or car nipple. Standard option allows you to inflate wheels at gas stations and public bicycle pumps (of which there are only a few in our cities so far) directly.

How to pump up simple wheels car pump:

1. Release the nipple and insert the pump outlet into it.
2. The larger diameter hole is sharpened just for the Schrader valve.
3. On a universal compressor, you will have to install the jumper in the “car nipple” position - with the large end outward.
4. Screw on the top cover and connect the compressor.
5. Monitor the required pressure.

How to pump up Presta with a compressor at a gas station:

1. Install a special adapter cap at the output end of the bus.
2. Connect the compressor to the “car” outlet.
3. If the jock is universal, place the jumper outward with the thin end.
4. Pump in small bursts, gradually reaching the desired pressure.

In this case, it is very important to know exactly how many atmospheres it is necessary to let air into the chambers. If the pressure increases, it can quickly burst.

The last option left is Dunlop. It is identical in size to a car nipple, but design feature similar to French (aka Presta). When inflating a tire, you should follow the rules for a sports analogue.

Methods of “pumpless” pumping of chambers

Is it possible to inflate bicycle inner tubes without a pump? It is unlikely to reach the recommended pressure, since a regular supply of air under pressure is required, but it is possible to reach the minimum values. Let's look at several methods of pumping chambers that can be used without using a pump:

Vacuum cleaner. Many models are equipped with a blowing mode, when switched to which the air is blown out. A thin hose can be used for connection. The result directly depends on the tightness of the connection between the hose and the nipple. Here you can use rubber pads, clamps and even rags.

Bottle pump. You will need two plastic bottles. One of them will serve as a cylinder, the other as a rod. Cut off the bottom of the first bottle and connect its neck through a thin hose to the chamber outlet. Next, insert the second bottle into it and pump air through the cylinder into the hose with progressive movements. To ensure a tight seal, coat the connection between the neck and the hose with sealant or install a rubber pad. High blood pressure you won’t be able to create it, but you can travel the Nth distance on a bicycle.

Schematic representation of a bottle pump: 1 – “rod”, 2 – cylinder, 3 – cylinder neck, 4 – hose

The third way is to remove the nipple and inflate it like a balloon. The method involves difficulties in removing it and installing it in its rightful place. It will be especially difficult to install it back, since during this time all the air can be released.

Alternative option tire inflation - inflation with a pump for a bicycle air fork. You will have to work hard, since this pump is designed for small volumes.

Despite the fact that a resourceful person will find a way out of any situation, it is recommended to have a special pump for inflating tires. Moderately inflated bicycle tubes are the key to comfortable rides without unpleasant surprises in the form of a burst tube or damage to the wheels.

Suppose you find yourself on a desert island, where for some reason there are no pumps, much less a tire service. But a flat tire must be inflated, otherwise you will not be able to escape from predators. Am I talking nonsense? What about a hundred grams of gasoline and a lighter, which are used to do this work in the absence of a pump?

If you do not smoke, you can light a fire using a cigarette lighter: crush a piece of paper or newspaper and bring it to the hot cigarette lighter, blowing so that the paper ignites.

Gasoline can be obtained from your own car. Simply remove the fuel hose and turn on the ignition, the pump will automatically start supplying gasoline.

If you have a tool you can unscrew it fuel filter or fuel pump.

In general, fuel has been produced. And this is where the show begins: pour about one hundred grams (no, not into yourself) under the wheel rim, roll it around so that the gasoline covers as much rubber as possible in a circle inside the wheel.

Put the wheel down, drop a few drops of gasoline on the rubber near the disk, in the place where the gasoline was poured, you can immediately drop a drop onto the paper.

We light the paper very carefully, make it as big as possible and bring it to the wheel at arm's length. There will be a pop. The gasoline vapor inside will pump up your tire in a millisecond!

If it doesn't work the first time, try again. The main thing is that the gasoline gets under the rim of the rubber and a little on the rubber itself, otherwise it will simply catch fire.

As a fireman, prepare sand to quickly extinguish the fire if necessary!

By the way, the tire is inflated to approximately two atmospheres, which means you can drive!

Photos from Internet sites

Every driver knows that there should be a pump in the trunk of the car just because “stuff” happens on the road. However, it also happens that there is not even a hand pump in the car, and the tire is flat. What to do in such a situation? You can try using something that is required to be in the car to inflate the tires.

A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is a thing that is present (or, at least, should be present) in every car. This item can also be used in an alternative way. In a difficult, unexpected and out-of-the-ordinary situation, a fire extinguisher can replace a pump or compressor for inflating wheels. It should be immediately clarified that this method is an emergency and should be used only in a situation where there is a choice between “walking for many kilometers” or “doing at least something.”

In order to inflate a tire with a fire extinguisher, you will need a hose. Even the one that was on the old compressor will do. You will also need a bushing. It's a good idea to have both of these things in your toolbox just in case. The essence of the pumping method is to release carbon dioxide from the fire extinguisher and send it through the hose.

In a standard OU-2 there is about 2 kilograms. The substance is under pressure of more than 5 MP. This should be enough to pump up the gas that will be formed as a result of the contact of acid and air, in order to pump up all the wheels passenger car. With proper skill, one wheel will take no more than a minute.