Learning how to inflate Presta valves is one of those beginner bike maintenance jobs that are incredibly simple once you know how to do it – but you still need to be shown the first time!
It’s also one of the most important bike maintenance tasks to get nailed down, as it’s the one you’re likely to find yourself performing most often.
If you feel like you don’t know where to begin – or aren’t really sure what a Presta valve actually is – fear not! In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- What Is A Presta Valve?
- How Do I Identify A Presta Valve From Other Types?
- Why Might You Find Yourself Needing To Inflate The Valve?
- What Tools Will I Need To Complete The Job?
- Our Step By Step Guide On How To Inflate Presta Valve
- Robbie’s Video Maintenance Guide: How To Inflate A Presta Valve
Let’s dive in!
What Is A Presta Valve?
The Presta valve is what most modern bikes are equipped with. It was originally invented as an alternative to the Schrader and Dunlop valves.
- Confused by the different valve types? Check out our Complete Guide to Bike Tire Valve Types here!
Prestas are narrow valves and have a small lock nut at the top. The Presta valve was designed to work with higher-pressure tires and be easy to use without tools.
Presta valves are very popular due to their being very easy to use. Unlike Schrader valves, you can remove the valve core and clean and service them if required. Presta valves come in different sizes, which makes them excellent for wheels with taller aerodynamic profiles.
It’s important to mention that Presta valves are not always connected to a tube. On tubeless systems, they stand alone and fill the hole in the rim. They still work the same, but use the outer tire to hold the air.
How Do I Identify A Presta Valve From Other Types?
There are a few different types of valves on the market, and they work in different ways. Identifying the correct valve is important to ensure you pump it up properly. Here’s how to identify each.
Schrader Valve
A Schrader valve is not just seen on bikes but also on cars too. It is a small wide valve with a pin in the center that releases the air inside when pressed. They typically are a brass color with a black base.
- Click here to learn more about Schrader Valves.
Dunlop Valve
A Dunlop value is not commonly seen in modern times. It’s similar to a Presta valve, though, and works in a similar way. It has a tall silver valve with a wide lock nut at the top that wraps around the valve stem.
- Click here to learn more about Dunlop Valves.
Presta Valve
A Presta valve in modern times is the most common type of valve on a bike. It is a tall silver valve with a lock nut at the top. Unlike the Dunlop valve, the lock nut sits directly on the top and doesn’t wrap around.
- Click here to learn more about Presta Valves.
Why Learn To Inflate Presta Valves?
You might need to know how to air up a Presta valve for many reasons. Here are our top reasons:
#1. After Fixing A Puncture
Punctures are common on bikes, and as a cyclist, you will see many. After fixing a puncture, the tire will be flat, and you must pump it up for the wheel to work properly.
#2. When Installing New Tires
When you install new tires, you must completely deflate the inner tubes. Once installed, you will need to pump them back up again to optimum pressure.
#3. When Your Inner Tube Loses Air
Inner tubes do not need to be punctured to lose air. They naturally lose it over time. Some tubes go down quicker than others, depending on the quality of their construction. When they go down, they need pumping back up.
#4. To Compensate For Multiple Terrains
If you ride a bike such as a gravel bike or a mountain bike, you will find yourself adjusting the pressure of the tires to suit the terrain you’re riding on (less pressure for off-road and more pressure for the road).
What Tools Will I Need To Complete The Job?
To inflate a Presta valve, all you will need is a bike pump with the correct fitting for the Presta valve.
You will come across two types of pumps: track pumps and hand pumps.
A track pump is a large tall pump with a footplate and a large chamber for air. These are definitely the quickest way to inflate a Presta valve and often come with a psi (pressure) gauge. They are much better for getting high pressures compared to a hand pump.
A hand pump is great if you are out on the road and only need one in an emergency. They have a small chamber and are very lightweight. They struggle to reach high pressures and take much longer than a track pump but are much more convenient.
How To Inflate Presta Valves in 5 Easy Steps
Now, onto our step-by-step guide on how to inflate Presta valves! If this is the first time you’re doing this, allow for around 5 minutes, but take your time if you need to.
Step #1. Preparation
The first thing you need to do is get prepared.
We recommend doing this in a safe place and ensure if you’re out outside taking your bike well away from any road you might be on. Have your pump handy and ensure it is set up to work with a Presta valve.
Step #2. Undo Cap And Release The Valve
First, remove the valve cap.
You should now be able to see the valve top. It will be a small circular piece that sits on a thread. It should be nice and tight to hold the pressure in, and often they can get stuck. To undo it, you must go anti-clockwise, the same way as the cap.
Turn the valve, and it should work its way up to the top of the thread, leaving a gap between the valve stem and the top. If you find it to be stuck, move it around on the top using your fingers, and it should loosen off.
Step #3. Test The Valve
Now you will need to test the valve itself. When you have unscrewed the valve at the top, press down on the top of the valve.
If there’s air in the tire, you should hear a hiss of the air come out. If there was no air in, it should just drop to the bottom. This shows us the valve is working properly.
If it doesn’t move, you might need to apply some pressure or, worst case, change the valve core – which is rare.
Step #4. Pump Some Air In!
Next, it’s time to attach the pump. If you have a track pump, it will just press on, and then you lock it into place with the pressure clip.
If you’re using a hand pump, it will screw on, and you must ensure it’s tight.
Start pumping air into the tires, ensuring the correct pressure by either using the pump gauge or checking with your fingers.
- If you are unsure of what pressure to put in when you inflate a Presta valve, here’s an Online Tire Pressure Calculator!
You will need to get the pump off when you have hit optimum pressure. On the track pump, release the clip and pull the pump off. On the hand pump, you will need to unscrew it. The quicker you can do this process, the better, as you can lose some air.
Step #5. Shut The Valve And Replace The Cap
Finally, we need to lock all that pressure in. Screw your valve back up by turning it clockwise, ensuring you don’t press it down and release any pressure.
You want it to be nipped up tight, but try not to over-tighten it as they get stuck easily. Once the valve is finger tight, get your cap and screw it on clockwise.
Robbie’s Video Maintenance Guide: How To Inflate A Presta Valve
Check out the BikeTips YouTube Channel here for walk-through bike maintenance guides and more!
Now You Know How To Inflate Presta Valves…
Learning to inflate a Presta valve is an important skill for any cyclist. It will be a task you perform often!
Learning how to adjust your tire pressures goes a long way to improving the riding experience and can make a bumpy road much more comfortable.
Now it’s time to put those freshly pumped tires to use and hit the road!
