Valves

[scots_lass]

My new bike has Presta? valves (the skinny ones) whereas my old bike had normal car-type valves for which I used a foot pump. Before I went out today on my bike I realised the tyres were a bit soft. Tried to pump them up with my little pump and failed miserably. Drove to the shops and bought a track pump. Tried with the track pump and failed miserably. Flagged down a passing cyclist and he succeeded eventually even though he had problems as well. Question is - is there a knack to fitting the pump correctly to the valve? Or do I just need to practise more? Or do I need to learn how to use a pump correctly? (I am a complete beginner!!) These skinny valves are a bit scary!!

 

[PatrickPending]

you need to unscrew the screw thingie on the top of the valve first then put on the pump - a little different to schrader. This youtube clip should show you how

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9byRp9e2USU


oh remember to screw the brass thing back in after inflation

Also here

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_p.html#presta

 

[Steve Austin]

Presta valves often need to be tapped a little, till they release some air, be fore they will take any pumping.
Remove dust cap, unscrew little collar, press to releases a little air, press pump hard onto valve, pump. Remove pump, screw lintel collar, put dust cap back on. ride

 

[ianrauk]

Get yourself a Presta Adapter.
And have a look at this video at how to use

 

[scots_lass]

Thanks guys for this - I was being a bit of a numpy and forgot to unscrew the screw bit of the valve! Problem solved!