How to Inflate a Bike Tire Without a Pump?
Imagine riding through an off-road terrain, and suddenly, you hear all the air coming out of the tube. Well, that is what riders call having a flat in mid-ride. So, what do you do now? Drag the bike along the road and hope for a repair shop to be on the way? That sound pretty unrealistic!
Well, if you know how to inflate a bike tire without a pump, you will not have to worry one bit when facing such scenarios. And the best part is that you can even inflate the tube at your home by knowing the process. That is one less trip to the repair shop. Want to know all about the process? Continue reading!
Method 1: Using CO2 Cartridges
This method makes more sense if you ever get a flat tire in mid-ride. CO2 cartridges are pretty small, and they are easy to carry. So, you can just take some in your backpack before going on an off-road adventure.
Nonetheless, the small cartridges will work just fine for road bikes. But for the bat-bike tires or for mountain bikes, you will need to acquire large-sized ones. Also, note that there are two different types of CO2 cartridges: non-threaded and threaded.
Among those two, we would recommend the threaded ones. You will be capable of screwing them directly on the inflator head. However, the non-threaded ones will also work. You will just need to press or push them into the inflator head.
Alongside that, you will need a nozzle. It will depend on the valve that you have. So, you should check the bike’s valve and see which nozzle will work the best. That said, when you acquire the cartridges and nozzles, follow these steps to inflate a flat bicycle tire:
Step 1: Insert the Cartridge into the Nozzle
Firstly, you will need to insert the CO2 cartridge into the nozzle. If you are working with a threaded cartridge, screw it properly. And for the non-threaded ones, insert the neck of the cartridge into the nozzle.
Step 2: Insert the Nozzle into the Valve
Next, you will need to attach the nozzle to the valve. If you picked a proper nozzle, inserting it into the valve should not be a problem. But if you see that it is not getting onto the valve properly, you picked the wrong one. Check and get the right one and start again from step 1.
Step 3: Inflate the Tire
All that is left for you to do now is to inflate the tire. Depending on the size, you might need more than one cartridge. And when taking off the nozzle, pull it off as straight as possible. That will lower the chances of you damaging the valve. After inflating the tire, put the valve cap back on.
Method 2: Manually Blow Your Tire
If you can not acquire CO2 cartridges or the pump, you will need to follow the manual method. For this, follow these steps:
- Clean the valve of the tire and make it less unsanitary for your mouth
- Start blowing a little amount of air into the tube
- While blowing the air in, you will need to use your tongue to apply pressure on the valve
- Do periodic checks on the tire and see if it has enough air to ride or not
Although this method takes a lot of time, it will surely get you out of the situation you might be in. Also, you should check the tire’s pressure by squeezing it while blowing air into it. And do not put the valve in your mouth without cleaning it. You do not want to get yourself sick.
Plus if you prefer to bypass the hassle of pumping without any tool, it’s best to choose portable items. You can choose between mini bike pumps, pocket pumps or CO2 cartridges to pump your bicycle on the go can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my bike air pump not working?
If the valve on your pump is dirty, it could cause the airflow to be impaired. To clean it, you can disassemble the pump and clean the inside of the valve. First, make sure that the air valve is closed. Also, check to make sure there are no kinks in the hose.
How does a bicycle pump work?
A bicycle pump works much like a tank on a bicycle. It takes air in the pump and pushes it out through your tire.
How Long Does It Take to Bike 2 Miles Casually
To bike 2 miles casually takes about 7-8 minutes. However, the time varies with the rider’s experience and capacity level.
Final Words
Learning how to inflate a bike tire without a pump is pretty essential for a regular cycler. It is a must for a professional ride. You never know in which condition you might find a flat tire on the bike, sometimes unused tires can go flat too. And by knowing the process, no matter what the situation is, you can easily get yourself out of it.