04/18/2022
Ground air pump:
Hello, with the arrival of spring, it's time to take the bike out of the shed or garage. If you need to make one BIKE purchase this year, it should be a ground air pump. Having the right tire pressure is paramount to having a good ride. Often, punctures or slow leaks will be caused by not having the right tire pressure. This will not only help you avoid punctures, but will make riding smoother and help you expend less energy.
The exact tire pressure for each bike will be indicated on the outside of the tire in PSI. A child's bike will vary from 20 to 40 PSI, hybrid bikes from 50 to 85 PSI, road bikes from 80 to 130 PSI (these are only indicators, check your tire for the exact quantity). You will see a minimum amount and a maximum amount. During the summer months, you should inflate to maximum pressure if you cycle on the road. If you are mountain biking or on a trail where you need more grip, you can lower the pressure. If you haven't changed your inner tube in several years or if your tire is dry, you should also lower the pressure a bit.
You should inflate your tires regularly to avoid punctures. If you ride a road bike, I suggest you inflate every time you go out, if you use a commuter bike, once a week or every two weeks. No matter if you use a Presta valve or a Schrader valve, the air will eventually escape.
Having a pump on the ground makes inflation easier. Most models have an indicator that helps you achieve the desired pressure. You need to make sure that the model you choose will work on your valve type. There are adapters to turn the Presta valve into a Schrader valve at a very low cost if necessary. You don't need to spend a lot of money on a pump either. The higher-end ones will last longer and putting air in the tire can flow faster, but both will get the job done, especially if you don't ride a bike every day.
If you don't have a pump yet, the city of Deux-Montagnes has an outdoor bike facility at the corner of Oka Road and 14th Avenue where you can inflate your tires.
Have a nice day and enjoy the ride!