Help me pump my bike tires?

[ariwriter.livejournal.com]

This might sound dumb but I can't figure out if I lost a piece or what, but when I tried pumping my bike tires recently, the tires went flat. I live off Central Street. Anybody willing to swing by some evening and help me out of my quandary? I'll give you a beer or something for your troubles. Thanks!

Comments

[fanw.livejournal.com]

Hmm. I don't want to assume anything, so I'll start off with the "is it plugged in" type questions...

1) Usually on a pump you put the pump nozzle over your valve and then have to close the lever to seal it before you start pumping. If it's not sealed properly, the air you pump will just leak out everywhere AND the air in your tires will leak out too. Check that the pump is attached firmly to the valve and that it doesn't sound like air is leaking while you're pumping.

2) It's possible your tubes need repair. If you had a slash type flat (from a piece of broken glass, for example) no amount of pumping will help. The "easy" way to check this is to take out your tube, put in some air, and then hold it under water in a bathtub to find where the leak is. Then you can either repair it with a kit or just get a new tube (about $6) if it's beyond repair.

3) Worst comes to worst, take it to a bike shop. Pay them $14 to buy and change the tube.

[ron_newman]

I might be able to help you out later tonight. (But first, read fanw's reply.)