How to Pump A Bike Tire Without A Pump

Every rider must know how to pump a bike tire without a pump because being trapped on a trip with a flat tire is unpleasant and inconvenient. If you have a pump, a spare tube, and the tire is not damaged, you can be back on the road quickly.

Do you know how to pump bike tires without a pump if you don’t have one? Continue reading to learn how to do it!

How Does a Flat Tire Happen?

Before we start answering how to pump a bike tire without a pump, it’s important to know the underlying reasons for flat tires. We’re all aware of the dangers of riding on the road, and some people may choose to ride alongside the curb to escape traffic.

Unfortunately, dangerous material, such as shards of glass, ends up in the area of the road just close to the curb. If you get a flat tire while riding, you’ll most likely need to know how to pump a bike tire without using a pump.

How to Pump A Bike Tire Without A Pump

You’ll be able to travel home with two inflated tires if you keep an eye out for road dangers. What happens, however, if you don’t? Then you remember you don’t have a pump with you? We have a few suggestions for you.

Three alternatives to using a pump to inflate bike tires:

CO2 Cartridge

Even if you want to ride with the very minimum of equipment, a CO2 cartridge and inflator should be included in your bag. It’s small and light, and it just takes a few minutes to get back on the road.

Screw the inflator to the valve or the canister to the inflator, depending on the type of inflator you have. Some will release the gas as soon as it is screwed in, while others will rely on the valve’s pressure.

Another thing to keep in mind when using this method is that carbon dioxide evaporates quickly, so whenever possible, replace it with ordinary air.

Also Read: How Much to Pump Bike Tires? What to Consider?

Gas Station Air Compressor

If you’re in town and your car breaks down, a neighboring gas station might be able to help. You’re certainly familiar with using these compressors to inflate the tires on your car, but did you know you can also use them to inflate the tires on your bike? Because these are highly powerful, just use short bursts of air.

It’s possible that the nozzle and your valve aren’t compatible. Shrader valves are similar to the valves used in tire tires. Simply connect the airline to the tire and fill it with air if you have a Schrader valve.

You’ll need an adaptor if your tubes have a Presta valve (the long, narrow type with the lock-nut at the end). These handy gadgets are compact and low-cost. Because it’s doubtful that they’ll be sold at the gas station, it’s a good idea to keep one in your saddlebag. To use the adapter, just release the nut on the valve, connect the adapter, and add air.

Remember that a low-pressure tire will assist you in limping home; a burst tire will not. Make sure your tires aren’t overfilled.

Also Read: How to Check Bike Tire Pressure: Step-by-Step Guide

Last Resort — By Mouth

There’s a strong chance you don’t have a valve adaptor or a CO2 inflator if you need to know how to pump up bike tires without a pump. Perhaps you’re reading this on the side of the road on your mobile. Human lungs just do not have the capacity to meet the pressure requirements of a tire, so this isn’t an effective way.

Fat bike tires are the most commonly used for this maneuver. On a fat bike, most riders can get their tire to 1.5 psi, which is snow pressure. However, for the sake of comparison, I run my road bike tires at 80 psi. If you wish to try it, make sure the valve is as clean as possible. It’s impossible to say what kind of filth it’s picked up on your travels.

Only a Presta valve will work with this. You’ll need a pump if you have a Schrader valve because it responds to pressure.

Do Not Attempt to Pump Up Bike Tires Without a Pump Using This Method

If you don’t have a pump, you may have heard of several dubious methods for inflating your bike tires. The following procedure is not recommended.

Starter Fluid and a Lighter

If you’ve done any research on this topic online, you’ve probably come across videos that demonstrate this strategy. We don’t encourage trying it, even though it’s amusing to watch! It entails putting a small amount of starting fluid (or hair spray) around the rim. Any pressurized canister should suffice.) Bring a flame to the rim for a few seconds, and the chemical reaction will seat your tire and add some air.

Of course, this air will quickly vanish as well, so you’ve done nothing to solve the situation, and it’s potentially harmful. This method is amusing, but it is not a good (or safe) way to re-inflate your deflated tires.

Conclusion

We have now provided you with a number of solutions to how to pump a bike tire without a pump. Hopefully, this article will have added to your knowledge.

Now, if you face a flat tire in the middle of the road, especially when you won’t be equipped with the necessary tools, your mind will definitely revert to the possible solutions that you have now read.