Easiest way to inflate tires to max PSI?

My floor pump works quite well too.  How old is yours? - see if you can borrow one to try - it is probably something to do with your pump.

D 

Man, Aaron, most of the time you're beyond your years.  But every once in a while something like this slips, sure-fire proof you're still 20something and single (sorta).

On-topic - I use a floor pump most of the time...a good one with a decent schrader / presta adapter schnozzle head should be fine even for the girlies, weight or strength hasn't gotten in the way of most gals achieving max pressure (man, that sounded all wrong).  Another - Expensive - option is to use CO2.  With the right cartridge size, it'll inflate to max, proper inflation, from flat, first time, everytime. The only issue HERE is that it's a hassle to deflate your tire completely before filling it.

And some folks use compressors...you just have to be careful that you don't overinflate before you catch it.  I've seen folks use a gas station air hose with an adapter, but that'll blow your tube in about 2 seconds.  Just be careful...

I never knew strength could be an issue with pumping.

Anyway, to the OP, you should be fine. Make sure the pump is on the valve tight enough. Does the pump "schnozzle" ever pop off the valve stem when you get to that point that you can't pump anymore? Also, you might find pumping is easier in general if you let a little air out before you get started. I find it's easier to pump a tire up to 120 when I start at 80 or so as opposed to starting at 110. Not sure why...

AdventureBear - 2007-06-07 10:16 PM

wendypow - 2007-06-07 5:34 PM My tires say 120 psi. However, to even get them to 100 I have to practically jump up and down on the floor pump handle, and even then it won't get above 100! If anyone is watching me while doing this, they're getting quite the interesting show! We bought an air compressor, but I don't have a bike tire fitting thingie for it (yet). What does everyone else do?

THere is some physics involved regarding the diameter of the pump and the force produced when pumping. If you have a small diameter pump, it may require more force to get it up to the same PSI. I may not be using my physics terms appropriately in this context, so someone can help me out.

Yuck-yuck AB.  Smaller diameter=less force.  Force is the area of the piston times the pressure in the tire. 

 To the OP, are you using a frame pump or a floor pump?  I have a hard time with a mini frame pump (e.g. Toppeak Mini MasterBlaster) to get to normal psi.  I have to take the wheel off so I can push the pump against the ground rather than squeeze it between my hands.  I need to use my greatest asset, my weight, to work on the pump.  On the other hand, a floor pump is designed to let me apply my weight to the handle.   Moral to the story, use your weight on the pump. 

If you're a woman, you don't need to spend money on a new pump.  Just hang around in transition near a group of guys and loudly proclaim, "I can't seem to pump up my tires!"  You will have a half dozen volunteers falling all over you. 

I have the Specialized Air Tool Comp floor pump (the yellow one), and have no problems either. Perhaps it's the most user friendly for us lightweights .