Question for the bicycle enthusiasts

[schteve_d]

I am house- and dog-sitting out of town for a few weeks. I found a neat trail that I wanted to explore and a nice Canondale bike in the garage with a couple of flat tires. I poked around the garage and couldn't find a pump so I threw the bike and dogs in the truck and figured I'd fill them up at a gas station on the way. When I stopped I found these (sorry for the horrible picture but I couldn't for the life of me get my phone camera to focus):




What the heck is that? Obviously I'm not really a bike guy! What do I need to air those suckers up? I looked around the garage again but came up empty - likely as I don't really know what I'm looking for!

Thanks!

[DFO]

You just need a small presta adapter - MEC, or any bike shop.

[taco.vidal]

Its a presta valve. You will need either an adapter or a pump that can fit directly on that valve. The small tip turns to open - righty tighty, lefty loosey.

Adapter: http://www.mec.ca/product/4000-588/k...valve-adapter/

[Devils'Advocate]

I assume you mean the valve? And that you are used to see the schrader valve rather than the presta?



My current Giant is the first that had the presta. I didn't realize there was a cap at the end that needed to be twisted open before putting air in. I was pumping and pumping and pumping and nothing was happening.

[bossy22]

Presta valve. You unscrew the top so air can get in. You would need an adapter to use a gas station or go to a bike shop. They'll do it for free.

[Devils'Advocate]

If you find an adapter:
http://www.ehow.com/video_2363044_us...e-adapter.html

[schteve_d]

Thanks guys.

We don't really have a bike shop up here anymore, would Canadian Tire of Sportchek have these? A search on CT's website came up empty.

[schteve_d]

Oh. A search of Sportchek's website turned up much better results. Should be able to get something there.

Thanks again!

[flylock shox]

Also, if you've got a regular pump (a Schraeder valve) you may find the opening on the pump unscrews to reveal a rubber seal and plastic bit that can be inverted, converting the pump to a Presta configuration.

[onetwo_threefour]

My pump from MEC, (wood handle, black body, brand Filzer), can fill either without an adapter. Pushes straight on to either, just have to make sure the end is loosened on the presta or it won't work. If there is a pump in the garage it may already be set up for presta valves if that's what is on the bike.