Why is My Bike’s Presta Valve not Inflating?

It has been a long week, and you were hoping to enjoy the weekend by going for a morning ride through the lakes and hilly roads. You start your day very early, but after riding for a brief period, you suddenly notice something is not right, and you need a lot of effort to ride.

You pull up to check whats going on and then see that your tires are deflated. So, you ask your buddy if he has a pump with a Presta valve adapter. He gives you the Presta valve adapter, but your tires are not inflating.

This is somewhat of a technical issue because your Presta valve is not inflating. The reasons can be complex or very straightforward. Either way, let’s see what we can do about it. Let’s start with the basics. To get the solution, jump down straight to that section. but here is most common reason:

An incorrect connection between the pump and the tire valve is the most frequent cause of bicycle tires that won’t inflate after being pumped. Make sure there is a straight and solid connection and are using the right kind of pump (Presta or Schrader).

Different Valve types

Presta valve not inflating

There are mainly two types of valves: the Schrader Valve and the Presta Valve.

Schrader Valve

The easy-to-use valve out of the two, the Schrader valve’s pumping, is as uncomplicated as it gets. The process is simple just attach your pump to the valve with a tight lock with the lever, then just start pumping.

Schrader Valve usually releases a bit of air when pulling out the pump, and it generally deflates faster than tires with a Presta Valve.

The Schrader valves are usually wider than the Presta valves in terms of size. It is most likely seen that Schrader valves are in most of the cheaper bikes and also on car tires. 

Presta Valve

The more complicated of the two is to inflate a Presta valve, firstyou need to open up the top nut placed above the stalk. This top nut screw holds the air pressure. Then press the stalk with a little nudge and now you are good to attach the pump.

Place your pump and lock it with the lever. Presta Valve is airtight as compared to Schrader valves because the air pressure itself blocks the path of air coming out.

Presta Valves are used in bikes in the premium segment, like racing bikes. 

Benefits of the Presta valve

Presta Valves are simply better than Schrader valves because of how accurate the air pumping can be.

Usually, exact air pressure is not a big deal on a mountain bike as you usually ride on rough terrain. And you won’t feel the effects of incorrect pressure unless your tires are deflated way too much.

Modern road bikes that have thinner tires, you will mostly ride these bikes on flat surfaces and roads, so you’ll notice your tires deflation when you notice decline in bike speed. so these bikes usually have Presta valves.

Presta Valves don’t leak air from tires as much as Schrader valves. The air pressure in the top nut seals the air pressure. It is also lighter and gives proper wheel rotation than the heavier Schrader valves.

The drawback I see is the complicated process of pumping through Presta valves. Schrader valve pumping is more suitable for beginners. 

How to inflate tires with a Presta valve

You will need an adapter that is incredibly tiny in size. 

How to inflate the tire with a Presta valve:

Remove the top cap of the valve (if there is one)

Unscrew the nut on the valve; you don’t have to remove the nut, just unscrew it enough.

Tap on the valve to release some air. This process called “burping” helps incase if the valve has become “sticky”

Put the adapter on the valve, attach the pump and start pumping. Make sure the pump is seated properly on the valve.

Once done, remove the pump and adapter from valve, screw the top nut back in, and replace the cap.

Five Reasons Bike tires are not Inflating with a Presta Valve

1. Proper fit on the Pump

This is one of the most common issues. Make sure to attach your pump properly to the valve. If you see that noise of air coming out when trying to pump, then that is the cue.

Your pump doesn’t fit the valve properly, and it releases more air than it trying to intake.

Make sure you have adequately unscrewed the top tube. Cross-check by pressing on it because you will notice air pressure.

Place the pump firmly, and connect is straight down the valve to get a good fit.

2. Sealants causing a barrier 

Sealants can be a necessary tool for tires that become vulnerable easily as it prevents the tire from puncturing. But, it also can be a problem because the liquid layer often creates a barrier for the air to get in on the tire through the valve.

The sealant becomes a barrier for the air to enter, and it’ll leave you to wonder about why you’re unable to inflate your tires. If you see that your valve is filled with sealant, then open up the value and thoroughly clean it.

No amount of sealant should be there. Be careful handling the valve and its parts since those are minuscule and can get lost easily. 

3. Using the wrong pump

Not using the right pump is also one of the fundamental issues. You may be trying to push air with a unsuitable pump for Presta Valves.

There are various pumps in the market. Some are for Presta valves, and some specifically for Schrader valves, and some pumps are universal.

So, be sure to know which pump exactly you are using.

4. Tire puncture

A punctured tire less like but this could be one of the reasons.

You may be unaware of it, which is why you are confused about why your Presta valve is not inflating the tires. So, be sure to check your tire for punctures .

Fix any punchure you find and try again.

5. Broken Valve Stem

If everything else fails check of the valve itself is not broken.

if that’s the case, the tube be replaced with a new one. New tube will come with a new valve stem, make sure you match the same valve per the sizing of your tire.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why are Presta valves so hard to inflate?

Presta valves are often seen on more expensive bikes with thiner rims. They require a bit more skill to inflate because the valve is opened using the pump’s air pressure and there is a manual locknut that needs to be opened first. A standard air pump and an adaptor are required to inflate a tire with a Presta valve.

Why won’t my bike pump work on Presta valve?

Make sure you are using the right pump for your valve type. also check and make sure the connection between your pump and valve is correctly set. If the screw is damaged o connection is not snug, you will have difficulty inflating the tires. See also: Bike Pump Wouldn’t work

Why isn’t the Presta valve adapter not working? 

Check the top nut and make sure it is unscrewed enough.
Another reason can be if the diameter of the adapter isn’t compatible with the valve or the top screw is a bit long for the adapter to fit in. 

Can my tires be completely deflated without getting punctured?

Yes, it can, but only if the bike has been unused for an extended period of time. Often unused cycles deflate on their own.

Wrap Up! 

Thats it for valves (specifically Presta valves) for now. Check out my other articles on bike maintanance and repairs. Until then, cheers!