Bike tire question - need help!

ForeverIrish

I have a Diamond Back mountain bike I bought years ago, but the tires are flatter than my chest since I've lost some weight. I looked at filling the tires and getting back on the road.

Here's my question: the tires cannot be filled with a 'traditional' bike pump. The tires have some type of valve stem that doesn't work with the usual type of air hose.

Can anyone tell me what I need to fill the tires and start pedaling *kitten*?

Thank you in advance for any help or direction you give me.

Weezoh

It's probably a presta valve (narrower and thinner) the usual American valve is a schrader valve. They make presta/schrader adapters - google or all a bike shop

ForeverIrish

Thank you! It will be nice to get back on the road with this thing. I and my ergonomically correct seat thank you!

ahamm002

most bicycle pumps (even cheap ones) usually come with an adapter.

Teresava77

You may have to unscrew the end of the pump and turn it over to change the setting to presta depending in the type of pump.

jlebert716

Most presta to shraeder adapters are pretty bad, you get a lot of air leakage. I guess if you are using an air compressor it wont matter. I would just invest in a good pump.

Also if your tires are flat right now I would definitely check the tubes, you might just need new tubes (like $5 each) and you can buy schraeder valve ones and wouldnt need to worry about any of this other stuff.

Good Luck! I love biking!

ForeverIrish

Wow! Thanks, everyone! I realized that I haven't been on the bike for a few years, so I took it to a nearby bike shop for a tune up. I'm going to invest in good pump, thanks to you all.