Sometimes one gets into a situation with their bike where there’s a dire need to deflate their bike tire as quickly as possible. So, if you’re searching for how to deflate a bicycle tire quickly, this guide is for you!
Whether it’s over-inflation or repairing a puncture, knowing how to deflate a bicycle tire is crucial to get a quick fix for your bicycle.
You must be thinking that it would be easier to deflate a tire than inflating it, right? Well, not exactly.
But worry not, for we have got you covered with our tips and tricks on how to deflate your bike tire quickly and correctly and all the common reasons why you might need to deflate your bicycle tires.
When Do You Need to Deflate Your Bike Tires?
Here are the main cases:
1. When Replacing Bicycle Tires
One common reason why one would need to deflate their bike tire is if they need to replace the tire itself.
Removing all air from the inside of the tire before removing them is necessary. If there’s even a little amount of air left in the tire, it can make the removal of the tire a challenge.
2. When You Have Overinflation
Sometimes you can over-inflate your MTB bicycle tires whether it’s through a regular or a loose pump at the gas station.
One can easily over-inflate their tires if they’re not paying attention to the Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) for their tire. This makes the tire prone to bursting and results in poor handling.
Additionally, an over-inflated tire can give you an incredibly bumpy ride. It bounces over rocks and other obstacles, making the ride incredibly uncomfortable.
So, you’ll need to deflate the tire to some extent to get the maximum comfort and ensure your safety.
3. When Replacing Tubes
Another reason to deflate your tires is if you need to replace the inner tube. The first step for how to deflate an inner tube involves deflating the tire itself.
Tires without any air make the process of installing new tubes relatively easier.
4. When Mending Punctures
Punctures are common for every cyclist, and mending them can be a tiresome task.
One of the ways to identify the puncture’s location is to inflate the gravel bike tire first and then deflate it properly to replace it.
Equipment You Need to Deflate a Bicycle Tire
To move on with the deflation process, there are specific tools and equipment that you need to have to carry out the process successfully.
These tools include:
- A pin cap
- A screwdriver
- A valve remover
- A pair of needle-nose pliers
Through these tools, you can easily carry out the deflation process on any valve.
Deflating Techniques for Different Types of Valves
Valves of a bicycle tire include how much air goes in and out of the tire.
Three major types of valves are commonly found on tubular bike tires, namely:
- Schrader Valves – American Valves
- Presta Valves – French Valves
- Woods Valves – English Valves
Each valve requires you to use a different type of technique with them to get the air out properly. We explain the correct process for each valve ahead.
1. Schrader Valves (American Valves)
Schrader valves are commonly referred to as American valves or car valves. They can be identified through their built as the valve stem is bounded by a threaded core.
Schrader valves are shorter and broader than other valves and can be commonly found on cars, mountain bikes, and even motorbikes.
To open the Schrader valve, you should begin by disconnecting the rubber cap lying on top before removing the air from the valve.
To do so, you can use the pin cap, any small piece of metal, or even your fingernail to press down on the valve stem. Now, continue to hold the stem down until the desired amount of air is released.
If you’re looking to deflate your tire completely, press down on the valve till the hissing sound stops entirely.
2. Presta Valves (French Valves)
Presta valves are also known as Sclaverand valves or French valves. These valves are usually built longer and elongated than the American valves. You can commonly find them on premium road bikes.
The Presta valve is made with an outer valve stem that is secured by a cap. To open the valve, you need to remove the cap located over the valve top and then move on to unscrewing the brass cap on the stem.
To make sure that the cap is loose enough, press down on the stem, and if you hear a faint hiss, then you’re good to go.
To deflate the tire with a Presta valve, open the brass cap before pressing the valve stem. Remember to put the brass cap on to avoid losing it and prevent any dust from entering the valve.
3. Woods Valves (English Valves)
Woods valves are popular in Asia and Europe and are commonly known as Dunlop or English valves.
This valve is more massive than the Schrader valve but has the same mechanism as French valves. So, to deflate a tire with this kind of valve, you should use the same method used for Presta valves.
Why Should You Learn How to Deflate a Bike Tire
The reasons are countless, but the top benefits of learning how to deflate a tire include:
- Extremely Convenient: You can carry out the procedure at your ease at any time and not have to schedule appointments with your local mechanic. The skill is beneficial in case you don’t have any professionals around you.
- Cost-Cutting: If you can deflate your tire on your own, you won’t need to spend the money on your mechanic’s cost and the money spent making those trips.
- Time-Saving: You won’t need to spend the time going to a mechanic and spending the time to get the job done. You can easily and quickly deflate the tire on your own.
Conclusion
Learning how to deflate a bike tire is an essential skill that can help you combat your fixie tire issues at your own pace with no extra charges.
We hope this article was helpful, and now you can successfully deflate a bicycle tire on your own.