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What are the tricks and tips for inflating a disc wheel?
Hint: It's not a one-person job
Member Question: "When inflating a disc wheel, I have the adapter and I can screw the adapter into my pump, but then what? Do I just hold it on the tire valve with one hand and pump with one hand? This is very awkward, to say the least. Is there some simple solution I am missing?"Answer by Dean Phillips, Fit Werx²
Road and Triathlon Cycling Specialists
To inflate a disc wheel, it’s often necessary to use a silica pump disc wheel adapter when a normal pump head won’t fit into the small valve hole.
The descriptive term “crack pipe” is often used around the circuit to describe this 90-degree adapter. When attached to the head of a pump, it easily fits inside the valve hole opening so you can properly inflate the tire.
Any cyclist or triathlete who needs to inflate a rear disc wheel will likely need this adapter for race morning. Most bike shops that carry disc wheels will likely also carry this product. The Silca Pump Disc Wheel Adapter shown in the above photo is one of the preferred models and can also be purchased on many online triathlon websites. This is the latest and easiest to use version of this adapter and the one we recommend.
Very little changes when we use an adapter to inflate a tire. The first thing we do is attach the adapter to the pump head.
If there's a tricky part it's the actual inflation. Few people can do this by themselves. You need to be able to hold the adapter hard up onto the valve stem while using your other hand to pump your tire up to desired PSI.
It's more common to have a friend or a bystander help you. It's your choice as to who holds the adapter or who pumps. I'd rather have the assistant pump while I do the holding. I know my race wheels and am well versed with the technique of holding the pump adapter on the valve. Anybody can operate the pump.
When the tire is pumped up to the proper pressure, it’s time to release the adapter. Releasing the adapter should be done quickly and smoothly. This takes practice. Once the pump adapter is removed, go ahead and screw the presta valve top-down like you would on a regular wheel.
Just remember to bring the crackpipe in your flat tire repair bag on the bike so you’ll be able to re-inflate the disc if you flat during the race.
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