Cannondale Mountain Bike?

Question

I bought a cannondale f7 disc bike and the tires needed some air in them. I went to hook up my bike pump and it didn't fit the valve on the wheel. I ended up draining all of the air out of my front tire trying to figure it out. so now I can even use the bike. Help! What kind of pump do I need? It looks just like this one pretty much. http://www.bicycletouring101.com/getimage.php?w=180&o=no&i=JamieFloorPump.jpg

Answer 1

There are basically two types of valves on bike tires: Presta and Schrader (See link).

Schrader are like car tire valves, while Presta are different. To fill the latter you need to first loosen the valve lock (little s***w fitting at the top). Then push down with your finger on the central threaded s***w to "release" the valve. Put on the pump and pump up the tire to whatever pressure you want. Carefully remove the pump and s***w down the valve lock.

The thing to be careful of is to not break off the valve. If using a floor pump (like your picture) this is easier. With a frame pump you have to hold the head of the pump and valve as you pump to "protect" the valve.  

Note many floor pumps have dual heads (one hole for presta and one for Schrader, or can be converted to handle either (follow instructions with the pump)).

Hope this helps.