How to fill up my bicycle with 75 cents at gas station?

Question

I have a bicycle that needs some air in the tires. I don't have enough money to spend on a pump. I have 75 cents to fill up at the gas station, but I have heard that it is a bad idea to fill up at the gas station. What is so bad about filling up with air at the gas station, and how can I do it properly to avoid potential misfortune?

Answer 1

dude, get a pump or take it to the bike shop.  you haven't even told us what kind of bike or more importantly what kind of tires you need to fill up!  more info and you'll get more accurate answers.

Answer 2

Is there a Les Schwab Tire center near you? They'll fill your tires for free.

Best thing to do is save up for a decent pump.

Happy Cycling!

Answer 3

most bike shops will pump your tires for free..

Answer 4

Find a local gas station that lets you fill your tires for free. At most, pay 25 cents.

I filled my bicycle tires at gas stations for years before I knew it was the wrong thing to do. I never had a problem with it. Just be careful. If the pump doesn't let you set the pressure, just add the air a tiny shot at a time, checking the pressure as you go.

HTH

Answer 5

At least in south east asia, all pumps are free and you can set the pressure on all pumps. The ones in uk are quite backwards. You can keep pumping em till em explode.  

Answer 6

Gas station pumps can fill a bike tire very quickly and they might have a tendency to over-fill the tire causing a blow out, possibly wrecking your tire as well as your tube. And the pressure gauges aren't always 100% accurate either.  You should start saving for a frame pump in case you get a flat out on the road. Not all flat tires happen within walking distance of a gas station.

If you must fill the tires at the gas station, fill them slowly, only a few seconds of air at a time, then check the tire before you add any more air.

Not all stations charge for air. There's a chain of convenience stores near me that doesn't charge at all.