Trying to pump up my bicycle wheel but I cant - help?

Question

On the nozzle of the tyre there is a gold thing. I have no idea what the purpose of this is but it is preventing me attaching the bicycle pump. Can someone explain what it is and how do I pump air into it. A pic is attached of the darn thing. Thanks

http://s282.photobucket.com/albums/kk273/kevcarlin/?action=view&current=Picture069.jpg

Answer 1

Many pumps have a reversible bit. You may want to check that out. I'd say take it to a bike shop. They will be able to show you how to reverse the internals on your pump.

Answer 2

Presta is used more on slicker/road tyres. You unscrew that gold part of the valve to allow you to pump/let out air.

Answer 3

you need a Presta adaptor and not a Schrader adaptor

Answer 4

This is a presta or high pressure type valve, you need to look out for 4 things when using this type of valve.

1. undo the small brass nut on the end as far as it will go and make sure it is tight against the outermost end stop, or it will tighten itself as you s***w on the pump adaptor.

2. push the stem of the valve inwards slightly to ensure it is free before attaching the pump.

3. If everthing is ok the air should go in freely, but keep an eye on the tyre as you inflate, make sure it doesn,t try to come off the rim, particularly by the valve.

4, carefully s***w down the small brass nut, you may lose a small amount of air as you do so, this can be reduced if you apply an outward pull as you tigthen the nut.

Answer 5

are you trying to use a pump that has the same fitting for a car ....schrader i think they are called!!  looks like you have a Presta valve...which aint gonna work with the other pump.

Or if you have the correct pump for the presta then unscrew it a bit then pump it up then s***w it back up.