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Proper procedure for first time inflation
#1
Earlier this year I replaced tires on both vintage bikes, due to dry rot... Age (30+ Years).....

I didn't think anything about the procedure, and did the following on first time inflation (I have an air compressor in garage):

Put about 20 Pounds of air in, then bleed it out.... Then do 30, and bleed...
Then 45, and bleed...... then went to 70....

I used to do the same (at lower pressures) for motorcycles.. I was told this prevents the inner tube from twisting and pinching in the tires.

Is this acceptable for bicycles, too? Or is there another procedure I should follow???
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#2
Too much work.
1. Inflate slightly just to give shape. Install in tire, making sure none of tube sitting underneath bead.
2. Inflate partially - 20-40 lbs. Check "bead line" - raised ridge of rubber next to rim - to make sure even distance all around, If high deflate, check again for tube/rim strip under bead.
3. Inflate by 10-20 lb increments, checking bead line till to desired inflation.

Done.
  Reply


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