Can I use a gas station pump on a bike tire?

danilolaurindo · Post by **danilolaurindo** » Mon Mar 14, 2016 2:33 pm

Moi kaikki! I've been living in Finland for just a few months now, and I'm starting to cycle more often. Back in my country, you could just go to a gas station to calibrate the bike tires more easily/quickly... is this possible here as well? Any tips on how it works?

Kiitos!

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Beep_Boop · Post by **Beep_Boop** » Mon Mar 14, 2016 7:47 pm

So far, I haven't encountered a gas station employee who cared about me using the pump on my bike. Carry an adapter if your bike doesn't take Schrader nozzle as it's unlikely you'll find one there.

ilmainen_siideri · Post by **ilmainen_siideri** » Mon Mar 14, 2016 7:48 pm

Hei,

Yeah, most gas stations have free water and pumps. Just look at "ILMA/VESI", they are usually somewhere beside the gas pumps.

But beware of the pressure, it's pretty high and pumping bicycle tires could be dangerous.

masao · Post by **masao** » Mon Mar 14, 2016 11:29 pm

Hi,
I have done it many times, too. It's so convenient. Just the other guy says, be quick to stop to avoid over pressuring.

t, masao

danilolaurindo · Post by **danilolaurindo** » Thu Mar 17, 2016 5:07 pm

Thanks folks for the good info!

Ligence · Post by **Ligence** » Sun Mar 20, 2016 8:50 pm

Bicycle tires are generally inflated to much higher pressures than car tires, though the volumes are obviously way smaller.

Main problem for me is that people treat those free air outlets really poorly, so every now and then I come across one where the indicated pressure is completely inaccurate. Might not be a bad idea to carry a portable pressure meter with you.

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