You probably use a bicycle pump without much thought, but if you know how to choose the right one for your bike and what to watch out for, you won't be caught off guard when you need it.

■ There are three types of valves

There are three types of valve mouths for inflating bicycle tires.

"Schrader valve" often used for city bikes (mamachari)

"Presta valve" often used for mountain bikes

"Dunlop valve" used for all types of sports bikes, such as road bikes

Most pumps are compatible with all types, but there are specific attachments (nozzles) for each valve, and you should use the one that matches your valve to inflate your tires.

■ Steps to inflate tires

At the top of the valve, there is a black rubber cap.

Although the size and length may vary slightly, all three types start by removing this cap.

For Dunlop (for mamachari) and Schrader (for MTB), this is all you need to do, but for Presta (for road bikes), before inflating, turn the component called the "valve core" counter-clockwise from the tip of the valve.

It won't come off even if you turn it all the way, so don't worry and turn it completely.

With Presta valves, if you push the valve core once, a little air will escape.

This makes it easier to inflate the tire.

Don't forget this step.

And lastly, don't forget to close the valve core.

■ Aim for about 90% of the maximum pressure for optimal pressure

On the side of the tire, you'll find the "minimum pressure" and "maximum pressure" ratings.

The units displayed here seem to be the prevalent pressure units in the country where the tire was manufactured.

Since the range is quite wide, usually around 40-65 (psi), it's good to aim for about 90% of the maximum pressure.

In some cases, only one pressure value might be listed.

In such instances, consider it the "optimal pressure."

If the optimal pressure is displayed, it's best to aim for about ±10% of that pressure.

■ Choose a pump according to your height

• Floor pump

When choosing a floor pump, we recommend trying it out before buying.

If a child or a short person uses a long pump, when they pull the lever up, it might reach their chest, making it difficult to push and pull.

Choose a pump with a shorter body.

• Foot pump

There are also foot pumps that you place on the ground and step on.

Many come with a large air gauge, making it easy to read the pressure, but it's difficult to read the pressure while stepping as it invariably shakes.

• Handheld type

Handheld pumps are portable and convenient for long rides or trips.

On the other hand, since the body is short, you have to push and pull many times, so it takes a lot of effort to reach the proper pressure.

Also, most of them don't have a gauge, so you need to feel the pressure by感覚.

■ Tires lose air even if you don't ride your bike

Bicycle tires lose air whether you ride them or not.

For Dunlop and Schrader valves, check and inflate your tires about once a month.

Presta valves, commonly used on road bikes, are particularly prone to losing air.

Check and inflate your Presta valve tires about once a week.