How to use a Zefal Bike Pump: And Other Bike Pump Questions You Have

I’m sure you’re wondering things like “Is this pump working?” “Do I have the right valve for my pump?” and you may be wondering how to use a Zefal bike pump.

Once a year, my aunt decides it’s time to break out the old Zefal bike pump because her tires lose air over time, but always forgets that some of her bikes are presta valves. It can be frustrating because when she decides that it’s time to bring out the bikes and pump them, this means it’s time for me to bring out the bikes and pump them.

I typically use an electric pump for my bikes because they like to be pumped to 100 psi, and being that I am a cyclist, my arm strength has more to be desired (though I know I’ll get on the bench press in the off season [is what they all say]).

So I bring out the Zefal bike pumps, and have a moment of confusion until I figure out how to work the pumps. This post is designed to help save you from those moments of confusion.

In this post you will learn how to use a Zefal Bike pump. You will also learn how do you use a regular bike pump on a presta valve. Finally, you will learn can you pump a presta without an adapter.

These are all the initial questions that we had when we started biking when it related to cycling and valves and this post is made to help you get rolling as soon as possible – sooner than I will be with my family’s 8 bikes to fill.

How to use a Zefal Bike Pump:

The Zefal Bike Pump is a simple machine to use. You place the pump on the head of the valve when the lever is flipped down.

This means that the lever should be connected with the stem of the head.

After you connect the pump head to the valve, flip the lever up. You know that you did it correct if you hear a very very small amount of air come out.

From there you are able to begin pumping the Zefal Bike Pump.

Your note on handheld electric pumps:

The reason why I opt for electric pumps is that they are simpler to use, and push button operated. I have had mine for years, and whenever I go to my Aunt’s house I always say that I know exactly what I am going to get her for Christmas next year (But I keep forgetting).

Here is why handheld electric pumps are great:

Push button start: These are awesome because you simply put the valve insert into the tube and push the button to start. You are able to relax for the 15 seconds that it takes to fill up your bicycle. For me this is an awesome luxury to not have to put my back into pumping up my tires right before I put my back into my ride.

Start and Forget: You set the meter to your specific psi (or bar) and push the button. Now you’re free to relax as with the computer functionality, it detects exactly how much air pressure there is and fills it up to the perfect amount.

No Guess Work: You will never worry about popping your tires, or getting too tired to focus on how much air is in your tire again. Also, when you put the sensor onto the valve, it automatically tells you exactly (down to the decimal) how much air there is in the tire.

Save your strength for the ride: No more prepping with a hand or foot pump right before your ride. Enjoy pushing the button, filling your tires, and going immediately after filling your tires.

How do you use a regular bike pump on a presta valve?

The piece that you are missing is a presta valve converter. We all had this moment where we did not know that there were two different types of valves. Presta valves are typically used for higher end bicycles that hold more air at a higher pressure gauge.

Congratulations for moving up in the world. Your gift for keeping up with the joneses is the requirement to purchase this converter.

To use the converter, unscrew the presta valve from the top, screw the converter on the presta valve and then use the regular bike pump as if it were pumping a Schrader valve.

Can you pump a Presta Valve without an adapter?

You can in some cases. Sometimes you can take the pump apart and the inner aparatis can be switched 180 degrees to become a presta pump. However, this is not recommended if you are constantly switching in between the two types of pumps.

There are many bike pumps that come with both types of pump converters available in one pump head. There are also many cyclists that simply leave their presta adapter on the bicycle while they are riding so that they do not find themselves up the creek mountain without a paddle converter.

Conclusion: How to Use a Zefal Bike Pump

Zefal bike pumps are simple and easy to use. You place the head of the pump on the bike valve. If it is Schrader, you will not need a converter. If the bike valve is presta, invest in a converter to use the pump. Once the head is on the valve, then place the lever upwards and begin pumping.

Electric pumps that are handheld are also great alternatives for the muscularly challenged if your bike tire keeps going flat.