Bike tyres

[brotown]

I have never been able to pump them up, is there a knack to it?
As soon as you take the cap off all the air comes out?
I used to take the pram to the bike shop to get the tyres pumped up! I just can’t do it!

Once you take the dust cap off, is there another little spindle with a tiny sort of nut on it? If so, you need to wind the tiny nut up to the top in order to pump up the tyres. This is the valve, so that all the air doesn't come out when you take the dust cap off.

If you see a little spindlel (the valve) down inside then it may be that your pump isn't connecting properly with your valve. Check you have the right adapter on the pump. Maybe go to the bike shop and get them to advise you on a pump?

Yes, as mentioned there are two main types of valve. The more common are called Schrader and found on car tyres, and on some bikes (mainly kids). These have a screw on dust-cap, but that doesn't hold the air in. Pressing the inner core in with the pump head allows air in/out. If this type then the core might be a bit bent and lose air.

Other is Presta type, and more found on road bikes, and higher end mountain bikes. These have a little screw part of the valve undoing to allow it to be pumped up, and are a little more fragile and easily bent.

I'd second popping into a bike shop to ask for advice, or even having a look at some YouTube vids. Might need a new inner tube if valve damaged.

Thanks I’ll have a closer look

Well done Flatwhite for remembering the proper valve names that had escaped me!

Any joy OP?