Keeping 3 tyres inflated - the back-breaking effort!

[UpWrong]

It was bad enough with 2 wheels, but 3 wheels with two of them close to the ground on the trike

I guess that's the problem with high pressure narrow tyres with presta valves. My original plan was wider tyres with schraeder valves at lower pressures but in my quest for reduced weight and rolling resistance I'm now running 32mm tyres at 80 psi and they need topping up every 2 or 3 days. It always takes me longer than I hope and gives me an aching back. Guess it's my fault for using Schwalbe extra light butyl tubes. The 26" rear is particulary bad at the moment, going from 80 to 40 psi in 5 days. I've just reseated the valve inner core, hoping that will help. If not I'd better try another tube.

I've bought a Topeak Joe Blow Sport III to try to ease the pain - dual push on head with sideways activation lever and long barrel and handle. I'm still not finding it easy.

[freeflow]

Get an electric pump. AliExpress is one place to look. You can go for a mini pump or a larger device with bigger battery capacity. My current mini pump allows setting the pressure cut off and inflates a 35c tyre to 55 psi five times (ok 45 psi on the last occasion). Will also recharge from a power bank in around 20 mins.

[PH]

Guess it's my fault for using Schwalbe extra light butyl tubes. The 26" rear is particulary bad at the moment, going from 80 to 40 psi in 5 days. I've just reseated the valve inner core, hoping that will help. If not I'd better try another tube.

You have a slow puncture. I've been using those tubes for years and rarely need to top up more than 5 psi a week. I like my Joe Blow, but if the action causes you difficulty, maybe a footpump would be better, I have one of these
https://outlet.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/bicy ... dual-head/
I haven't tried an electric pump, but I've seen them used and been impressed.

[triker131]

I also think it's worth checking if you have a slow air leak.

For about 3 years I've used schwalbe inner tubes in a quest velomobile and they stay up better than any other tubes I've ever used. I only check them every 4 to 6 weeks and they hold air really well. Typically they'll drop 70 down to 45 psi in over a month. Don't know what model tube they are, bog standard schwalbe tubes as far as I know. I think they were just under a fiver each when purchased.

I'd second using a battery air pump. I bought one from temu, arrived last day of May 2025. Only used it once on my wife's bike but topped up several car tyres with it. Fast and inflates to whatever pressure you preset with it. I paid £11.27 for it but the model I purchased is now showing as £12.66.

see: https://www.temu.com/goods.html?_bg_fs= ... e_sn=10045

I have no connection with temu other than as an occaisional customer over the last couple of years.

[Jdsk]

If you decide to buy an electric pump... I and several friends are happy with the Ring RTC2000 for use on car tyres. It also works as a USB power supply and as a torch. I didn't buy it for bike tyres but it will pump to over 700 kPa and has Schrader and Presta ends.
https://www.ringautomotive.com/en/product/RTC2000

I would swap tubes until I found something that stayed up longer.

Jonathan

[UpWrong]

Guess it's my fault for using Schwalbe extra light butyl tubes. The 26" rear is particulary bad at the moment, going from 80 to 40 psi in 5 days. I've just reseated the valve inner core, hoping that will help. If not I'd better try another tube.

You have a slow puncture. I've been using those tubes for years and rarely need to top up more than 5 psi a week. I like my Joe Blow, but if the action causes you difficulty, maybe a footpump would be better, I have one of these
https://outlet.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/bicy ... dual-head/
I haven't tried an electric pump, but I've seen them used and been impressed.

If reinserting the valve core hasn't fixed it then I'll certainly be installing a new tube.

The pump action isn't the problem. Attaching the pump head to the valve on a 36-spoke small wheel, and detaching it, is part of the problem.