(Beginner) Tire problem… (advice please!)
Context- lost 20lbs, want to ride my bike again, but I think I need to replace the tires/tubes? How do I go about this?
Hi folks! I got a bike from a big box store nearly eight years ago now, rode for a while when I got it, but it’s been sitting for a few years… frame, bars, seat and breaks all look mostly good to me (not saying much but yk) but my biggest concern to ride is the tires— they say to pump to 43psi, and max load is 220, but they still look SUPER flat when I just lean on it (I am 210 with my gear, so as is I can’t ride it with the tires like this) the image I attached is of the rear tire, how they look after filling and just leaning on the seat.
Do I need to replace the inertube? There is no dry rot or damage to the tire wall, so that’s what I’m thinking, but how do I even go about this? Is it something I can do myself or do I need to take it to a shop?
I really don’t want to buy a new bike and would much rather maintain this one! Advice appreciated!!
Edit1: I’m thinking there’s more an issue with the pump- I’m having trouble locking it on, and the tire does get firm when I pump it - another guy here said it might be reading the hose and that’s what I’m starting to think. I’m gonna check if I have another pump laying around
Side of tire reads “ inflate to 300kpa(43psi) max load 100kg - (smaller letters it reads 1090 and then 16 with some circles after it.) then nylon, and “(57-559) 26X2.125” (and again smaller letters to say “P1077D-08”
Edit 2: Thank you all so much!!! Once I started going by the actual feel of the tire, not by the pump reading it filled right up! Guess my pump gauge is busted, was reading the hose pressure not the tire (watched it sit at 100 and the needle only moved when I was disconnecting from the tire 🤦) Just needed to be reminded I am not stronger than a tire, in order to get over the fear of it popping on me- I’m filling it with a hand pump I’d have to be the hulk to do that XD