Bike Pumps
Whether you enjoy casual rides around the neighborhood or if you are more the Tour de France  type, a bike pump is a necessary accessory for all your cycling activities. - For recreational cyclists, a standard floor pump that you keep at home is probably adequate.
- At-home floor pumps provide lots of psi (pounds per square inch) in a short period of time, great for refilling tires after a bike has been sitting in the shed all winter or if you just need a little refill from time to time. Floor pumps are also ideal for the occasional rider because they can often double as a pump for other items around the house.
- For enthusiasts and those who like to ride off the beaten-path or take longer excursions on their bikes, it is best to have two pumps.
- A full-size pump at home should be used to fill up your tires before you go on a long venture or after the tires have lost a large amount of pressure.
- A small pump that can easily attach to the bike or be carried in a pack is both a safety measure and a performance enhancer. This is especially important to have with you if you plan a day trip or camping/bike trip.
Frame Pump Types
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Frame Pumps - Pumps that are pegged onto the bicycle frame without mounting kits.
- Relatively small and light.
- Tend to be durable.
- Pump out and in as opposed to up and down.
- Pump less psi than floor or electric pumps.
- With smaller barrels, more trouble forming seals; require extra effort.
- Look for: Good grip and leverage, strong material. Some models morph from frame to floor pump.
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Mini Pumps - Smaller than standard frame pumps and very lightweight.
- Some fit in belt, seat packs and jersey shirt pockets.
- The telescoping kind are less durable, but useful and compact.
- Require mounting kits to attach to the bike frame.
- Only used for emergency inflation because they pump slowly and provide less psi than a frame pump.
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CO2 Inflaters - No pumping.
- Small enough to fit in pockets.
- Require CO2 cartridges, which must be replaced.
- Tires won't stay inflated as long with gas as they would with air.
- Good to use in case of flats, much like mini pumps.
- Good choice for racers.
- Can be unreliable.
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Floor Pump - For home use.
- Can be used for all sorts of items besides bike tires.
- The most expensive type of pump, costing between $30 and $50.
- Durability is key. Look for heavy-duty metal parts and avoid plastic.
- Best choice are those with a gauge.
- High psi output makes pumping go quickly.
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Pump Features
When choosing a pump type, be sure to consider the following: - Tire Size/Pressure
- The higher the psi needs of the tires, the stronger a pump you'll need.
- Road bikes are often around 100psi and mountain bikes around 30-60psi.
- Each pump is capable of a certain psi output, which is usually labeled on the product description.
- The longer you are out, the more pressure your tires will lose, thus more frequently you'll need to refill your tires.
- Pump Speed
- This is crucial if you are using the pump for a bike race, in which case, time is of the essence.
- You want to stroke as few times as possible to reach proper inflation. Nonetheless, you need to strike a happy medium between the number of pumps you need to make and the strength you'll need on each stroke because if it takes too much force to pump you'll end up tiring yourself out.
- Mounting Location and Size
- The mount and pump should fit neatly and securely wherever you want to put it on your bike. Consider if you have a water bottle mount or other accessory that might already be taking up space on the frame.
- Check that the mounting is of the right size to fit onto your bike's frame or choose a mounting kit that is adjustable.
- Verify that the pump and mounting won't get in the way of branches or other obstructions often found when pedaling the backcountry.
- Weight
- The less weight you have to carry, the better, especially when racing.
- Don't forget that the mounting adds weight too.
- Durability
- You want to make a wise investment in a product that will last despite any beating it must take.
- When to spend? Spend on home floor models and frame pumps. Mini pumps are more likely to fall apart because of their construction.
- All models you consider should have some sort of warranty.
- Extras
- Telescoping models save space, but can break down quickly.
- Two headed models take up a little extra space but provide two heads just in case one is ruined for whatever reason.
Valve Types
Compatibility between your tire and the pump is something that cannot be overlooked. There are two types of valves: Schrader and Presta. Whichever valve type you choose, the one key to making them work is assuring that the valve fits snugly over the tire valve for leak-free pumping. This is a very important place to look when considering the durability of a product. - Schrader -- Has a small section of threads on the tip of the valve.
- Presta -- The entire valve is threaded and the tip rotates.
To avoid any complications (especially if you are unsure of how to configure the valves on a pump) consider getting an AVACS system. AVACS, or All Valves Adjustable Connecting System, easily connects to either valve type without a hassle.
Popular Pumps
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- 5.6" long @ 4.2oz.
- Dial adjusts volume and pressure so that you can increase/decrease pump force and pump inflation.
- Twin heads for both valve types.
- T-shaped toggle for excellent valve contact.
- 115psi max.
- Frame mount not included.
- $30.
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- Aluminum barrel and plastic construction only weighs 148 grams.
- 10.63" long.
- Fiber version also available.
- Pumps up to 90psi.
- Dual valve compatibility.
- $15.
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- Aluminum construction.
- Padded ergonomic handle.
- Dual valve and it comes with extra needles for inflating sports balls.
- 26" tall and 3lbs.
- Max 160psi.
- On-board pressure gauge.
- $25.
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- Compact, alloy mini pump.
- Head is compatible with both valve types.
- Weighs 164 grams.
- Up to 90psi.
- $20.
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- Available in a variety of sizes from a compact 8.5" to a towering
- Dual head for both valve types.
- 200-240 psi max.
- 34" max hose length.
- $50-$90.
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