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The 14 Best Bike Pumps of 2024

Whether at home or on a ride, nothing beats a reliable pump—floor or mini—for fast and accurate inflation.

The Best Bike Pumps

• Dual-Range Gauge for All Tires: Specialized Air Tool Comp V2
• Built to Last: Lezyne Alloy Floor Drive
• Best Gauge for Mountain Bike Tires: Specialized Air Tool MTB
• Best Cheap Pump: Vibrelli Bike Floor Pump
• Best High-Volume: Topeak Mountain DA Mini

Floor vs. Mini: Why You Need Both

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These freestanding pumps inflate faster and with less effort than a mini pump for more reasons than just size. A sturdy, wide base provides a platform on which you can stand and hold the pump still, while a wide handle allows you to engage the plunger with both hands for better leverage. While pressure gauges can vary in terms of max psi, placement, size, every floor pump has one. As well, every floor pump has a long flexible hose with a chuck at the end that can get into hard to reach places, some more easily than others.

These compact inflators are designed to go along for the ride—whether tucked in your pocket, strapped to your frame, or carried in a bag. Their smaller build means more power and effort to reach your chosen psi (or at least a pressure that’s good enough to get you out of a jam and rolling again). Most mini pumps attach directly to your valve, but some come with a short, flexible hose that helps with finding a more comfortable pumping position. Mini pumps typically don’t have pressure gauges, and those that do often have one that is small and difficult to read (besides, your pumping arm will likely get tired before you even reach the ideal psi). A dual-action mini pump inflates tires much quicker as it moves air both when you push and pull the plunger.

Tubeless Pump

Tubeless tires are here to stay, and having the right tool for the job infinitely helps. While you could get away with setting your wheels up with a conventional floor pump, this is not a foolproof method. Tubeless tires often require a quick burst of air to seat the bead to the rim. The secondary canister of these pumps allows you to build up the pressure and dump it into the tire in a quick burst. These pumps differ from standard floor pumps, in that the rider “charges” the pump using a two step, two way valve application. Once the rider charges the chamber to the desired psi, flipping or turning a switch allows all air to rapidly inflate the tire, seating the tire onto the rim.

The ultimate display of elegance and function: the frame pump. Serving cyclists for over 70 plus years, there's no better or more reliable tool than the trusty frame pump. And many old heads and long distance riders use them for getting home when in a pinch. Only a handful of these icons remain in production (like Silca’s Impero or the Topeak Masterblaster), but many will last your entire riding life. Whether it's new or vintage, frame pumps scream sophistication and functionality.

CO2 Pumps & Inflators

These wonderful problem solving accessories should make you feel like batman. Whipping out one of these from your utility belt, they come in (typically) either 16g or 20g cartridges. You'll then marry that to either a CO2 specific adapter or hand pump that will have a nozzle attachment adaptable to your valve type. Regardless if you carry a CO2 or not, having a mini pump is your best bet!

Which Valve Is Which?

This is the long, thin valve that tapers at the top and is made entirely of metal. It’s often threaded from tip to rim and has a knurled nut at the end that must be unscrewed (opened) in order to add or release air. Presta valves are typically found on  road and performance bikes  because they can hold higher air pressures. The smaller diameter of this valve compared with a Schrader type reduces the size of the opening in the rim, which makes for a stronger wheel.

Think of the valve you see on car tires,  mountain bikes , beach cruisers, and most kids’ bikes; that is a Schraeder valve. The Schrader valve is wider than the Presta type and the same circumference from tip to rim. It’s wrapped in rubber, threaded at the end, and has a pin in the center that can be depressed to add or release air with a spring to keep it sealed. This type of valve can be inflated using an air pump at a gas station. Please be cautious when inflating at the gas station as the compressors often push air quickly and can over-inflate bike tires.

The less-common Dunlop valve (used on bikes in parts of Asia and Europe), looks like a wider presta valve. It’s usually found on city bikes, but is rarely seen in the U.S. Still, because you never know where your riding will take you, we included a few pumps in our roundup that come with an adapter for this type of valve.

These valves look identical to a Presta valve (except for a few small exceptions). They are usually identifiable by a rubber grommet bottom of the valve where it meets the rim. Most also have removables core for ease of tire installation and adding or topping off sealant.

Versatile Pump Heads

Most modern pumps are designed to work with both main valve types, and some come with adapters for things like sports balls and pool floats.

This also has all the parts needed to inflate a presta or Schrader valve. However, the head’s internals must be reversed—it takes a few seconds and doesn’t require tools—to switch it from one style to the other.

This type of head has two individual ports: one for presta and one for Schrader valves. Rider’s choice.

This style automatically adjusts itself to fit presta and Schrader valves without any extra steps. Simply press the head to the valve, lock it on, and start pumping.

High Pressure or High Volume?

Bicycle tire pressures are measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), which is the Imperial measurement for air pressure used in North America. BAR is the metric measurement for the pressure in a specific volume.

High-pressure pumps move a smaller volume of air with each stroke and are better suited to filling skinny road tires. Generally speaking, if you ride tire pressures higher than 60 psi, you need a high-pressure pump. These will max out between 160 and 220 psi.

High-volume pumps, on the other hand, move a large amount of air with each stroke and are made for filling fat tires very quickly. However, most struggle to inflate tires to more than 60 psi. The gauges on these pumps typically have large, easy-to-read markings in one-psi increments that make it easy to dial in a precise tire pressure.

Tire pressure is one of the (personal) metrics that can have loads of impact on how you ride. The perfect tire pressure is a range rather than a hard number. Heres a link to help navigate finding your perfect tire pressure .

Lastly, because no two rims are designed the same, it’s extremely important you read the instructions and manual to verify what is the maximum pressure your rim is designed for. Hooked rims and tires are meant to hold tires onto the rim at higher pressures due to the recessed chanel, while hookless function at lower pressures and operate because of the tire pressure and tighter tolerances built into the rim and tire. With tubeless specific systems it is highly encouraged not to go above the recommended safe pressures. (ie. 72.5 psi for most tubeless rims)

How We Tested

We’ve spent hours inflating and deflating tires, pushing our forearm strength to the limit to see how these pumps perform. We pumped skinny tires, fat tires, gravel tires, and everything in between. For the floor pumps, we counted how many strokes it took to get to 20 psi in a mid-width, 29-inch mountain bike tire, as well as 80 pounds in a 700 x 28mm tire. For mini pumps, we tested tire pressure after 200 strokes, the limit of our collective forearm strength.

And one of the most common questions we get when assessing pumps is how accurate the gauges are. So we built a device that allows us to not only test the accuracy of each gauge but also reliably compare each pump. (Full disclosure: Our device reads only as high as 100 psi.) We evaluated the pumps on performance, price, stability, user-friendliness, and how easy it is to read the gauge to land on these, which will best serve the needs of anyone looking for a new pump.

FLOOR PUMPS

Specialized air tool comp v2 bike pump.

Specialized already makes a very good floor pump. But now it offers one of the smartest too. The Air Tool Comp V2 has a dual-range pressure gauge: Half of the gauge is for low pressures and runs from zero to 30 psi in one-psi gradients, while the other half is for high-pressure tires and runs from 30 to 120 psi in two-psi gradients. That means it’s easy to read for almost any tire without the hassle of a digital gauge and batteries. It also means a cleaner workshop: One pump can replace a mountain bike pump with a low-pressure gauge and a road bike pump with high-pressure gauge. However, the gauge leaves something to be desired when it comes to accuracy. Our testing found that it reads two psi low for pressures up to 30 psi, then reads between four and five psi low from 35 up to 100. However, the variations are consistent and repeatable, meaning the Air Tool Comp will inflate your tire the same way every time. Although we also wish the pump head had a bleed valve, we still use it regularly and appreciate its versatility across a wide range of tire sizes and widths.

Lezyne Alloy Floor Drive Bike Pump

Everything about this pump is carefully considered. Its extra-long, nylon-reinforced hose wraps over the handle and secures to the base, which serves two purposes: It keeps the plunger from extending when not in use and prevents the hose from flopping around. The oversize gauge—the housing for which is integrated with the base—is easy to read and replace, should it someday become inaccurate or stop working altogether. The ABS 1 Pro Flip-Thread Chuck—one side for presta, the other for Schrader—secures tightly to valve stems and has a bleed button to help you set the ideal pressure. It also has a valve-core wrench, which is handy for tubeless systems. And the whole CNC-machined, aluminum package is just plain beautiful to look at. Not only has this pump stood the test of time–it’s held up to well over two years of use—the gauge performed flawlessly in our testing.

Specialized Air Tool MTB Bike Pump

This high-volume pump is, as the name suggests, made specifically for filling mountain bike tires. The three-inch gauge goes up to only 40 psi, with big, easy-to-read markings in one-pound increments. Of all the pumps on this list, this one has the gauge that’s the easiest to use for setting a precise tire pressure. The stable metal base is the same as the Air Tool and Air Tool Comp V2. Like those pumps, the Air Tool MTB also has a metal barrel, although it’s much larger in diameter to move a higher volume of air with each stroke. And move a lot of air it does—it took us only 20 strokes to fill a 29 x 2.6-inch tire to 20 psi. The plastic handle and loose-fitting plunger give the feel of a discount product. But testing confirmed that this pump’s gauge is accurate at all points, and we consistently reach for the Air Tool when filling mountain bike tires. We wished for only one thing: a release valve to let out the pressure. Though it may seem minor, it’s incredibly useful when you’re trying to hit 17 psi and you accidentally overfill.

Vibrelli Bike Floor Pump

At 2 feet tall, the Vibrelli is a few inches shorter than the average floor pump, making it a more convenient travel companion. We found it easy to jigsaw into a trunk already overcrowded with bikes and gear. And since it’s so light (2.75 pounds), it won’t push your checked baggage over the airline’s weight limit. Our testing found that the gauge was accurate up to 100 psi (the max pressure our testing device will measure), although the graduations on the dial go all the way up to 160 psi. This pump is best for road and thin gravel tires. Although you can fill fat tires with the Vibrelli, it’s not a high-volume pump, so you’ll get a tricep workout filling mountain bike tires. Although the shaft is steel, the base and handle are plastic. That’s not a deal breaker, but it means the pump isn’t as robust as the more expensive ones on this list. But at this price, it’s a great value.

Topeak Mountain DA Mini Bike Pump

This pump won our testing. It’s noticeably larger than the rest of the minis on this list, but it really works. Despite being best-suited for high-volume tires, it also does a solid job getting road tires back to serviceable riding pressure. And since it’s a dual-stroke type, it inflates tires extremely fast. Also, it has a built-in gauge so we were never left wondering just how much (or how little) air we had managed to cram back into our tire. For both flat repair and “Oh damn, I left my floor pump at home” moments, the Mountain DA G is a lifesaver.

Silca Tattico Mini-Pump

Not content to just turn out beautiful, exquisitely detailed, and gloriously over-the-top floor pumps, Silca has decided to make one of the best mini road pumps we've tried. The locking, lossless air chuck (Presta or Schrader) is connected to a flexible hose that stores inside the pump when not in use. The pump will confidently get a road tire up to 100psi even if it's not super fast. The built in heat sink does make reaching the higher pressures more comfortable though as it prevents the barrel of the pump from becoming too hot.

Topeak RaceRocket MT Bike Pump

This pump is a great tool for riders who typically rely on CO2 cartridges but also like to have manual insurance. It’s small enough (7.3 inches) that it didn’t dominate our bike when using the bottle-cage clip, and it can also fit securely in a jersey pocket. It’s even powerful enough to get fat tires back up to pressure after a blowout, even if it does take more pumping that a larger dual-action pump like the Topeak Mountain DA G Mini. But at 125 grams, it’s much lighter. Its best feature is a long rubber hose that lives inside the pump when not in use and works with both Schrader and Presta valves. That flexible hose makes the Race Rocket MT much easier to pump vigorously without fear of damaging the valve stem than pumps without a rubber hose. The only drawback is that it’s not a dual-action pump, meaning it pushes air into the tire only when depressing the plunger. But it’s light and reliable, so whether we were micro-adjusting tire pressure mid-ride or relying on it as a backup plan for when our CO2 was spent, this pump never let us down.

Portland Design Works Ninja Mini Bike Pump with CO2 Inflator

This tiny but wonderful pump is a two in one! It has the benefits of getting your CO2 and a handpump in one. It’ll get you up to 100 psi so it’ll cover your MTB and Road needs. With its small yet powerful form factor it weighs a meager 3 oz and will take both schrader and presta valve.

LEZYNE Control Drive CO2 Inflator - Presta and Schrader Valve

Keeping this in your saddle bag won't cost you nearly as much as not having it when times are tight. The control drive's small form factor allows you to dispense the right amount of CO2 without having to waste the full amount thanks to its open and closed dials.

TUBELESS PUMPS

Bontrager tlr flash charger floor pump.

The TLR Flash Charger is a good alternative to an air compressor when it comes to installing tubeless tires. The large vertical tank can be pressurized to 160 psi, the maximum pressure read by the digital gauge. To install tubeless tires, place the nozzle on the valve, and when the tank is pressurized, flip the release lever from Charge to Inflate. Opening and closing that lever isn’t a binary choice—you can modulate the pressure as it’s released. When installing a mountain bike tire, we were nervous to blast in 160 pounds at one shot, but found it very handy to let air in, in small bursts, giving the tire time to settle. The TLR Flash Charger also works well as a traditional high-pressure pump. The digital gauge is, according to our testing, accurate up to 100 psi, which is the maximum pressure our testing device measures, and that gauge measures pressure in one-tenth increments. The pump is a little big and unwieldy to throw into the back of a car, but it’s a great tool for the home workshop.

Topeak JoeBlow Booster Floor Pump w/ SmartHead

Getting Tubeless down just became a whole lot easier thanks to Topeaks two stage floor pump. With its “Charge” and “Inflate” modes, getting the bead to sit on the rim becomes a worry of the past! It’s ability to “hold” up to 120 psi or 1 liter of air allows this pump to pack the punch your tires need. The additional long hose, wide handles and easy to read instrument cluster provide a pleasant easy tire experience.

Lezyne Pressure Over Drive Floor Pump

If you’ve been around the block on your bike lately, you’ll hear Lezyne spoken like a whisper. Their products are thoughtful, robust and filled with value. This pump is also a two stage procedure thanks to a small rotating action near the pump head. One of my favorite features on this pump is the wooden handle it just feels right.

FRAME PUMPS

Silca impero ultimate ii frame pump.

The quintessential evolution of years of miles on the road. This sturdy, reliable and powerful pump is the ticket to getting you home. Silca’s pump comes in a variety of sizes and delivers the air you need regardless of tire size. The wonderful part about this pump is you can depend on Silca’s reliability and service-ability. While having a mini pump for certain situations is nice, grabbing an Impero pump is an investable item you can even hand down.

No. 22 Titanium-Bodied Silca Impero Frame Pump

If money was not a concern and you don't mind splurging on luxury bike accessories, No.22 Bicycles Titanium Bodied Silca is exactly like the one Silca sells minus its stunning Titanium Body. Coming in at around $400, this expensive, exquisite and very unnecessary accessory is the ultimate air aficionado status symbol.

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The Best Bike Pumps of 2023

One of the most unappreciated pieces of gear for any cyclist is the humble bike pump. You can have the lightest bike, the most bomber shocks, and the sickest racing shades, but without air in your tires, you’re not going anywhere.

Despite its relegation to some forgotten corner of the garage, bike pumps are always there when you need them . The best bicycle tire pumps are reliable, fast, and, in the case of mini bike pumps, easy to carry with you if you get a flat on the road. While they seem simple, the best bike pumps come with features that make filling your tires easier and faster.

We’ve looked at a variety of pumps with high-capacity barrels, pressure gauges, and varying pump settings to find you the best bicycle pump for however you ride. What follows is the best of the bunch.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys, or jump to the category you’re looking for. For more help choosing the best bike pump, check out our buyer’s guide , comparison chart , and frequently asked questions at the end of this article.

• Best Overall:  Topeak JoeBlow Sport III Bike Floor Pump
• Best Budget:  BV Ergonomic Floor Pump
• Runner-Up:  Blackburn Designs Core Pro Floor Pump
• Best Portable Bike Pump:  Pro Bike Tool High Pressure Mini Bike Pump
• Best Portable Floor Pump:  Lezyne Micro Floor Drive Digital HVG Pump
• Best Fat Tire Bike Pump:  Topeak JoeBlow Dualie Floor Pump

Best of the Rest

Lezyne classic drive floor pump 3.5, crankbrothers sterling bike floor pump, bontrager dual charger floor pump, silca tattico mini pump, topeak joeblow sport iii bike floor pump.

• Type Floor pump
• Max psi 160
• Length 25.5"
• Weight 3 lbs., 11 oz.
• Valve types Presta, Schrader, Dunlop

• Inflates Presta, Schrader, Dunlop valves, and sports balls
• Rotating hose connection
• Steel construction
• Not the longest stroke

The JoeBlow Sport III ($60) pump from Topeak wins the top spot on this list thanks to its combination of versatility and durability. This pump not only works with Presta, Schrader, and Dunlop valves, but it also includes adapters to fill sports balls and air bladders.

The hose dock keeps the hose attached to the pump and the head off the floor when not in use. This keeps the head safe from being stepped on or runover as you pull your car into the garage.

A rotating connection keeps the hose from tangling and lets you fill your tires at different angles. The oversized dual-density polymer pump handle is easy and comfortable to use.

The gauge is fixed at the base. At 3 inches, it’s easy to read and sports a chronograph-style face. There’s also a pressure indicator, so you can pump your tires with precision. On top of that, the steel barrel and base are extremely durable, making this the best bicycle floor pump we’ve seen.

BV Ergonomic Floor Pump

• Length 24"
• Weight 2 lbs.

• Budget price
• Unique dual-sided head design
• Small pressure guage

For the price, it’s hard to go wrong with BV’s Ergonomic Floor Pump ($33). The star of this pump is the dual-sided head.

It works with Schrader valves on one side and Presta and Dunlop valves on the other. The head provides a secure, tight seal and minimal air loss when you remove the head, so the psi you read on the gauge is what you’ll have in the tire when you ride.

The steel barrel provides durability, and it sports a 34-inch hose. The pump also comes with a needle for filling sports balls and an attachment for inflatable devices like rafts and pool toys. Both of these are attached to the hose. This allows for easy access and helps prevent misplacing these small pieces.

The low price comes with some costs, however. The small pressure gauge on this floor pump is hard to read, so be ready to squint while you pump.

Also, the head’s tight fit comes with a stiff locking mechanism that is difficult to secure. The base is also relatively small, which makes it more unstable than other floor pumps on this list.

Blackburn Designs Core Pro Floor Pump

• Max psi 180
• Length 29"
• Weight 3 lbs., 13 oz.

• Large air chamber
• 51" long hose

This pump from Blackburn Designs ($115) is sturdy, stylish, and hard-working. The 29-inch alloy barrel is the largest in Blackburn’s lineup and makes pumping more efficient. The AirTap head fits Presta, Schrader, and Dunlop valves, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility.

We’re also big fans of the extended hose. With a length of 51 inches, you can easily air up while your bikes are still loaded in the truck or favorite bike rack .

We found the gauge on the Core Pro to be accurate and easy to read. It has a max psi of 180, and the inline air-release button makes it easier to quickly hit the right pressure.

All in all, this is an incredibly durable and reliable bike pump. It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, but the quality and durability make it a worthy investment for regular riders. Not to mention, it looks great and will easily add a bit of bike mechanic chic to your garage.

Pro Bike Tool High Pressure Mini Bike Pump

• Type Portable
• Max psi 100
• Length 7.5"
• Weight 4.5 oz.
• Valve types Presta, Schrader

• CNC aluminum construction
• Integrated hose with guage
• Included bike frame mount
• Guage limits hose flexibility

For a good blend of price and portability, it’s hard to beat the Mini Bike Pump  ($30) from Pro Bike Tool. This slick-looking pump features a removable flexible hose with a Schrader valve fit on one end and a Presta valve on the other. The hose also features an integrated pressure gauge.

At 7.5 inches long and under 5 ounces, it mounts onto a bike frame easily without adding a lot of weight. It will also fit easily into a pack or jersey pocket.

The CNC-machined aluminum body is durable and grooved for a solid grip while pumping. The multiple color options will blend in with any bike.

Despite its small size, the pump can reach up to 100 psi with a good number of pumps. The rubber and the thread-on air chucks prevent air loss. It performs well with high-pressure and high-volume tires, although the hand pump resistance increases greatly at higher pressures.

The only real complaint we’ve found with the Mini is that the integrated gauge limits the hose flex a bit. Besides that, the Mini is a perfect blend of price and utility, making it the best mini bike pump we’ve seen yet.

Lezyne Micro Floor Drive Digital HVG Pump

• Type Portable/Floor
• Length 13"
• Weight 7.3 oz.

• Impressive PSI in a micro pump
• Digital guage
• Swivel base on hose
• Larger than most micro pumps

If you’re looking for the most pumping power out of a portable pump, Lezyne’s Micro Floor Drive Digital HVG is your pick. At $90, it’s on the pricier side of micro-pumps, but it provides the power of a full-size floor pump.

It fits easily into a hydration pack and at under half a pound, you won’t even notice it’s there. Until you need it, that is. If you ride through a goat head thorn patch and you need to do a quick repair, this pump will get you back on the trail in no time.

The small kick-down foot pedal lets you put your weight into your pumps. Most mountain bike tires will be filled up in roughly 100 pumps.

The digital pressure gauge is accurate to about 1 psi, and the air bleed system lets you dial in the perfect pressure in your tires. The hose features a 360-degree swiveling base to prevent twisting or binding up.

The Micro Floor Drive Digital is bigger than most micro pumps, so you’ll want to carry it in a hydration pack or backpack. But if you hit some gnarly trails and you usually ride with a pack anyway, this is the pump for you.

Topeak JoeBlow Dualie Floor Pump

• Length 27"
• Weight 4 lbs., 3 oz.

• Large air volume
• Dual guages
• Extra long hose
• Won't work well for road bike tires

Can’t get enough time on your  fat tire bike ? This could be the pump for you. Designed specifically for high-volume tires, low-pressure tires, fat bike tires, and midrange mountain bike tires, the JoeBlow Dualie ($90) is a feature-rich pump.

Most floor pumps have a 30 mm barrel diameter, but the Dualie clocks in at 44.4 mm. This extra space allows for a larger air fill (meaning fewer pumps).

The dual gauges have also proven super useful. One gauge reads from 0-30 psi for airing up the fat bike. And the other ranges from 0-75 psi for standard mountain bike tires.

It’s worth noting that many road bike tires require 100+ psi, so this pump is not well suited to that use. But for fat bike tires, the Dualie Floor Pump can’t be beaten.

This floor pump has a plastic base and a comfortable bike grip handle. We also like the extra-long hose. It has a TwinHead valve connector and air release button.

• Max psi 220
• Length 26"
• Weight 3 lbs., 12 oz.

• Machined aluminum base
• Airtight threaded air chuck ideal for Presta valves
• Easy to read 3.5" guage
• Can be difficult to swap between Presta and Schrader valves

There’s a lot to like about Lezyne’s Classic Drive Floor Pump ($80). At first glance, the aesthetics are some of the best we’ve seen.

Gone are the plastic components and bright neon colors. Instead, the Classic sports a machined aluminum base, varnished wood handle, and steel barrel with an understated paint finish.

The ABS 1 Pro Flip-Thread Chuck head is compatible with Presta, Dunlop, and Schrader valves. Its threaded connection is a huge plus as well. It provides an airtight seal, so no air is lost with any pump.

It also prevents the head from flying off the valve if you get too ambitious with your pumping. The head also features an integrated valve core removal tool. The pressure gauge is mounted on the base, but the large 3.5-inch base makes it easy to read.

The aluminum base features a clip for the head. When not in use, the hose wraps snugly around the top and attaches at the base. This prevents tangling and keeps the head safe from errant feet or tires when not in use.

Running it over might not be an issue, though. With a pump that looks this good , you might want to display it in your living room.

• Length 25"
• Weight 1 lb., 10 oz.

• All aluminum build
• Smart valve
• High-volume to high-pressure switch
• Guage isn't the most accurate

Made of corrosion-resistant lightweight aluminum throughout the body, the Sterling Bike Floor Pump  ($70) from Crankbrothers combines versatility, strength, and light weight.

The smart valve automatically adjusts for Presta and Schrader valves. It also contains needle and plastic adapters, so you can pump up sports balls and flotation devices as well.

This versatility really makes the Sterling stand out among floor pumps. Besides the self-adjusting valve, it also features a foot-activated switch. This switch changes the pump from a high-volume pump to a high-pressure pump. This is a great feature for cyclists who ride different bikes.

The three-footed base is incredibly stable, which is great for cranking down and getting up to a higher psi. Additionally, the analog pressure gauge sits about a third of the way up the body for an easier view — though we did find it to be a bit off in testing.

• Length 43"

• Auto-select head adapts to different valves
• 4" wide guage
• Air chuck can be tricky to use

The Dual Charger Floor Pump  ($70) from Bontrager is another pump that is ideal for cyclists who go back and forth between road and mountain bikes. The quick-flip switch on the base lets users select high-volume inflation (for MTB tires) and high psi (for road bikes).

It also includes a ball needle and nozzle attachments. Likewise, the high-pressure setting works for basketballs and footballs. The high-volume setting will inflate rafts and other inflatables faster. Adding to the Dual Charger’s versatile nature is the autoselect head, which instantly fits both Presta and Shrader valves.

The wide tripod base adds stability and prevents tipping over. A large 4-inch base-mounted gauge is easy to read.

The steel construction of this floor pump is durable, and the internals are replaceable. So, if any parts wear out, you can replace the pieces, rather than buying a whole new pump.

• Length 9.5"
• Weight 5.4 oz.

• Ultra-compact design
• Hidden air hose
• Integrated heat sinks
• Not the easiest to mount to bike frame

For such a small pump, it’s impressive to see how many features that Silca managed to fit into the Tattico Mini ($70). The first thing you’ll notice is the inverted design.

The hose and valve are hidden inside the inner chamber (as opposed to the outer cylinder). This unique design adds up to 10% more air per stroke than pumps of similar length.

Also, the Tattico uses a rubber cup seal instead of an O-ring to seal the pump. O-rings lose effectiveness as heat builds up and the cylinder expands. The Tattico’s adaptable rubber cup seal grows with the tube, ensuring a tight seal and solid efficiency even as temperatures rise.

Silca also added temperature control designs to the Tattico Mini Pump . A heat sink hidden at the end of the barrel absorbs the heat you generate as you pump.

Additionally, the handle features an insulating air gap to help keep hands cool. Not only is it more comfortable, but it also minimizes hand sweat. These features, combined with the knurling on the aluminum alloy barrel, help you keep your grip as you fill your tires.

Comparison Chart

Why you should trust us.

At GearJunkie, we are lucky to play host to a number of cyclists that enjoy all different types of disciplines — from downhill MTB to winter fat biking, to racing cross-country in international adventure races . In order to find the best bike pump available today, we tapped into that knowledge and sought out the pumps that we use ourselves, as well as pumps that have been recommended to us by our riding partners.

During testing, we aimed to consider every facet of these bike pumps, including pumping pressure, ease of use, and the space they would take up in a garage or riding pack. Because not every blowout is going to occur at home, we paid equal mind to floor pumps as we did to portable pumps that are easy to bring along with you. Having both styles can cover your bases when it comes to bike maintenance.

And finally, because excellent new bike pumps are hitting the market every year, we are constantly cycling in new testers for our routines and will continue to update our guide as the best of the best becomes available.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Bike Pump

Secure attachment.

For the most part, when you’re fixing a flat, you’re already in a frustrating situation . Having a pump that’s a pain to work with only makes things worse. When you’re choosing a bike pump, it pays to have one that is reliable and easy to use.

The first step to that is to find a pump that offers a secure fit onto your tire’s valve. Many pumps have hose heads that you just push onto the tire valve. This often works, but you can lose air if it’s not secure. It can also lead to disconnection while you pump.

A loose connection can let air escape as you pump, requiring more pumps to fill your tire. Losing air between the valve and the head of your pump also adds to the time it takes to fill it up. That leads to more time spent pumping away and less time on your bike. Nobody wants that.

Even worse, a loose connection can lead to the pump head popping off the valve of your bike. This means you need to stop pumping and reapply the hose. After this happens three or four times, you might be ready to chuck everything into the bushes and walk home.

When you consider shopping for bike pumps, look for a pump with a threaded connection like Lezyne’s Classic Drive Floor Pump . This means that the head of the hose actually screws onto the valve. This provides a secure, airtight seal between the pump and the tire.

Ease of Use

A pump that’s complicated and difficult to use is not going to help your situation. You don’t need your hands slipping off your pump or the hose popping off the valve while you try to fill your tire.

Mini-pumps are what you’ll be using when you do field repairs. As there’s no foot pedal for extra torque, your hands are doing all the work.

Mini-pumps usually take at least 100 pumps to fill a tire. So, it’s likely that your hands will be tired and sweaty by the time you fill it up. Look for a mini-pump with a solid grip. Many pumps have knurling on the edges, which helps your hands keep a solid grip on the pump.

Also, some mini-pumps like the Silca Tattico Mini are designed to minimize heat buildup. This not only minimizes hand sweat but also keeps the pump from breaking down over time. If you usually ride with a pack, there are some mini-pumps with foot pedals available. Take a look at the list above for some of the best options.

Floor Pumps

If you’re looking for a pump for your garage or shop, there are a few other things to consider. Floor pumps need to be stable, so look for a pump with wide or long footpegs.

Most floor pumps come with two footpegs, but some come with a third peg for more lateral stability. This comes in especially handy when you’re bearing down on the pump to hit that higher psi.

The handle is also important when it comes to comfort. Larger, longer handles are generally more comfortable when using a bike pump. This is mostly because larger handles don’t dig in as much.

We’re also fans of the feel of wood handles on floor pumps. If you’re looking for more comfort, some floor pumps feature padded handles.

Speed of Inflation

The speed of inflation depends on the amount of air you can move into the tire per pump. So, it makes sense that if portability isn’t an issue, floor pumps are the fastest way to inflate your tires. The larger body takes in and expels more air per pump.

Because you don’t have to worry about carrying it on your back or mounting it on your bike, floor pumps can be built with bigger bodies and carry a higher volume of air. This is a huge issue, especially when it comes to mountain bike or fat bike tires . Some pumps are built specifically for use with high-volume tires like these.

The bigger bodies pull more air in and compress that air on the downward push. Often, these high-volume pumps have a switch somewhere, usually on the base.

This switch allows the pump to change from high-volume pumping (for MTB and fat bikes) to high-pressure (for road bikes). These are a great option for cyclists who ride a wide variety of bikes.

Because they have smaller bodies, mini-pumps take longer to fill a tire than a floor pump. Their portability requires smaller bodies, which means far less volume per pump than floor pumps.

When referring to mini-pumps, the speed of inflation depends largely on how easy it is to use. Look for a mini-pump with a solid grip, as your hands will be doing most of the work. A mini-pump with textured handles or knurling machined onto the grip will work well for maintaining a solid hold.

Guaranteeing a tight seal between the hose and valve is also a factor. A good screw-on hose head can minimize the loss of air when you pump. This lowers the number of pumps (and the time) that it takes to fill your tire.

When it comes to floor pumps, stability primarily comes from the base. As pressure builds in your bike tires, pumping becomes more difficult and you must bear down on the pump.

When you apply this weight, there is an increased chance of the pump tipping over. This can result in frustration, damage to the pump or yourself, and if anyone else is around, hilarity.

Most pumps combat this by making longer, wider footpegs to create a more stable base. If stability is your priority, look for a floor pump with three legs. This creates a stabilizing tripod effect and helps prevent tipping. Take a look at our list above for some three-legged options.

With the vast majority of mini-pumps, you’re holding it in your hands as you pump. The base isn’t the issue, as these pumps generally don’t have one.

For mini-pumps, stability refers more to grip and the hose’s ability to stay on the valve. Hose heads that screw directly onto a valve ensure a stable connection, which prevents the hose from popping off while you pump. This is especially important with mini-pumps, as they have much shorter hoses.

As a result, it’s a lot more likely that you’ll accidentally tug on the hose as you pump. A screw-on hose head keeps your hose secure if you accidentally pull it away from the valve.

Stability also refers to a mini-pump’s grips. A textured grip provides a stable grip on the pump’s handles as you pump away. This prevents slippage and wasted pumps — and it gets you back on your bike as soon as possible.

Grip is also a huge part of comfort when it comes to mini-pumps. The aforementioned grip features increase friction on your pump, so you don’t have to squeeze as hard to hold it. Look for a pump with rubberized or textured handles for a better grip.

When it comes to floor pumps, there are a few more handle options. Handles can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are even padded handles for extra softness.

Some people can find padded handles a bit excessive, but we are fans of wood handles. Wood handles provide a warmer, slightly softer feel than plastic or metal. They also give the feel of working with wood tools, which some find soothing.

Strong materials make for strong gear. When you’re shopping for a floor pump, look for strong materials like steel or machined aluminum in the body. This helps the body hold fast in the face of strong pressure buildup within the pump.

The hose head can also be a weak point, especially if it gets stepped on or run over in the garage. If this is a concern for you, look for a hose head built with strong material.

No matter how well-built or how strong the materials are, pumps can eventually break. Many companies sell replacement parts online. This is helpful, as you won’t have to buy a whole new pump if a piece breaks down.

Bontrager’s Dual Charger Floor Pump has replaceable internal parts as well. This way, pretty much everything on the pump is replaceable.

Mini-pumps are smaller and tend to be more delicate. Look for a mini-pump made with strong materials like aluminum. Aluminum is a great material for mini-pumps, as it combines strength with light weight. So, it won’t add too much to your bike if it’s attached to your frame.

Portability

Ease of carry is an important feature for mini-pumps. Mini-pumps generally have two carrying options. The first is the frame carry, in which the pump is mounted directly on the frame.

Most mini-pumps come with a mounting bracket. The bracket attaches to the pump as well as to the top tube (or wherever you can fit it).

Frame mounting is useful for several reasons. First, if it’s always attached to your bike, there’s no chance that you’ll leave it at home. Second, it saves room and weight in your pack. Or, if you prefer to ride without one, it doesn’t require a pack at all to carry.

For another option, these smaller pumps can fit in a jersey pocket. This also goes for medium-size mini-pumps. All but the biggest mini-pumps should fit well in a jersey pocket for quick accessibility.

Larger mini-pumps have more features and a higher air volume per pump. Their larger size comes with a trade-off, however. The biggest mini-pumps are too long to sit in a bike frame. Many are also too large to fit into a jersey pocket.

If you choose to buy a bigger mini-pump, be prepared to carry it in a backpack or hydration pack.

As with many things, there is generally a trade-off between features and price with bike pumps. You can easily get a solid floor pump for well under $100.

However, you can expect to pay more if you’re looking for additional features and durability. More expensive pumps offer more durable materials and features that make them easy to use.

If you only have one bike and you only use your pump occasionally, an inexpensive pump will do. And at a lower price, you can replace it without breaking the bank.

If you ride several types of bikes and take them out often, you may want to look at some pricier options. Look for a floor pump that works well for both high-volume and high-pressure tires. Many pumps have settings that can switch to a high-volume mode for mountain bike tires and a high-pressure mode for roadies.

Consider your needs and weigh them against your budget to find the best pump for you.

The best bike for you varies depending on your needs. If you own one bike that you ride occasionally, you are not likely to be using the pump very often. A low-priced floor pump will serve you well.

Do you have a variety of bikes that you ride often? You may want to spring for a higher-end model.

The same goes if you are serious about bike maintenance. Higher-end floor models offer features like high-visibility gauges and air bleed options. These help you make sure that your bike tires are filled to the optimal level for peak performance.

A mini-pump is considered optional by some. But if you ever get a flat during a ride, it seems anything but. If you’re not sure what kind of mini-pump to get, focus on portability.

High-end features are great, but mini-pumps are like spare tires: you hope you never have to use them. Since you’ll (hopefully) only use it once in a while, opt for one that you can easily take with you.

A frame-mounted pump is great for this use, as you can put it on your bike and forget about it until you need one. If you regularly ride over tire-popping terrain or are keen to tweaking your tires’ psi, you may want a higher-end mini-pump.

A great setup would be a mid-to-high-range floor pump combined with a frame-mounted mini. The floor pump helps you dial in your tire pressure before every ride, which can minimize the odds of you getting a flat during your ride. If you do get a flat, that frame-mounted mini will be there to get you home.

First and foremost, you’re going to want a floor pump. Their higher volume and stability make them the best choice for filling your tires in general. For most cyclists, a mid-to-low-end floor pump will do for the initial tire fill and occasional topping off.

Road cyclists should look at pumps that are capable of higher psi. People who ride mountain bikes or fat tire bikes should consider high-volume pumps.

As the name suggests, high-volume pumps fill those larger tires faster. If you ride both, some pumps can switch from high-volume to high-pressure to accommodate MTB and road bikes.

If you already have a floor pump, a mini-pump is also advisable. Mini-pumps are essential when you’re out on a ride and find yourself with a flat tire. Most cyclists don’t have flats often, so a good midrange frame-mounted mini-pump will work in a pinch if you get a flat.

If you ride often or ride long distances, you may get flats more often. In this case, a higher-end mini-pump would be a good option.

Mountain bikers who often ride in rough terrain may want to consider one. This particularly goes for those who tend to ride with packs. A larger, higher-end pump can fit in a backpack and will fill your tire faster.

It depends on how you plan to use it. If you ride occasionally, a smaller, frame-mounted mini-pump is a good option. Occasional riders can use a mini-pump the same way drivers use spare tires. You can stow it and forget about it until you need it. It’s basically an emergency device.

On the rare occasion that you get a flat or a leak, you can do a quick repair and fill it up. If you don’t have a repair kit or spare tube, a mini-pump will fill a tire with a slow leak and help you get home.

If you ride in a way that entails longer distances or sketchy terrain, you may use a mini-pump more often. Look for mini-pumps that have features like longer hoses and textured grips. These features not only fill your tire faster, but they can keep you comfortable while you do it.

Not necessarily. Most ball pumps are not designed to handle the pressure required to fill up a bicycle tire. And many bike hand pumps do not come with the necessary adaptors to fill a sports ball or inflatable device. That said, you can use a bike pump to inflate balls, but most ball pumps don’t fill bike tires.

Bike pumps are capable of filling balls and rafts with an adapter. Needle or inflatable adapters are available on most sporting goods websites and are low in cost. Many bike pumps come with the adapters included.

If you’re looking at an all-around pump, choose the floor pump you want. Then check online and see bike pump reviews to see if the adapters are included with your purchase.

As long as it has an adapter for the different types of valves, bike pumps should work on every bike. Most bikes come with either Shrader or Presta valves. Occasionally, you will find a Presta valve pump or another specific type.

But a good bike air pump will either have an adapter for both or have a hose head that will fit either valve. That said, some pumps work better than others for specific bikes. Higher volume pumps work best for larger tires like mountain bike or fat bike tires. A high-pressure bike pump is great for road bikes.

Minus a catastrophe (like running it over with your car), a good bicycle air pump can last for years without issue. Most companies offer replacement parts. This way, if something does break down, you should be able to replace the part without having to buy a whole new pump.

This usually entails a new hose or nozzle, as these are the parts that tend to break down. Bontrager goes a step further with its Dual Charger Floor Pump. The company also sells internal parts, so if the main body of the pump breaks down, you can repair it.

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The Best Bike Pump

By Eve O'Neill , Matthew Edwards and Dave Yasuda

No matter what kind of bike you ride—road bike or mountain bike, beach cruiser or hybrid, ebike or unicycle—you need a way to inflate its tires.

After testing 35 pumps over the past six years, we believe the Lezyne Classic Floor Drive 3.5 is the best floor pump for most bike commuters thanks to its sturdy construction, easy-to-read dial, and utterly reliable screw-on head (which fits both Presta and Schrader valves).

We also have a pick for a portable pump to use while you’re out on a ride.

Everything we recommend

Lezyne Classic Floor Drive 3.5

The best floor pump for bikes.

This mostly metal pump is a smart buy, from its extra-large pressure gauge to its recently redesigned screw-on pump head.

Buying Options

Budget pick.

Planet Bike ALX 2

Reliable, with better-than-most features.

Though not the cheapest pump we tested, the difference in quality between a $30 pump and this one is astounding. The drawbacks: its plastic, wedge-on pump head and very short hose.

Upgrade pick

Specialized Air Tool Pro

For frequent riders.

Although this pump is pricey, its comfortable, generously sized handle, ultra-visible gauge, and extremely stable base make it the pump to get if you’ll be using it a lot.

Lezyne Pressure Drive

Best handheld bike pump.

Versatile and compact, this pump will fill the flat-fixing needs of any commuter while on the road.

The most important thing a pump can do is not frustrate you. Our pick, the Lezyne Classic Floor Drive 3.5 , excels in this task due to the design of its pump head, which you screw securely—rather than wedge—onto your valve. It combines an L-shaped head that’s refreshingly easy to fit between spokes with a removable and reversible chuck (one end fits Schrader tire valves; the other, Presta valves). Once you’ve screwed the pump head onto your tire’s valve, the Classic Floor Drive will never, ever release the valve until you want it to. In addition, its sturdy construction, extra-large pressure gauge, extra-long hose, and varnished wooden handle make it simple, and even pleasing, to use.

With more high-quality parts than anything comparably priced, the Planet Bike ALX 2 is, we believe, the best choice for someone who doesn’t ride every day or every week. It has a steel base and barrel—in fact, the only plastic part is the pump head, which you push onto the valve and lock with a lever. That head is one reason this pump isn’t our top pick; the pump’s very short hose is another. That said, the ALX 2 inflated tires faster than almost every pump we looked at, including the Lezyne Classic Floor Drive and the pricey Specialized Air Tool Pro. Our testers also rated it highly in both steadiness and usability—the wide wooden handle really helps with that. In addition, this is the only pump we found that comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which is much better than the industry-standard two years.

The Specialized Air Tool Pro was a tester favorite. It’s nearly twice the price, but it doesn’t have twice the features of the Lezyne Classic, and that’s why it isn’t our top pick. But it’s so stable and easy to use—with a generously wide handle and sturdy base—that we think someone who rides a lot and has to use a pump often would be enamored with the upgrade in performance.

The Lezyne Pressure Drive is a smartly designed handheld bike pump capable of filling the types of tires most frequently used by recreational riders. In fact, it works better with different tire sizes than the other portable pumps we tested. This pump screws securely (via a detachable hose) to inner-tube valves, and its all-aluminum body has a smooth, efficient stroke. It’s small enough to carry in a jersey pocket but also comes with a bracket that you can attach to your frame. Like all of our picks, it works with both Presta and Schrader valves, the two standard kinds of bike-tube valves in the US. It comes in two sizes, the “small” being about 7.25 inches in length (including the rubber seals and caps), and the “medium” a little less than two inches longer than that. The price is the same; we’d recommend getting the smaller one unless you have very large hands.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked and tested, our pick for a floor pump: lezyne classic floor drive 3.5, budget floor-pump pick: planet bike alx 2, upgrade floor-pump pick: specialized air tool pro, also-great hand pump: lezyne pressure drive, other good bike pumps, the competition.

This guide represents more than 20 years of collective experience in researching, testing, and writing about bike accessories. Eve O’Neill, who is responsible for the most recent update, is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter and has been on the bike commuting beat since she joined the company. Matthew Edwards has spent five years in the cycling industry as a salesperson, mechanic, and amateur bike racer, and Dave Yasuda is a road, mountain, and commuting cyclist with more than 30 years in the saddle.

If you have a bike, you need a floor pump to keep it operating. First, it does the basic labor of inflating your tire’s tubes. Also, you’ll get better performance from your bike and avoid pinch flats (where the tube gets caught between the tire rim and the road surface) if you keep your tires at the proper air pressure. This generally means topping off your tubes weekly, because they leak air even when your bike’s just sitting idle.

In addition to recommendations for floor pumps, which are the most hassle-free option for at-home maintenance, we have recommendations for handheld pumps too. But those are strictly for adding to your on-the-go repair kit and using when you get a flat on the road—a floor pump takes a lot less effort to use.

Are all bike pumps equal? According to one pump designer we spoke to, yes. “They’ll all perform similarly,” he said—the designer didn’t want his name or company affiliation mentioned—“because they all come from the same factories.” He meant what he said, but as we discovered, the details count when it comes to pumps.

At this point, we’ve researched more than 100 models, and our work always starts with reading what others have to say. First, we get studious with online reviews, relying upon the expertise at Bicycling , Cycling Weekly , GearLab , BikeRadar , and MTBR to point us in the right direction. We also look at Amazon, online bike shops like Competitive Cyclist, and outdoor retailers such as REI to read customer reviews, all of which help us decide which pumps to examine in person.

Then we talk to experts about what makes a good pump. Over the years, these have included Lennard Zinn, author of the most popular bike-repair manuals in the US ; Daimeon Shanks, a former pro race team mechanic ; Jason Bauer of Boise’s Bauerhaus Bikes , a Shimano-certified mechanic with more than 20 years of experience and longtime wrench for 24-hour-sold world-champion mountain biker Rebecca Rusch; Chris Haunold of Idaho Mountain Touring , a bike shop that has been a leader in the Boise cycling community for more than 30 years; and Nicola Cranmer , a longtime cyclist and general manager of Team Twenty20, a women’s pro cycling team.

Whether we were looking at a floor or handheld pump, we learned to prize, above all else, the following qualities:

• How secure the chuck is on the tire valve and how easy it is to use. That means it has to attach securely, remove easily, and be reasonably simple to figure out. It also has to work with both Schrader and Presta valves, the two most common types in the US.
• How durable the pump is. Pumps that have metal barrels—that’s the largest single part of each pump—will have a longer life span, so we focused on those. We also prioritized pumps with other metal hardware, like levers and valve attachment points, which are more durable than the equivalent plastic parts. “Look at a pump’s hardware,” advised Chris Haunold. “Is it metal or plastic? Metal tends to be more sturdy and will last a while.”
• How comfortable and sturdy the pump is. A handle that you can fit both hands on fully, for example, is a good sign, and three-footed pumps are a must—they’re significantly less wobbly than two-footed models.
• Whether or not the pump can be serviced. Bike pumps are simple devices and should last for years, with appropriate maintenance. We looked for pumps that nontechnical folks could disassemble to replace parts like O-rings and gaskets.
• For handheld models, we considered portability and how easily (or not so easily) we were able to pump a tube up to 100 psi with each—a real challenge for such a small device with little leverage.

To test for these different criteria, we did a few things. We compared the construction of every pump to evaluate its potential longevity and sturdiness. We scrutinized the dial for legibility and placement. But mostly, we did a lot of tire pumping. It was the only way to properly evaluate the valve seal, how well the chuck operated, how stable the pump was, and in some cases, whether or not the pump even worked.

We used our floor pumps to inflate each of three tire sizes to their recommended pressure (60 pounds per square inch, 75 psi, and 100 psi), inflating every tire twice. For handheld pumps we did the same, again with three tires each at a different pressure rating (30 psi, 35 psi, and 100 psi), inflated twice. Over the course of two years we’ve inflated tires more than 250 times. We log how many strokes it takes to reach the proper pressure, how ergonomic the handle is, how legible the dial is, and whether or not any tiny pieces spring loose and roll into a sewer grate while we were trying to switch between valves (it has happened twice).

We think the Lezyne Classic Floor Drive 3.5 is the best pump for most people. It has a valve attachment that is unique among all systems; it’s also both simple to attach and highly secure. It’s as sturdy and reliable as pumps twice the price, and all of its components, from hose to gauge, are more generously sized than those of its competitors.

The screw-on design of the Classic Floor Drive’s head is a standout feature. Only one other pump we tested, the Crankbrothers Klic, also uses a screw-on head, but the Lezyne attachment is bigger and therefore easier to handle. The L-shape also improves its ergonomics and provides an all-around more solid attachment. This is especially important, according to a former floor pump designer interviewed by our colleague Eric Hansen, because the head is often the only part that really differentiates one pump from another.

Lezyne calls this head a flip chuck head. It has a removable, two-sided chuck: One end works with Presta tube valves, and the other works with Schrader. If you want to change from one to the other—or vice versa—you unscrew the red chuck, flip it over, and screw it back on. Once you’ve done so, screw the head onto the valve. This is different from the common push-on-and-flip-a-lever design on most pump heads. You’ll see that the connection is super-reliable, it will never release until you want it to, and we haven’t noticed any air leaks during testing.

This is also the steadiest, sturdiest pump we tried, which made it a favorite among our testers. The three-footed design makes it more stable than two-footed models, and there are no plastic parts (except for the gauge cover). That makes a huge difference when you are pumping up a 100 psi road bike tire and need leverage to work air into the tube. Even the couplings are aluminum; not even the Specialized Air Tool Pro, at nearly twice the price, has all-metal couplings.

The valve head is attached to an extra-long (47-inch) rubber hose. With shorter hoses, you may need to rotate your wheel to get a good seal or perch uncomfortably close to it while you pump. With this long of a hose, you can also place the pump toward the middle of your bike and inflate both tires without having to move the pump, regardless of the valve position on the wheels. We know it’s a small matter, but our testers appreciated the convenience.

The huge 3½-inch pressure gauge is super-clear and readable from nearly any height when pumping. And not only is the dial big, but the text on it is designed well, with large, legible numbers on a contrasting background. We’ve seen gauges that, in spite of their massive size, are still hard to read because of a vexing layout or poor choice of font. And since the gauge is base-mounted and low to the ground, there’s no way it can make a pump top heavy or that it could break after tipping over.

The Classic Floor Drive has a maximum inflation pressure of 220 psi, well above any pressure needed by the average cyclist and more than any other model we tried, except the (now discontinued) Serfas FMP-500 , which was rated to 250 pounds. Although you might encounter a few tires meant for velodrome use rated for pressures greater than 200 psi, that’s overkill for most riders. It also comes with attachments for other inflatables, like exercise balls and basketballs, should you need them.

If you own a pump for long enough, you will inevitably have to replace something on it. Most often it’ll be either the pump head or the hose seals. You’ll know the head is going bad when it no longer seals reliably and you hear the sad sound of air hissing out, no matter what you do or what god you pray to. The good news is that a quality pump can be rebuilt; Lezyne sells replacement head/hose combos and other parts .

Finally, Lezyne warranties pumps against defects in workmanship and materials for two years. Though that isn’t as good as the lifetime guarantee provided by Planet Bike, the Classic Floor Drive is well-made and should last.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Having to screw the head onto the valve takes a little longer than the usual push-on valves with a locking lever, but we think most people will appreciate the secure connection for the price of those few seconds. Plus, whatever time you lose installing it, you gain on the opposite end of the process, when you simply unthread the chuck instead of having to yank at a push-on head that won’t come off.

When we counted the number of strokes it took to fill a tire to pressure, the Lezyne Classic Drive placed in the middle of the pack. While it wasn’t the top performer, we’re not worried: When we do this test, we’re mostly looking for outliers—either intoxicatingly efficient or miserably inefficient designs.

Though not the least expensive pump we tested, our budget pick is the Planet Bike ALX 2 , because the difference in quality between a $35 pump and a $60 pump is enormous. Even for people who don’t plan to ride their bikes frequently, we believe it’s worth spending the extra money. Most significantly, the ALX 2 has a lot of sturdy, nonplastic parts and a steady base. The pump is comfortable and usable, and it even comes with a lifetime warranty, the best of anything we looked at, regardless of price.

The valve on the ALX 2 is nothing special—and it’s one reason this pump isn’t our main pick—but nothing in this price range is. It’s a common flip model: You press it onto the tire tube valve and flip the handle up to secure it. Made of plastic, it works on both Presta and Schrader valves, and unlike the Lezyne’s head, you don’t need to disassemble the chuck to change from one valve type to another. However, as with other heads of this type, you run the risk of the head popping off midstroke if you haven’t seated it correctly.

The hose is another place this pump comes up short. It’s 34.5 inches long, the second shortest in our test pool. When inflating tires, this pump still outperformed many of the others we tested, outdoing not just the similar Specialized Air Tool Sport , but even the Lezyne and the Air Tool Pro by a few strokes. The wooden handle is easy to use, and our testers all praised the pump’s base. It’s not as stable as the Lezyne, but it does sit completely flush with the ground and remains steadier than the other midrange options.

The gauge is 3 inches wide, base-mounted, and readable, with contrasting black-on-white text. It pumps up to 160 psi, enough for anything but a track bike, and it comes with a set of adaptors for sports balls. This pump is also rebuildable, and Planet Bike sells head, hose , and O-ring replacement parts. And it comes with a limited lifetime warranty , the most robust of any pump we tested.

The Specialized Air Tool Pro costs nearly twice as much as the Lezyne Classic Floor Drive, but it doesn’t offer twice as many features, nor perform twice as well, and that’s why it isn’t our top pick. But it’s so stable, with a generously wide handle and sturdy base, that we think someone who will be using a pump a lot—every week, or even every day—may appreciate the upgrade.

The valve attachment is a flip model, made of combined metal and plastic, and has the usual drawback: You have to make sure it’s properly attached or it might pop off suddenly. However, it’s larger and fits the hand more ergonomically than anything we tried, and it’s easy to secure and release.

This is a pump made for someone who is going to use it a lot, and the handle and the base are where its best features are focused. The broad, flat handle outshines even that on the pricey Silca Pista , which couldn’t fit two hands. The footprint, on the receiving end of all that robust tire pumping, was the only one that provided an even steadier base than the Lezyne Classic Drive , with minimal rocking in any direction.

The gauge is also notable. Three inches in diameter, it has white numbers on a black background, plus a contrasting hi-vis yellow needle. None of the pumps we saw had any glow-in-the-dark markings on the gauge—which would come in handy, say, for an early-morning ride—but this dial came the closest to providing that kind of visibility.

For the price, we were expecting all elements of this pump to be standouts, but some were just average. The hose is shorter on this pump (42 inches) than on the Lezyne Classic Drive, and the max psi and the warranty (two years) are the same as the Lezyne.

Also, as this is a serious cycling pump for a serious cyclist, it therefore doesn’t come with any adaptors for anything other than bike tubes.

The Lezyne Pressure Drive’s solid aluminum body, smooth pumping action, removable hose, and secure pump-to-valve attachment make for a handheld pump that is functional and efficient. Among all the pumps we tested, nothing reached this level of quality at the same price.

The standout feature is the detachable hose that accommodates both Presta and Schrader valves. To use the pump, remove the hose from its storage place inside the pump’s body. Each end of the hose is clearly marked with either Presta or Schrader. Screw one end onto the pump’s body. Then, instead of relying on friction or a thumb lock—the other two common methods of attaching a handheld pump to a valve—you screw the other end onto the threaded tip of your valve. Every time, the seal held fast no matter how hard we pumped. And like all hose attachments, this one reduces the odds of bending or even breaking the valve.

The Pressure Drive is advertised as a low-volume, high-pressure pump for road bikes, and we were able to get to 100 psi on our 700c tire in 300 strokes. Even though that’s a serious, sweaty workout, it’s a high bar to set for a handheld pump, one that not all of the pumps we tested could accomplish. Knowing that high-pressure road tires are this pump’s specialty, we were surprised we could fill a lower-pressure tire without taking a long, long time. It took us 150 strokes to fill a hybrid tire to 35 psi, and 290 strokes to get a mountain bike tire to 30 psi. That may sound like a lot, but those are very respectable numbers, especially given the pump’s small size. (The pump comes in two sizes; we tested the smaller one, which is a little over 7 inches in length. The medium is closer to 9 inches—we’d recommend buying that one only if you have large hands and enough room in your jersey pockets. The price is the same for both.)

With pumps like this, which attach to a valve stem by screwing it on, it’s possible to unscrew a removable valve core (a few Presta valves have these) while removing your pump. (There goes all your hard-earned air, in a rush!) If you like to use valves with removable cores—you know who you are—the Pressure Drive has an integrated valve core tool. This is also what you need to fix a leaky stem, which could be the cause of your flat in the first place.

Lezyne also provides a two-year warranty that covers manufacturer defects, and you can replace worn-out O-rings and the like with replacement parts from the Lezyne site.

As with all hand pumps, this is no substitute for a floor pump. You will be tired and frustrated if you regularly use this to inflate your tires the entire way. In addition, if you ride a mountain bike or any kind of tire that has a very low psi rating, a high-volume, low-pressure pump may be a better choice to take on the trail with you. The Lezyne Alloy Drive is the equivalent of the Pressure Drive for mountain bike tires.

If our budget floor pump isn’t available: Consider the Specialized Air Tool Sport SwitchHitter II , which only narrowly came in second. It has a higher build quality than anything similar on Amazon, including the the Topeak Joe Blow III and the Vibrelli pump. The air hose is longer, the base is more stable, and it inflated our tires faster than anything we tried in our tests. If you can get your hands on this model, we think you’ll be very happy.

If you find operating a handheld pump exhausting: Consider the Topeak Mini Morph, which has an extendable foot peg and a T-shaped handle that allow you to leverage it against the ground, just like a floor pump. However, it’s longer and heavier than the Lezyne Pressure Drive, and changing from Presta to Schrader valves requires pulling apart the pump head. That’s less of an issue with an at-home pump, but an important consideration with a portable one. The plastic pieces are small, and wind, darkness, cold hands, and impatience could complicate making the switch in the field.

Truth be told, all pumps are pretty decent. “Anything you get at a bike shop, if you don’t use it as a hammer, you’ll be fine,” said repair-manual author Lennard Zinn. With that in mind, here are the reasons we’ve set aside these other models:

Floor pumps

The Lezyne Steel Floor Drive is very similar in build quality to our top pick. It was, however, the worst performer in our pump test, requiring 10 to 15 more strokes at all psi levels than the better performers.

The biggest ding to the Specialized Air Tool Sport was the illegible dial. Lots of leaning down to read this one. We also prefer the wooden handle on our budget pick.

The Crankbrothers Sapphire had the best pumping performance, taking fewer strokes than any other model. Even so, our budget pick was only five to eight strokes behind, is more stable, and doesn’t have a plastic handle.

The Crankbrothers Klic attempts a solution to an annoying storage problem––the floppy tube gets stored in the handle. Our testers liked it but felt that the gauge seemed breakable, and losable, since it was no longer attached to the pump. In addition, not all the edges of the base are flush with the ground, just the foot contact points, and we noticed less stability with all pumps designed this way.

The Silca Pista has one of the strongest builds (all metal everything), but it’s small. That’s as intended––it’s meant to be easy to carry around in a car trunk. But the two-footed base is wobbly, the handle was too small to be comfortable, and testers were afraid they’d lose the detachable Presta valve adapter. The Pista Plus remedies these issues but for more than twice the price of our top pick.

The Bontrager Dual Charger pressure gauge appeared to be defective. It hovered at 60 psi on the dial even while attached to an uninflated tire. We’re assuming this was random, and not endemic, but either way we found sturdier pumps that cost less.

The Topeak JoeBlow Sport III has consistently positive user reviews, but our budget pick is the same price and has a wooden, not plastic, handle. Plus, the gauge sits in a bad spot––too low on the barrel to easily read, but high enough that the pump sometimes tips over.

Both the Pedro’s Prestige and Super Prestige pumps have wobbly, two-footed bases that couldn’t outperform three-footed options.

We tried the Vibrelli for due diligence, but with a shorter height and shorter hose than anything in the test pool, it felt like a toy in a giant’s hands. Our testers also disliked the plastic base. If your biggest worry is cost, it will get the job done, but as we said before, the difference in quality between a $30 pump and a $60 pump is enormous.

The head of the Park Tools PFP-8 blew off a total of three times for two testers—a surprise, considering Park Tool’s good reputation.

We also tested two pumps from Serfas, the FMP 500 and the TCPC. The first had a maximum pressure rating of 260 psi, which added so many digits to the dial that it become hard to decipher; the second pumped 30 percent slower than virtually all other pumps and came with a plastic base. Both now appear to be discontinued.

The Lezyne Sport Drive we tested broke. The plastic fingers on the plastic base that holster the head snapped off while riding in the trunk of the car. There is a new version of the Sport Drive that incorporates the same dial as our top pick, but the base remains plastic.

The Silca Tattico Mini-Pump worked well with Presta valves but did not stay attached to Schrader valves when we pumped vigorously.

Like our runner-up pick, the Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HP/HPG functions like a small floor pump (similar to the Mini Morph), but it was bigger and more cumbersome. It does come with a mounting bracket, but the pump is so big that it’s hard to find an out-of-the-way place for it on smaller bike frames.

Another in the mini-floor-pump camp, the Topeak Road Morph G was the fastest pump in our tests, but its size—it’s nearly 14 inches long—seriously pushed the boundaries of portability.

The Crankbrothers Klic HP folds out into a T shape for a good grip. The length of the stroke is unusually short, though, which meant we had to work hard for results. T handles are generally a good thing, but this one has some weirdly sharp edges.

The Birzman Infinite–Apogee Road recorded a much higher number of strokes than average to fill the three test tires, and it just couldn’t make it to 100 psi for the 700c tire.

The Topeak RaceRocket was also not able to pump a 700c road tire to 100 psi; with this pump, it took us 60 more strokes to get our mountain bike tire to 30 psi than it did with our top pick. It’s true that it’s not a high-volume pump, the kind that is best suited for mountain bike tires. But neither is our top pick.

The Planet Bike MicroPro Mini Bike Pump uses a thumb-lock valve in a fixed position on the end of the pump body. While it’s a classic setup, we believe a pump with an extended tube design is an all-around superior design. It took 370 strokes to inflate the mountain bike tire and 260 strokes for the hybrid—second to worst of all the pumps in the test. We were not able to get the road bike tire to 100 psi at all.

The Planet Bike Mini Versair Bike Pump has a hose that’s much too short to be effective. We had to keep the pump uncomfortably close to the tires.

Any old-school cyclist will recognize the Topeak Pocket Rocket , but it’s a below-average performer. It took us 200 pumps to get the hybrid test tire to 35 psi. Topeak describes the Pocket Rocket as a pump for roadies, but we couldn’t get our 700c tire up to the 100 psi mark.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Meet your guides

Eve O'Neill

Eve O'Neill is a former senior staff writer reporting on travel and outdoors at Wirecutter. She can remember the titles on her childhood bookshelf that set her in this direction: Into Thin Air, On The Road, The Call of the Wild . She has always been drawn to ideas about how to relate to, and play in, the wilderness.

Matthew Edwards

Dave Yasuda

Further reading

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If you own a bike, you need a patch kit. After 96 hours of testing, here are our picks for the best levers, patches, hand pumps, and more for most bike owners.

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by Wirecutter Staff

Hard-core bike commuters share seven items—from storm-worthy gloves to rugged tires—that keep them (and their stuff) safe and dry in the winter.

The Best First Pedal Bike

by Laura Motley

Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage. Depending on the bike, the process can be either unnecessarily frustrating or, well, like a ride in the park.

The Best Bike Storage Ideas

by Christine Ryan

After 30-plus hours of research and testing, we think the Delta Cycle Michelangelo Gravity Stand  is the best bike rack for storing bikes in limited-space homes.

Giro d'Italia stage 3 Live - The sprinters' first dance

The best bike pumps tried and tested

Our pick of the best bike pumps for getting your tyres up to pressure at home and when out riding

Best mini pumps for road

Best mini pumps for gravel, best frame pumps, best floor pumps, alternate options, how to choose.

1. Quick list 2. Best mini pumps for road 3. Best mini pumps for gravel 4. Best frame pumps 5. Best floor pumps 6. Alternate options 7. How to choose  

The best bike pumps will get you up and running quickly, whether that's by using a floor pump (aka a track pump) to get your tyre pressure just right before starting out or a handheld mini pump to repair a puncture when out on a ride. 

Although a floor pump can do double-duty for both road and gravel bike tyres, mini pumps tend to be good for one or the other. Here, we've tested a large selection of pumps back to back in identical conditions to see which performs best. We found the best pumps in their categories were the Lifeline mini pump and the Topeak JoeBlow floor pump after being really impressed with their performance throughout testing. 

The best road bike tyres need higher pressures, while the best gravel tyres run at lower pressures but can have a high volume. A gravel bike mini pump may not be able to achieve enough pressure for a stable ride on the road, while a road bike mini pump can take a long time to inflate a gravel bike tyre.

Some mini pumps include a pressure gauge, but most don't, so ensuring your tyre pressure is correct can be a matter of guesswork. In contrast, almost all floor pumps include a pressure gauge, so you can dial in your ideal pressure. 

We've also tested frame-fitting pumps below, as well as a couple of options that will help out in specific situations. If you're after fast inflation with less effort, we have another guide to the best CO2 inflators and an article on whether you should go for CO2 inflators or mini-pumps.  

If you've got any burning questions or are just not sure what type of valve your tyres have, we've also got a buyer's guide at the end of this piece to help you choose the best bike pump for your needs. 

The Lifeline Performance mini pump does a great job of getting a road bike tyre up to pressure and is very affordable.

Read more below

Use the digital gauge in this Lezyne pump to dial in your exact tyre pressure.

The Airtool MTB is a great option to get gravel bike tyres up to pressure quickly.

Another Lezyne option, the Pocket Drive HV is a compact pump for gravel tyres.

Lifeline's floor pump is an excellent value option that does the job efficiently.

The JoeBlow pump is efficient, stable and well built with an effective push-on head.

The best bike pumps you can buy today

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

A mini pump, or at the very least one of the best CO2 inflators , should come out with you on every ride, along with tyre levers a spare tube, tubeless plugs, and a bike multi tool . 

However, the needs of road riders and gravel riders are slightly different when it comes to inflation: Road bike tyres don't need much air volume, but the pressures are much higher, while conversely for larger gravel tyres you need more air, but don't need such high pressure. 

You can use one for both if you like, but you'll either spend ages pumping up your gravel tyres, or have some rather soft road tyres to contend with, so we've separated out road and gravel bike minipumps and frame-fitting pumps into separate sections below.

1. Lifeline Performance Road

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Lifeline, the in-house brand of Wiggle, is best known for producing good value, but not always matched by out-and-out performance. In this case, the Lifeline Performance Road mini pump achieved the highest reasonable pressure of all the road mini pumps on test. It also had an extremely secure head, and avoided any valve damage thanks to an extending hose. It's not as secure as a Lezyne screw-on, but it's very good. 

The telescopic design means it is effectively longer than it seems, and while it's not the smallest or lightest on test, it's the one I end up throwing in my jersey most often, except when pocket space is at a premium. 

While it can achieve high comparative pressures it doesn't have the build quality of more premium options though, and it takes more strokes to get there too. 

It's also, along with the MTB version later in this guide, been awarded best overall and best value in our inaugural awards .

2. Birzman Mini Apogee

The Mini-Apogee from Birzman is constructed from CNC machined aluminium, but still packs a respectably low weight, mostly due to the size: it's tiny! If you find yourself struggling to fit a mini pump in your pockets, or even want to cram one in your saddlebag, this is the one to go for.

The proprietary snap-on head works well enough, though its not the most secure and can splutter a bit at its pressure limit. In general the sharp corners of the pump do detract from the ergonomics, but at higher pressures, you can put the flat face of the head against your palm and really crank the last few strokes out.  

3. Lezyne Digital Pressure Drive

If you absolutely have to know what pressure you're running then this is the road mini pump for you. The digital gauge mounted to the barrel was spot on compared to the independent gauge, and the air delivery was excellent thanks in part to an extremely secure screw-on head at the end of a hose, so the valve is protected from any lateral forces. Should anything happen to the valve core though there is a handy spanner inbuilt into the collar of the hose, so it needn't be an issue. 

That being said, it is relatively expensive and the added electrical innards add up to the heaviest road mini pump on test, so that's something for you to weigh up (pun very much intended). 

4. Rene Herse NUDA

Considering it weighs four times less than the Lezyne Digital Pressure Drive, and is made entirely from carbon fibre and titanium you might expect the Rene Herse NUDA to come with a crazy price tag to match the astonishing weight. Fortunately, thanks to an extremely simple design, this isn't the case, and it's one of the cheaper options too.

Low weight is one thing, and certainly has advantages (there is also an even smaller, lighter NANA version), but the simple design has some drawbacks. The head only presses on, meaning it struggles to seal at higher pressures. Combine that with the narrow barrel and it struggles to reach the pressures you'd want for a road pump.

That being said, if you're preparing for an FKT, or a bikepacking adventure where the grams really start to add up, this would be an excellent option if you're running slightly wider tyres. 

Gravel tyres are wider than those for road, sometimes rivalling mountain bikes (my gravel bike clears a 2.5in tyre in 650b). As such, using a standard road mini pump takes forever as they can't deliver enough air volume. 

Gravel mini pumps, or MTB ones, deliver more air per stroke but can't reach the same high pressures. You'll get going quicker though, that's for sure. Gravel mini pumps are bigger than their road counterparts too, so don't always expect to be able to fit one in your jersey pocket. Run a fashionable frame bag or bar bag and chuck it in there instead.

5. Lifeline Performance MTB

Considering the Lifeline Performance Road performed so well it shouldn't come as a shock that the larger, nominally MTB version of the same pump also did very well. 

As per its smaller sibling the hose protects the valve, the head is secure, it's not too big and it doesn't cost the earth either. As well as being the more budget option in this list it also managed to hit the highest reasonable pressure, and only the Specialized Air Tool MTB Mini delivered more air per stroke.

The only things that were a drawback were the build quality compared to more premium options, and the slightly noisy operation that comes from the telescopic design. Regardless, this is the one I reach for when I head out to the trails. 

As per the road version, this too was awarded best overall and best value in our recent Cyclingnews Awards .

6. Topeak Mountain 2Stage Digital

Gravel suspension is a thing now, and if you are running suspension and want to adjust your pressures out on the trail then you'll need a pump capable of much higher pressures than those in your tyres. The Topeak Mountain 2Stage Digital can do both, but don't expect the 'high pressure' setting on the pump to be any good for higher tyre pressures.

In general though, for tyres, the pump performed well, had accurate readouts at the gauge, and a great secure head to rival Lezyne options. The large digital dial could do with being more ergonomic though. Given the maximum reasonable pressure of 24psi, it's one for those running wider gravel tyres.

The other major downside is the size factor. It's a pretty hefty thing, so make sure you have room.

7. Specialized Airtool MTB

Are you impatient? Well you've read this far so it can't be that bad. Either way if you want to pump your gravel tyres up fast then this is the option to go for as it delivered more air per stroke than any other mini pump on test. 

The machined body and neat head design were clearly well made, but where the Airtool MTB was found slightly wanting was at the very highest end of the pressure spectrum, thanks mostly to having a direct head design rather than delivering air via a hose where you can crank the pump a lot harder without either leaking air or worrying about damaging the valve.

8. Lezyne Pocket Drive HV

Lezyne mini pumps are extremely well made (I've got a road one that's still going after nearly eight years), so if you're particularly hard on your gear then this may be the one for you. The short length makes it more pocket-friendly, though it is wider than other options so maybe more frame bag or bar bag friendly than one for pockets already stuffed with snacks. 

The valve connection is excellent as per other Lezyne options, and given it gets to the same effective pressure as the Airtool it's a toss-up as to whether you want a small form or a quick inflation. As with most things, there is always a decision to be made.

Frame pumps have somewhat fallen out of favour since the heyday of the cycle tourist. They are larger and harder to store than a mini pump, and naturally heavier too, which puts most people off. A dedicated band though continue to use them, sometimes for aesthetic reasons, but mostly because they can refill a tyre a lot quicker and more easily than most mini pumps.

9. Topeak Road Masterblaster

I found it very hard to find something to mark the Topeak Masterblaster down on. The build quality was great, the head was secure thanks to the clip on, the sprung end of the shaft meant you lower the risk of damaging the valve. The action was smoother than the more premium Silca, but not loose like the Zefal options. Once you reach the limits of the pump you can flip the switch to high-pressure mode and give yourself even more air. The ergonomics were spot on too.

The only real downside is that it's silver, which looks less cool than the black options in my opinion, and there is less protection for your frame than that on offer from the Silca Imperio.

10. Silca Impero

The Silca Impero is genuinely a thing of beauty, and its aluminium, brass and leather construction is of such quality that it earned itself a place in our guide to Buy It For Life cycling tech . The rubber protectors at either end mean it fits, rattle-free, into virtually any frame and along with the silicone bumper there's a much-reduced chance of rub and scuff.

The pump action is smooth to the point of being a little too resistive, but from experience with other pumps, I expect this will loosen up over time. Think of it like wearing in a pair of fancy shoes. Two things limit the Silca: The head connection and the price. The head only presses on, rather than clamping in any way, so at high pressures, it can leak air unless it's held on totally straight. The price is also such that it's truly a luxury purchase.

11. Zefal HPX

While not the cheapest frame pump you can buy, the Zefal HPX represents a decent value option that still works reasonably well. The Zefal 4, an all-plastic option that you can pick up for under a fiver in some places, so it's extremely cheap, but it felt so flimsy and didn't achieve sufficient pressure to warrant inclusion.

The head of the Zefal IPX pump is secure, not as secure as the Topeak but still more so than the Silca. Where the Zefal falls down is on ergonomics and construction quality. Everything felt a little loose and insecure, and the spiky bumpers at the head end were uncomfortable to hold when you have to wrap your hand around the very end to avoid bending the valve. 

While it couldn't attain the pressures the others could, I think it's still a viable option if you're running slightly larger rubber, on a slightly vintage-looking touring bike perhaps.

While mini pumps and frame pumps are there to sort you out in an emergency and can be serve at a pinch for pre-ride use, a floor pump - or track pump - is the key to getting your tyres set up perfectly. They can reach higher pressures, and the gauge means that actually tell you what that pressure is too. They should be a staple in any cyclist's garage, and the right one will last you years and years of use.

12. Lifeline Essential Track Pump

If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a track pump then this is the one to go for. It feels a little more flimsy than the competition, particularly against those models from Lezyne, but the air ended up in the tyres and that's all you really need from it. It took a few more strokes to get to 120psi, but not so much it'd ruin your morning. Moreover, even though the dial was a little small compared to the Joe Blow, the readout from our independent sensor showed it was more accurate than some of the more expensive options when tested. 

The only real gripe I had with the Lifeline Essential Track Pump was that, as the hose doesn't loop over the handle before clamping away, it's impossible to pick the pump up by the handle.  

13. Topeak Joe Blow Sport III

The Topeak Joe Blow Sport III has continued to be the track pump I reach for most frequently since concluding this grouptest. The large, stable base makes it excellent for trying to seat difficult tyres, the dial is large enough to be useful, and it doesn't cost a bomb either. The handles could be more ergonomic, but unless you're using it for hours on end it's unlikely to become an issue. 

I prefer the screw-on attachment to the valve that many Lezyne options opt for, but for a clip-on option, the head on the Joe Blow was perhaps the most secure of that particular cohort. All in all, it strikes an excellent balance, plus, as it's bright yellow, it's easy to find in a messy garage. 

14. Lezyne Alloy Digital Drive

While most pumps either just press on or clip onto the valve, Lezyne pumps screw onto the valve. This results in an extremely secure connection with no chance of bending the valve. The only downside is it takes a little longer, and if your valve core is loose it can sometimes come out when you unscrew the pump head.

That aside, in general I think it's a better system for a track pump. Combine that with a digital dial that was more accurate than the analogue dial options and some lovely ergonomic handles and you have a track pump that's a pleasure to use. If you want to get really nerdy about tyre pressures then the Lezyne Alloy Digital Drive is probably the option for you, the main downside being the slightly unstable base which can get wobbly when furiously pumping. There is also a bit of lag to the digital dial, so don't rush things for the best results. 

While I haven't had this pump for long, I do own another Lezyne track pump that has, thanks to being easily repairable, continued to offer good service for many many years too. 

While this test has been pretty comprehensive, taking in floor, frame, and two kinds of mini pumps, there are still some inflation options that don't fit into any of these categories, but are worthy of a mention in their own right.

15. Lezyne Digital Micro Floor Drive

The Lezyne Digital Micro Floor Drive is a specialist bit of kit, but if you travel with your bike a lot then it could really be invaluable. It'll get to pressures that almost rival full-on track pumps, thanks to decent ergonomics and the fact you can press against the floor to use it, and it's small enough to slip into a carry-on suitcase. Unless you regularly run your tyres over 100psi this is all you'd need on a cycling holiday for hotel room top ups. 

It's too big to slip into a pocket, but bolt it to a frame and you've got an ideal pump for expedition riding too, where you need absolute performance and load is less of a factor. 

16. Topeak Tubibooster X

Seating tubeless tyres with just a track pump is often difficult, and occasionally it's totally impossible without either a compressor or some other way of delivering a lot of air very quickly. There are dedicated track pumps that feature an air reservoir, but they're often an expensive option, especially if you already have a perfectly good track pump already. 

The Tubibooster X from Topeak is an incredibly simple bit of kit, effectively taking the form of a small 1litre fire extinguisher. Attach your track pump to the top of it and pump it up to the desired pressure (which will be about as much as your track pump can handle), and when ready you just attach the hose to your valve and release all the air. 

It's yet to fail me on even large-volume gravel tyres, and my only criticism is that the hose could be longer. You can even continue to pump through it into the tyre while it's working to get those last few scary pops and pings done without having to disconnect everything. 

It may appear like the humble bicycle pump is a simple creation. They all pump air from outside my tyres into my tyres, right? More or less, yes, but mostly thanks to differences in tyre sizes and the relative pressures used, there are distinct differences between bike pumps. 

In short, you have floor pumps, ideal for use at home before you set off. These deliver air fast and have an accurate gauge to tell you what pressure you're running. While out and about you naturally can't cart something that big around with you, so a mini pump or a frame pump is the next best thing. 

These tend to be either low volume but high pressure (for road bikes), or high volume but low pressure (for gravel and MTB). You can mix and match to an extent but we'll get into that later. Frame pumps sit somewhere in between, offering a higher volume of air per stroke, but also higher pressures too. 

Should I carry a pump on my bike?

Absolutely. A mini pump or a frame pump should be with you at all times on every bike ride. I make sure I always leave the house for a ride with one packed.  You can get away by using the best CO2 inflators , but they're one-hit. If you run out of gas you're going to be in trouble, so even then we'd say you should have a mini pump with you anyway, along with tyre levers , a spare inner tube, and a bike multi-tool .

Can I use a gravel pump on a road bike?

Gravel pumps add more air into the tyre per stroke, but cannot reach the high pressures needed for road tyres, so we wouldn't recommend taking a gravel mini pump out with you on a road ride. Some mini pumps have high-pressure switches though, making them much more multi-purpose.

Road mini-pumps will take longer to inflate a gravel bike tyre, especially if it's a large one, but will definitely be able to produce the pressures required if you have the patience, so while we wouldn't take a gravel pump on a road ride, we would take a road pump on a gravel ride. 

Frame pumps will happily do either job.  

What is PSI and BAR?

How much a tyre or inner tube is inflated is expressed in usually one of two measurements which are pretty universal in the bike world. BAR is the metric unit of pressure and PSI is the imperial measurement.

BAR is measured in 0.1 increments but PSI is measure in 1.0 increments. 2.0 BAR is the equivalent of 29 PSI. So when hearing or reading about BAR measurements the readings will be lower than PSI. The UK and USA seem to refer to PSI more whilst the pro racing world and much of Europe seem to use BAR. 

Do all bike pumps fit all valve types?

Most, but not all bike pumps will fit both a Presta (the pointy road bike one) and Schrader (the fatter car one) valve. Track pumps will invariably do both, but with mini pumps make sure yours will work with the valves you use. 

Tubeless valves tend to be Presta, and so this is becoming the standard for all pumps, but there are some MTB options that will only do Schrader. Likewise, some pumps are Presta-only (and will also inflate the older Dunlop valves sometimes found on budget hybrid bikes ), so check which valve type you have and make sure that  your chosen pump will work with it.

What's better; CO2 or mini pump?

A CO2 inflator will get your tyres inflated extremely quickly, and can even reseat tyres in a pinch. The downside is that the canisters are single-use, so if you take one with you and puncture twice or your tube is still not airtight, you're in trouble at that point. They're also a bit wasteful if you're not racing, and CO2 will also leak out of your tyres overnight, rendering them useless for multi-day trips.

Mini pumps, in contrast, take longer to inflate a tyre with, but the only limiting factor is your strength and energy levels. There is always enough air to pump and it's free. You're also not going to get frostbite from using a pump, unlike some CO2 inflators.

Should I buy a track pump?

While you can inflate your tyres at home before you head out with a mini pump it'll take ages and you won't get the pressures you want. For a gravel bike it'll take even longer. You could use a car tyre compressor, though these rarely work with Presta valves, but in either case, the one drawback is that you will have no idea what pressure you're running. 

A track pump, even a budget one, will allow you to inflate tyres quickly and easily and know what pressures you're running, which is key to producing a consistent ride feel, a faster ride, the right level of grip and protecting your tyres from sidewall damage while out on the road or the trail.

Do I need a reservoir pump?

Reservoir pumps are extremely useful if you need to set up tubeless tyres. Without an inner tube, seating these can be tricky or sometimes impossible using a track pump alone. Reservoir pumps (or other solutions like the Topeak Tubibooster) allow you to deliver a large volume of air in a very short space of time. This pops the tyre bead up onto the rim and allows the sealant to begin its job sealing the tyre. 

If you are in the market for a new track pump and are running or want to run tubeless then it's probably a good investment. If you already own a track pump then a separate reservoir like the Tubibooster is definitely a cheaper option and just as effective.

Should I buy an electric tyre inflator for my bike?

Electric tyre inflators will save you a fair amount of effort if you regularly inflate a lot of tyres, but they're not a silver bullet. Think of them as a nice luxury item though, rather than a necessity; they can't really do anything a track pump can't do, and when it comes to setting up tubeless tyres they can't provide as much air as quickly as a reservoir pump can.

How do we test bike pumps?

For this test we tried to keep things as repeatable as possible. For the track pumps, frame pumps, and the road mini pumps we used the same tyre and wheel combo, a 25mm Vittoria on a DT Swiss rim. For the high-volume gravel pumps we instead used a 42mm Teravail tyre on a Parcours rim. 

All the testing was conducted on the same day so as to normalise any interference from changes in temperature or atmospheric pressure. All measured pressures were verified with a standalone tyre pressure gauge, in this case, a Topeak Shuttle Gauge Digital.

Track pumps were tested to an indicated 120psi and then verified to see if they read high or low, as well as counting the strokes taken to reach such a pressure. Frame pumps were tested to see how much pressure they could achieve after 50 strokes to indicate how much air they realistically deliver, and both the road and gravel mini pumps were tested in the same manner but after 100 strokes. 

Frame and mini pumps were then tested to a point of reasonable failure, which is the point at which one would generally give up and decide the benefits of struggling to force a single stroke more air in were not worth it. This is naturally slightly more of a nebulous measurement, and subject to the vagaries of human nature, but it is a far better representation of what pressure can be attained than the stated maximum provided by each manufacturer. 

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Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. There are very few types of cycling he's not dabbled in, and he has a particular affection for older bikes and long lasting components. Road riding was his first love, before graduating to racing CX in Yorkshire. He's been touring on a vintage tandem all the way through to fixed gear gravel riding and MTB too. When he's not out riding one of his many bikes he can usually be found in the garage tinkering with another of them, or getting obsessive about tyres. Also, as he doesn't use Zwift, he's our go-to guy for bad weather testing... bless him.

Rides: Custom Zetland Audax, Bowman Palace:R, Peugeot Grand Tourisme Tandem, Falcon Explorer Tracklocross, Fairlight Secan & Strael

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How To: Pump Up Your Bike Tires

Setting your bike's tire pressure correctly will give you a more comfortable ride with better grip and handling. Even better, it can help prevent flats!

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How to Use a Bike Pump: Step-by-Step Guide

Imagine this: you’re about to hit the road on your bike, ready for a fantastic ride. But hold on! Before the adventure begins, there’s a cool trick you need to know – it’s like a secret code for your bike. It’s all about putting air into your tires, and we’re here to show you how to do it right. Think of it as a special language between you and your bike. In this guide, we’ll make sure your tires are not just filled with air but super ready for all the fun rides ahead. Let’s start with the basics of this bike magic – how to inflate your tires. Ready for the ride of your life?

Before you begin into our detailed article on ‘How To Pump A Bike Tyre,’ kickstart your journey with this quick and helpful video. Join Global Cycling Network as they guide you through the essential steps of pumping your bike tire like a pro. Watch the video now for some practical tips, and stay tuned for our full article where we break down the ins and outs of keeping your bike tires in top shape!

Explain Bike Pump Types

Okay, let’s look into the cool world of bike pumps. Think of them like different tools for your bike. Whether you’re a super pro cyclist or just starting, knowing the kinds of pumps is like having a secret power.

Floor Pumps

• Imagine a superhero pump! That’s the floor pump. It’s big, powerful, and great for home use. It fills your tires with air super easily, making it awesome for road bikes. It’s like the king of tire inflation.
• Now, meet the mini-pump – your tiny, pocket-sized hero. It’s perfect for quick fixes when you’re out riding. It’s small, so it takes a bit more effort to pump, but it’s great to have in case of an emergency.

Frame Pumps

• The frame pump is like the cool, slim friend of your bike. It sits along your bike’s tube and pumps air for road bikes. It’s not as big, but it gets the job done without too much effort.

CO2 Inflators

• The CO2 inflator is like the race car of pumps. It uses special cartridges to pump air super fast. Great for quick fixes, but you’ll need to grab more cartridges if you use it a lot.

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• For those always on the move, the hand pump is your little buddy. It’s small and easy to carry, perfect for emergencies. Just know that it takes a bit of muscle to get your tires fully pumped.

Stand Pumps

• If you’re into off-road biking, the stand pump is your pal. It’s good for bikes that need less air pressure, like mountain bikes. It’s steady and makes sure your tires are just right for your off-road adventures.

Picking the right pump is like choosing the perfect tool for a job – it makes everything way easier. Now that you’ve met the pump heroes, let’s uncover the mystery of your bike’s valves.

Interpret Tire Valve Types

Let’s talk about those tiny things on your bike tires – they’re called valves. Think of them like secret codes, and we’re here to help you crack them. Understanding valves is like having a superpower for pumping up your tires. So, let’s unlock the magic of Presta and Schrader valves.

Presta Valves

• Meet the tall and slim superhero – it’s the Presta valve. Look closely, and you’ll see a tiny nut at the top. To use it, turn the nut to the left to open it. Presta valves are like the cool kids on road bikes. They need a gentle touch, but you’ll get the hang of it.

Schrader Valves

• Now, say hello to the Schrader valve – the sturdy friend you know from car tires. It’s wider and looks like a mini tire valve. Schrader valves are buddies with mountain bikes. Just attach the pump, and you’re good to go.

How to Figure Out Your Valve:

• Look at your tire valve: If it’s tall with a nut, it’s Presta. If it’s wider, like a car tire valve, it’s Schrader.
• Still unsure? Ask a friend or visit a bike shop – they’re like bike superheroes ready to help.

Choosing the Right Pump:

• Most pumps can handle both valve types. Find one with a bigger nozzle for Schrader and a smaller one for Presta.
• Some pumps work only with one type, so keep an eye out when picking your pump.
• If your Presta valve’s nut is being a bit tricky, use pliers to loosen it gently. Just like a bike superhero with a handy tool.

Understanding your valves is like having a treasure map for easy tire pumping. With this knowledge, you’re ready to explore the secrets of keeping your tires perfectly pumped up. Let’s keep rolling and discover more!

Optimal Tire Pressure Unveiled

Alright, let’s talk about some numbers – but don’t worry, it’s not too tricky. We’re talking about the air inside your tires, and knowing the right numbers makes your bike ride super comfy. So, let’s jump into the world of tire pressure and make your rides smooth and fun.

What’s PSI?

• PSI is like a special code for air pressure. It stands for Pounds per Square Inch – just a fancy way of saying how much air your tires need.

The Recommended Numbers:

• Check the side of your tire – you’ll see a range of PSI numbers there. That’s like a little guide saying, “ Hey, keep your tires in this range for the best ride. “

Adjusting for Your Weight:

• Think of it like finding the right mattress. If you’re a lighter rider, go for the lower numbers. If you’re a bit heavier, aim for the higher ones. It’s about making it comfy for you.

Your Biking Style Counts:

• Are you a speedy road rider or a trail explorer? Different styles need different pressures. Road bikes like more air for a smooth ride, while mountain bikes prefer a bit less for better grip on trails.

The Feel-Good Part:

• Optimal tire pressure isn’t just about numbers; it’s about how your ride feels. You want it pumped up enough for a smooth roll but not so much that it’s bumpy. It’s like finding the perfect softness.

Regular Check-Ups:

• Keep an eye on your tire pressure, especially before you hit the road. Changes in temperature can mess with it, and well-pumped tires are safer.

Understanding the right tire pressure is like giving your bike a cozy pillow. It’s not just about following numbers; it’s about making sure your bike feels just right for you and the road. Now that you’re a tire pressure pro, let’s keep the good vibes rolling and check out how to take care of your tire valves.

Pre-Ride Checks for Tire Valves

Before you kick off your biking adventure , let’s make sure your tire valves are in top-notch shape. We’re talking about quick checks that’ll keep your valves happy and ready for the ride. From the essential role of dust caps to the art of opening Presta valves , consider this your pre-ride checklist for valve awesomeness.

1. Dust Cap Duties:

• Ever noticed those little plastic caps on your valve tops? Those are like superhero suits for your valves. They protect against dust, dirt, and tiny invaders that can mess with your tire’s well-being. Before you roll out, take a moment to unscrew them gently ( if you have Presta valves ) and give your valves a breather.

2. Spotting Valve Issues:

• Look closely at your valves. Any cracks, bends, or hissing sounds when you press them might be signals that something’s up. Valves are like the guardians of your tire pressure, and keeping them in good shape ensures a smooth ride.

3. Presta Valve Prep:

• Find the little locking nut at the top – it’s like the gatekeeper.
• Give it a few turns to the left to loosen it up. It might be a bit tight if your bike has been resting for a while, but a gentle touch or a pair of pliers can help.

4. Friendly Reminder:

• Don’t forget to close the dust cap after your quick valve check. It’s like putting on a helmet before a bike ride – a simple step for added protection.

5. Regular Valve TLC:

• Make this pre-ride check a routine. Keeping an eye on your valves regularly ensures they stay healthy and happy. A little care goes a long way in preventing unexpected surprises on the road.

Taking a few minutes for these pre-ride valve checks is like giving your bike a high-five before the adventure begins. Your valves will appreciate the attention, and you’ll enjoy a worry-free ride. Now that your valves are in top form, let’s move on to the exciting part – attaching the pump and getting those tires ready to roll.

Mastering Pump Head Attachment

Alright, it’s time to get hands-on and make sure your pump and valve become the dynamic duo they’re meant to be. We’re diving into the art of attaching the pump head to your valve. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure a snug fit, troubleshoot any issues, and guarantee a successful inflation.

1. Choose the Right Pump Head:

• Before we dive in, make sure your pump has the right head for your valve. Most pumps come with dual heads, one for Presta and one for Schrader. If you’re unsure, check the pump’s manual or markings on the head.

2. Prepare Your Presta Valve:

• Unscrew the locking nut at the top of the valve. Remember, it might be a bit snug, especially if your bike has been resting. A gentle touch or pliers can help.
• Make sure the valve is open and ready to accept air.

3. Attach the Pump Head:

• Press the pump head onto the valve, ensuring a snug fit. For Presta valves, you might need to lift the lever on the pump head to secure it in place. Some pumps might have switches or levers that need to be flipped or pushed.

4. Check for Compatibility:

• Ensure the pump head fits securely on the valve. If it feels loose or you hear air hissing, it might not be properly attached. Take a moment to remove and reattach the pump head, ensuring a tight connection.

5. Troubleshooting Tips:

• If the pump head isn’t attaching well, check for any visible issues on the valve or pump head. Look for dirt or damage that might hinder a secure connection. Clear any obstacles and try again.

6. Firm Connection is Key:

• A successful pump attachment should feel firm and secure. If the connection is loose, you might lose air during inflation. Be attentive to any signs of a weak connection and address them promptly.

7. Inflate with Confidence:

• Once the pump head is securely attached, you’re ready to inflate. Use the pump handle or lever according to your pump type. Keep an eye on the pressure gauge if your pump has one, ensuring you reach the recommended PSI.

Mastering the pump head attachment is like the secret handshake between you and your bike. A secure connection sets the stage for a perfectly inflated tire and a smooth ride ahead. Now that your tires are getting the VIP treatment, let’s move on to the next steps of the inflation process.

Inflation Techniques for All Pump Types

Welcome to the art of tire inflation – where pumping isn’t just a workout; it’s a masterpiece in the making. Whether you’re wielding a hand pump or embracing the power of a floor pump, we’re here to guide you through efficient inflation techniques. Get ready to discover the secrets of proper hand placement, body positioning, and maintaining stability. Say goodbye to air leakage woes and hello to a perfectly inflated tire, ready to conquer the road.

1. Hand Pump Harmony:

• Hand Placement: Hold the pump head tightly on the valve with one hand while using the other to pump. Ensure a steady grip for optimal air transfer.
• Stability Matters: Keep your bike steady – you don’t want it wobbling while you’re pumping. If possible, ask a friend to hold the bike or lean it against a stable surface.

2. Floor Pump Finesse:

• Body Positioning: Place your feet on the base of the pump to keep it still. Use both arms to pull and push the pump handle. It’s like a coordinated dance between you and the pump.
• Smooth and Steady: Unlike hand pumps, floor pumps provide more stability. Take advantage of it to maintain a smooth and steady pumping motion.

3. Frame Pump Pro Tips:

• Swift Strokes: Frame pumps are designed for efficiency. Take advantage of their slender build and deliver swift strokes for high-pressure inflation.
• Top Tube Stability: Since frame pumps are fitted along the bike’s top tube, use the bike’s frame as a stability point while pumping.

4. Mini-Pump Magic:

• Consistent Effort: Mini-pumps have smaller air chambers, so consistent pumping is key. Maintain a steady rhythm to achieve optimal inflation.
• Body Weight Leverage: Apply your body weight by pressing down on the pump while keeping it connected to the valve. This helps maximize the pumping efficiency.

5. CO2 Inflator Velocity:

• Quick and Direct: CO2 inflators are all about speed. Attach the inflator to the valve, release the gas, and watch the tire inflate rapidly. Be quick and direct to ensure efficient inflation.

6. Checking the Gauge (If Available):

• If your pump has a pressure gauge, keep an eye on it while inflating. It’s your guide to reaching the recommended PSI. If not, rely on the feel of the tire or a gentle squeeze to gauge inflation.

Mastering the inflation techniques is like tuning an instrument – it takes practice, precision, and a bit of rhythm. With these tips, you’re on your way to becoming a tire inflation virtuoso. Now that your tire is reaching its full potential, let’s wrap up the process and ensure a smooth transition to the riding phase.

Verifying Optimal Air Pressure

Now that your tire is pumped up, let’s ensure it’s at its A-game. We’re diving into the details of verifying optimal air pressure – where numbers matter, but the feel is just as crucial. Join us as we explore the art of using pressure gauges for accurate measurements and unveil alternative methods for those gauge-less moments. Discover the secrets of assessing tire firmness through touch and visual inspection. Your tires are about to speak to you, and we’re here to teach you how to listen.

1. The Pressure Gauge Guide:

• Read the Numbers: Check the recommended PSI range for your bike (usually found on the tire sidewall). As you pump, keep an eye on the gauge – it’ll show you how much air is going in.
• Stop at the Sweet Spot: Once you reach the recommended PSI, stop pumping. It’s like filling a cup – you want it just right.

2. Alternative Methods – The Feel-Good Test:

• Thumb Test: Gently press your thumb into the tire. If it feels too soft, you might need more air. If it’s rock-hard, you might have overdone it. Aim for a firm but slightly yielding feel.
• Squeeze Check: Grab both sides of the tire and give it a squeeze. A well-inflated tire should feel sturdy but not like a solid rock. It’s about finding that Goldilocks zone – not too soft, not too hard.

3. Visual Inspection Wisdom:

• Round and Robust: A properly inflated tire should have a nice, round shape. If it looks too flat or overly bulging, adjustments might be needed.
• Even Tread Contact: Check the part of the tire that touches the ground. You want even contact across the tread for a smooth and stable ride.

4. Listening to Your Tires:

• Sometimes, your tires will tell you if they’re happy. Listen for any hissing sounds or feel for escaping air. It could indicate a loose valve or a tiny leak. Address it promptly to keep your tires in top shape.

5. Regular Check-Ups:

• Make pressure checks a part of your regular bike care routine. Changes in temperature can affect tire pressure, so a quick check before each ride ensures a consistent and safe experience.

Verifying optimal air pressure is like the final tune-up before hitting the stage. Whether you’re reading numbers, relying on feel, or giving your tires a visual once-over, the goal is a harmonious and safe ride. With these techniques, you’re not just a cyclist; you’re a tire whisperer, attuned to the needs of your trusty wheels. Now, with your perfectly inflated tires , it’s time to hit the road with confidence and joy!

Seamless Pump Nozzle Detachment

As we approach the final stretch of our tire-inflating journey, let’s master the art of detaching the pump nozzle without a hiss of escaping air. This step ensures a seamless transition from pump to road, leaving you worry-free about air loss. Get ready to securely close Presta valves, promptly replace dust caps, and bid farewell to any lingering air leakage concerns. Your tires are now primed for the road, and you’re all set to roll with confidence.

1. Detaching the Pump Nozzle with Finesse:

• Flip the Switch or Lever: If your pump has a lever, flip it down to release the nozzle. For other pump types, there might be switches or levers – follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Listen for a Gentle Release: A properly attached pump nozzle shouldn’t result in a sudden release of air. If you hear a hiss, it could indicate a loose connection. In that case, double-check the attachment before detaching.

2. Secure Closure for Presta Valves:

• Clockwise for Confidence: Tighten the locking nut on the Presta valve clockwise. This action secures the valve and minimizes the chance of air escaping. Give it a firm but gentle twist – no need for excessive force.

3. Prompt Dust Cap Replacement:

• Immediate Replacement: As soon as you detach the pump nozzle, replace the dust cap on the valve. This quick action prevents dust, debris, and air from sneaking in and causing issues later on.
• Twist it Tight: Ensure the dust cap is twisted on tightly. It’s a small but crucial measure to maintain the integrity of the valve seal.

4. Visual Confirmation:

• No Bulging or Deflation: Your tire should maintain its firmness without any sudden deflation. Check for any signs of bulging or uneven pressure.
• Dust Cap in Place: Confirm that the dust cap is securely in position, providing an additional layer of protection for the valve.

5. Post-Inflation Check:

• Firmness Check: Give each tire a gentle squeeze to ensure they feel firm and evenly inflated.
• Visual Inspection: Look for any visible signs of issues, like leaks or uneven pressure.

By mastering the seamless pump nozzle detachment, you’ve added a finishing touch to your tire care routine. Your tires are now not just inflated but ready for a smooth and safe journey. With confidence in every roll, hit the road and enjoy the freedom of cycling on perfectly prepared wheels!

Key Takeaways:

1. Pump Variety Tour:

• From big floor pumps to handy mini-pumps, and Presta valves to Schrader valves – you’ve checked out all the cool bike pump types. Now, you know which one is your biking BFF.

2. Tire Pressure Mastery:

• You’ve cracked the code of PSI, figured out the right pressure for your ride, and learned to sense when your tires are just right. Your tires are like happy balloons, all set for the journey.

3. Valve Care 101:

• Dust caps are like superhero capes for your valves, and you’ve got the routine down. A quick check before a ride ensures your valves are in superhero mode.

4. Pump Head Attachment Ninja:

• Whether it’s a hand pump or a floor pump, you’re the master at sticking that pump head to the valve. Your tires are high-fiving you for a job well done.

5. Efficient Inflation Dance:

• Pumping is a bit like dancing, right? You’ve got the moves down – whether it’s a quick hand pump boogie or a steady floor pump two-step. Your tires are dancing with joy.

6. Pressure Check Magic:

• Numbers or no numbers, you’ve got the touch. Feeling the tire, giving it a squeeze, or peeking at it – you know when your tires are feeling just right. It’s like a tire spa day.

7. Nozzle Detachment Superpower:

• You’ve nailed the finale – detaching the pump without a sound, securing Presta valves, and popping the dust cap back on. Your tires are like VIPs ready for a red carpet ride.

So, as you hit the road, remember, each pedal push is a mini-adventure. With your pumped-up tires, it’s not just cycling – it’s a joyous journey. So, go ahead, pedal away, and savor every moment of your cycling adventure. Happy cycling!

Conclusion:

You did it! You’ve unlocked the secrets of using a bike pump, and now you’re geared up with the know-how, confidence, and nicely filled tires to dive into the fun of cycling. Just remember, safe rides kick off with well-pumped tires. So, hit the road, let the wind whisk through your hair, and enjoy the ride like never before!

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How To: Pump Up Your Bike Tires

Setting your bike's tire pressure correctly will give you a more comfortable ride with better grip and handling. Even better, it can help prevent flats!

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The Flextail Tiny Bike Pump is a solid pump half the time

It’s small and mighty but also loud and quickly needs a recharge..

By Thomas Ricker , a deputy editor and Verge co-founder with a passion for human-centric cities, e-bikes, and life as a digital nomad. He’s been a tech journalist for almost 20 years.

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Social media’s algorithms know that I ride a bike almost every day. My quiver includes a city bike, mountain bike, and gravel bike, in addition to one or two e-bikes I’m always in the process of reviewing. I’m also the family mechanic, which makes me responsible for no less than 16 to 18 tires that I must keep inflated. So, you’d better believe I took notice when Instagram served me several ads for the  Flextail Tiny Bike Bump .

The mini rechargeable pump works with Presta (the thin one) or Schrader (the old fatty) valves and promises ultra-fast inflation that maxes out at 100psi (about 7 bars) — enough for any bike that doesn’t require a stretchy wardrobe coordinated with your shoes and helmet.

The origins of the pump are suspect, as I see what looks to be the exact same product sold with branding like  Cyclami ,  Toptoper ,  Rrskit , and Epoom at a variety of price points, some as low as $25. Flextail sells its version for $85 and lists the manufacturer as Huzhou Jingwei Outdoor Products on the box and device itself. The first pump Flextail sent me couldn’t pump a tire beyond 19psi before dying. Flextail sent me another that (mostly) lives up to the claims.

The thing that’s not mentioned in the ads I’ve seen is how loud the tiny pump is: 76dB at arm’s length, in my testing, which is akin to bending over to inspect a running vacuum cleaner or garbage disposal. Using it while stopped alongside forest trails generates more scowls than seeing a mountain biker in Lycra.

The Flextail Tiny Bike Pump does work, though. It’s much faster and smaller than the mini hand pumps riders usually carry in case of trouble. At 3.9 ounces (111 grams), it’s also just a bit heavier than the trusty 3.4-ounce (96 grams) Unich pump I regularly carry. But the Flextail pump also doesn’t strain your air valve mounts as much because it doesn’t require long periods of vigorously erratic pumping.

The Flextail pump’s biggest disadvantage is that it’s only good for a few zero-to-full inflations before needing a recharge, but that will vary by tire size and desired pressure. It’ll last much longer if you’re just topping up tires. Its tiny 2.59Wh battery recharges in as little as 25 minutes.

In my testing, on a city bike fitted with wide 700 x 40c tires and Schrader valves, I was able to pump one tire up to 45psi in 45 seconds. Then, moving to a gravel bike fitted with wider 700 x 42c tires and Presta valves, I was able to hit 50psi in 90 seconds before the pump quit in need of a recharge. That’s two real-world inflations per charge, for those keeping score.

The Flextail Tiny Bike Pump is so small and lightweight that I initially thought it would be ideal for bikepacking trips or even long day rides. But with only two inflations in the tank, I’d still want to carry a hand pump as backup alongside my patch kit and spare inner tube(s). But there’s no way my gram-obsessed brain would allow me to carry two pumps.

If your rig is an e-bike with a built-in USB charging port, then you’re already traveling with a giant power bank on wheels. That makes it easy to recharge the Flextail pump after depleting it because your side-of-the-road flat tire repair didn’t go as planned (it happens!). Just don’t forget your USB-C cable... and maybe a carbohydrate bar to snack on while you wait.

If you’re still interested, all I can say is that one of the two Flextail Tiny Bike Pumps I tested worked as advertised, and I bet you’ll have similar success from other brands that sell what looks to be the same Huzhou Jingwei Outdoor Products battery-powered pump for much less.

For everyone else, just buy a mini hand pump for much less money. They never need charging, are too big to lose, and will likely last a human lifetime — or two.

All photography by Thomas Ricker / The Verge

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Moscow Bike TOur

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Description

Highlights:.

• Find adventure at every turn
• Take pride in covering Moscow in record time
• Enjoy the icons in style
• Explore off the beaten path routes of Moscow
• Expert commentary as you travel around the city
• Test your nerve, driving on crazy Russian roads
• Get an Endorphin Rush
• Savour delicacies from different regions of Russia in a traditional restaurant

Only in Moscow for a short time and want to get the most out of the city and have fun? Then a 3-hour bike tour in Moscow is what you need! You won’t hear much about Russian history or become an expert on Russian art, but you will experience all the rest of Russian culture! This tour gives you a unique perspective of a little bit of everything in 3 or 5 hours: must-see tourist sights, local hangouts, Russian food, a glimpse of the modern Moscow life, amazing photo opportunities, a bit of Russian history, and a lot of fun!

This is a great opportunity to cut the usual all day tour down to only 3 or 5 hours and get the most out of the city while having fun and being fit in the greatest locations around Moscow!

A bike trip is sure to capture your heart. It enables you to see the heart of Moscow within the Boulevard Ring and to explore some non-touristic areas of the city, to get an image of the city centre and to work out at the same time.

Our tours differ and depend on whether you are interested in city scenery or nature-like landscape. A variety of places in Moscow are great for riding a bike: these are large parks, yards with old mansions, and historical streets in the centre.

Let’s see what’s waiting for you!

Here are 4 suggested itineraries for a 3-hour tour:.

Moscow Bike Route #1

St. Basil's Cathedral, GUM, Kazan Cathedral, State Historical Museum and Lenin's Mausoleum

Revolution Square and Theatrical Square

Bolshoy Theatre, Metropol Hotel, Chinese Wall, State Duma of Moscow

Alexander Garden

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, fountains, the Grotto, Central Exhibition center, Kutafya tower, Kremlin wall and towers

Historic City Center

Tverskaya street with its beautiful historical architecture, China town (Kitai-gorod), an old historical area of Moscow

Beautiful  City bridge  leading to  Gorky Park  with scenic views of  Christ the Savior  cathedral and the Moscow River. Explore all the beauties riding a bike along the riverside pathways.

Sculpture Park

Peaceful  Crimean embankment  is one of the quietest area of Moscow city with painters' works at the  Vernisage , close proximity to new  Tretyakov Gallery  and good views of  Christ the Savior Cathedral ,  Peter the Great  monument and the Crimean bridge.

Delicious lunch at a café/restaurant

Arbat street + Stalin Skyscraper

The  Arbat  has existed since at least the 15th century and is proud of being the oldest surviving street of the Russian capital. Nowadays, it is now an entertainment and event mecca for Muscovites and tourists alike.

Victory park

Get thrilled with 142 metres  Obelisk  and  Victory Park museum , which is an open-air museum dedicated to the Russian victory of 1945, built in 1995 to celebrate 50 years of victory

Moscow Bike Route #2

Pyatnitskaya street - the Tretyakov Gallery - Luzhkov Bridge - the Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the Gogolevsky Boulevard - the Nikitsky Boulevard - the Tverskoy boulevard - Teatralnaya street - the Bolshoi Theatre – the Kitai - Gorod - Red Square and GUM store - the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky Bridge

This route is the best one if you want to see the heart of Moscow. It goes right through the major places of interest and touches upon the most exciting and vibrant areas of Moscow such as part of the Boulevard Ring, which is absolutely loved by everyone.

Cozy streets of Zamoskvorechye will never leave you indifferent. This district has a long and vivid history and is full of old baroque houses along with Stalinist buildings. It includes three theatres, three museums and sixteen churches.

Back in the 18 th century Zamoskvorechye was known as a quiet, country-like land of single-storey houses and conservative businessmen. It remained country-like and is much more filled with business than before, as this area is just right in the city centre.

You’ll learn:

• what was previously on the site of the Novokuznetskaya metro-station;
• names of four abandoned metro stations and how to find these stations;
• what is the oldest bridge among all the bridges in Moscow;
• how old was Pavel Tretyakov when he decided to collect paintings, that are now exhibited in the Tretyakov gallery;
• what does the real form of the Boulevard Ring in Moscow look like;
• what tricks did the Russian government used to save the houses and buildings from bombing during the World War II;
• what unofficial name the Bolshoi Moskvoretsky bridge has

Moscow Bike Route #3

View over the Kremlin - The Luzhkov Bridge –  The Strelka Institute –  The Muzeon Park –  The Gorky Park –  Neskuchny Garden –  Sparrow Hills –  The Luzhniki Stadium -  Novodevichy Convent – The Arbat Street – The Gogolevsky boulevard - The Cathedral of Christ the Savior –  The Bolotnaya Square

This route includes the most popular city-sights and goes along the Moskva-River. It starts with an observation point, from which you may enjoy the view over the Kremlin, and covers all the most beautiful green areas of Moscow. Historical sites are included into the route so you can feel the historical vibes of ancient Moscow.

• where is hidden an island Moscow;
• where in Moscow you can get printed music of the most sweet masterpieces like “Chocolate waltz” and “Cake-gallop” along with a box of chocolates of the 18 th century;
• why the Luzhkov bridge is also called “the bridge of kisses”;
• the place where the famous Olympic symbol – the Olympic Bear of the Olympics-1980 was flown from;
• the stage where Rolling Stones and Madonna performed when they came to Moscow;
• why the Krymsky bridge was Stalin’s favourite bridge and what musical instrument it represents;
• where living statues in Moscow could be found in 1740s;
• myths and legends about inhabitants of the main building of Moscow State University;
• story about why Sparrow Hills were called that way;
• how Napoleon was cheated when he was going to burn down the Novodevichy convent;
• what was supposed to be on the site where the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is now;
• why Moscow was nearly burnt down in the 15 th century and which role the Arbat street played in it.

Moscow Bike Route #4

Starting with wide area of the VDNKh, you are to learn interesting and fun facts about this spectacular part of Moscow.

• where is a hidden the secret bunker under Moscow (and no, it’s not a famous Bunker 42 everybody knows about;
• why the number of golden statues at the fountain is more than the number of Soviet republics, although it is said to correspond them;
• why one of the Stalin statues was called “matryoshka” (Russian doll);
• what was Picasso’s favourite statue at the exhibition in Paris in 1937.

You’ll see:

• the world’s first light-music fountain that was built in 1950-1954;
• pavilions that symbolize Soviet republics;
• the Botanic garden which is twice as big as the Principality of Monaco;
• the largest green-house in Europe (for the opening day in 1945);
• English garden at the Ostankino mansion;
• Ostankino Tower, one of the tallest structures in Europe;
• the most beautiful flowers in hidden places of the parks.

Biking through VDNKh, Botanic garden and the territory of the Ostankino park will definitely be appreciated by nature-lovers and all those who are keen on speed, who knows no limits and want to explore off the beaten path of Moscow.

We can customize your bike adventure to meet your individual interests.

Our bicycle tour in Moscow gives you a chance to have a s pectacular ride  with  wonderful photo opportunities  and an  unforgettable cultural experience!

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow
• + Private & customized tour
• + An exciting tour, not just boring history lessons
• + An authentic experience of local life
• + Flexibility during the tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri)
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow

*This tour can be modified to meet your preferences

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