All About Bike Pumps: Pumping Tires and Mechanism and The Best Brands Today
Everybody loves pedaling to scenic places, cruising around town, and venturing through difficult terrain on a bike. But only until your tires become punctured, lose air, and blow out. Riding on a flat tire is dangerous.
It might look fine, but it can cause a serious accident even if you are careful. That is why bike maintenance is a must. One of the tools that you need to keep your tires in good condition and to save you from an emergency flat tire situation is a bike pump.
If you are looking to buy a new one, this article can help you pick the right bike pump among the many products on the market. But before you find the best bike pump, you should learn a little more about this amazing tool.
Many bike enthusiasts and occasional riders are already aware of the steps to inflate a bike tire. However, beginners can find this job confusing and daunting.
Aside from this, many still don’t know the science behind the pumping mechanism bike pumps have. Here, you will learn all this interesting facts and master how to pump tires.
This way, you can be ready for any emergency situation you will unexpectedly meet on the road.
The Two Types of Valves and Pump Heads
To understand how to use a bike pump, you need to know that there are generally two types of valves; Presta and Schrader. The valves are small, but they have a significant role in ensuring a successful ride. A tire only has one valve, which is either Presta or Schrader.
Yes, Schrader valves are the ones you frequently use on cars. On the other hand, Presta valves are more commonly used for higher-end tires or bikes.
Schrader:
Is wide and has its top and bottom with equal circumference or diameter. Its outer wall is threaded, fitting a Schrader pump head.
To control the airflow that comes in and out, there is a pin in the center that is a spring-loaded check valve. There should be enough pressure for the inner pin or check valve to allow air flow in one direction.
Presta:
It is smaller than a Schrader valve. It is made entirely of metal. Some models are often threaded all the way down. Presta valves have a lock nut on their top section.
It does not need a check valve for it can seal entirely based on the air pressure in the tire.
Needless to say, there are also two kinds of pump heads: a Presta pump head and a Schrader pump head. You cannot use them interchangeably for one type of valve because it won’t fit.
Bike pumps that are compatible with both types of valves mean that there are two pump heads integrated into them. You can inflate both road and mountain bikes using one tool by switching to the right pump head.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Bike Pumps
Mini Pump
Pros:
- Small and lightweight
- Comes handy during emergency situations
- Attachable to bike frames using a mounting software
Cons
- Requires more pumps to achieve the desired air pressure
- Reaching a 120 PSI is difficult
Floor pumps
Pros:
- Heavy duty, ideal for most bike tires
- Can inflate up to 220 PSI/10 bars
- Faster and more efficient to use
Cons
- Most models are heavy and too big
- Ideal for home use
Frame-Fit Pump
Pros
- Attaches directly to the frame of bikes without using mounting devices
- More efficient than a mini bike pump
- Air pressure capacity is up to 160 PSI
Cons:
- Slower and not as heavy duty as a floor pump
How to Use a Bike Pump
The steps for inflating tires are similar whether you have a mini pump, floor pump or frame-fit pump
- Remove the covering of the valve.
- Determine the air pressure your tire needs by looking at the sidewall.
- Attach the pump head to the valve securely.
- Pump the tire to the right level of pressure, always checking the pressure gauge.
The Pumping Mechanism
Every bike pump has similar parts or components. Their goal is the same but their means are different. All of them need a handle or piston, a compression chamber, hose, inlet valve, and outlet valve.
These parts work together to inflate the tire with compressed air. To pump air, you need to pull the handle and the piston. As the piston rises, air is drawn into the body of the pump, entering the compression chamber through the inlet valve.
The inlet valve seals the air in the compression chamber to prevent a leak. When you lower the piston, or push back the handle, the air is pushed with nowhere to go but through the outlet valve.
When the outlet valve opens, it allows the air to flow through the hose and into the tire. The continuous pumping inflates the tire.
Image |
Product |
Price |
Rating |
| Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit | $$ | 4.6/5 | |
| Pro Bike Tool Bike Pump with Gauge | $$$ | 4.6/5 | |
| Pro Bike Tool Mini Bike Pump | $$$ | 4.5/5 | |
| Poshei Mini Bike Pump with Multi-Function Bike Repair Tools Kit | $$ | 4.5/5 | |
| Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump & Glueless Puncture Kit | $$$ | 4.7/5 | |
| Schwinn 5-in-1 Floor Pump | $$ | 4.3/5 | |
| Lumintrail Mini Bike Pump with Gauge | $ | 4.0/5 | |
| RUNACC Mini Bike Pump | $ | 4.2/5 | |
| Mini Bike Pump,Raniaco 120PSI Portable Bicycle Frame Pump with Gauge | $ | 4.2/5 | |
| Bodyguard Mini Bike Pump – Reliable Hand Air Pump | $$ | 4.7/5 |
Top 5 Recommended Bike Pumps
If bicycle enthusiasts have another thing that is common to them, it is their constant need for a reliable bike pump. This section lists 5 of the best bike pumps on Amazon, all having more than 4.5/5 stars rating from verified purchasers.
They come in various designs, weights, and sizes, providing a selection of bike pumps that is good for emergency, travel, and home use. Read their short reviews and see if you will find the one that you need.
Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit
When looking for the best bike pump, you should start the search from the top section of the list. The number one brand that you will often find in the mini bike pump or frame-mounted pump category is the Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump.
This product comes complete with a glueless puncture repair kit, providing you a greater deal than any other brands can offer.
The bike pump is perfect for those who hit the road daily because it is portable, compact, and lightweight. You will even receive a Velcro fastener that attaches the mini pump to the bike frame.
Thus, it is easy to bring anywhere you go. Made of a strong 6061-grade aluminum barrel, expect that this one does not easily break. In fact, it is engineered for high performance, inflating high-pressure and high-volume tires.
The air pressure capacity of this mini pump is as high as 120 PSI. And with its dual telescope feature, you can switch from high pressure to high volume with ease.
Like most brands, this one is also compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves. The super fit clever valve requires no valve changing, saving your time and energy in completing the job.
Lightweight and robust, this mini pump is ideal for bicycle hobbyists and occasional riders. Aside from this, the package also comes complete with a sports needle for sports balls and an inflatable device valve for inflating pool toys. The mini pump is covered with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
- Bestselling product on Amazon and other online shops
- More affordable than other products
- Includes a variety of helpful tools for pumping other inflatable devices
Cons
- Requires more pumping before getting the desired air pressure
- Patches do not hold when inflated
Pro Bike Tool Bike Pump with Gauge
Another brand that you will find on the top section of the bestselling bike pumps is the Pro Bike Tool Bike Pump. In fact, it is ranked 2nd on the list. This tool is 8.75 inches long and weighs only 4.5 oz.
This is compact and lightweight, which is something you would want when you are on the road. Although it is smaller than a regular pump, its material is great.
The pump is made from aluminum alloy that has undergone precise CNC technology. In other words, it is surely built to last long and withstand any weather. What makes it a better choice than other mini pumps is its quicker and more accurate performance.
The manufacturer says that it will take you 30% fewer strokes to achieve the right air pressure of your tire. That is because the thread on valve connection seals tightly and ensures no leaks.
Aside from that, there is also an integrated pressure gauge that is easy to read. Like the first item, this pump also works well for either Presta or Schrader valves. The air pressure capacity is 120 PSI/8.3 bars, too.
However, this brand boasts of its flexible air hose integrated into the handle that so you can effectively inflate the tire in any position. Furthermore, it also features an oversized piston for fast and reliable tire inflation.
A secure frame mount kit with Velcro strap is also included in the package. The pump with stunning design and beautiful finish is covered by the manufacturer’s refund and replacement policy.
Pros:
- Comes with a flexible hose for easier and more convenient tire inflation at any position
- Inflates quicker than the other brands
- Has beautiful and ergonomic design
- Pressure gauge included
Cons:
- Mounting bracket does not include screws or bolts
- Issues with the pressure gauge not being accurate
Pro Bike Tool Mini Bike Pump
This Mini Bike Pump is actually the smaller version of Pro Bike’s Tool Bike Pump. They are equally powerful but this one is more portable, compact, and lightweight. It is 7.3 inches long and only weighs 3.49 oz.
Just like the big version, it is also made of aluminum alloy that has undergone precise CNC technology. The thread on connection is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves, sealing tightly with no air leaks.
It is indeed engineered for high performance, making it ideal for bicycle hobbyists and occasional riders. That is because of the high-pressure capacity that is up to 120 PSI/8.3 bars.
Inflating is also quicker and more efficient, allowing you to have 30% fewer strokes compared to a conventional mini bike pump. With its oversized shaft, piston, and overlapping barrel, tire inflation is more convenient.
Similar to the larger version, the flexible hose makes inflating easier in any position. Even if you have a road bike, mountain bike, or a BMX bike, this mini pump is reliable.
Bring it wherever you go by attaching the secure frame mount kit with a Velcro strap to the frame. For any problem like a defective and damaged item, contact the manufacturer and ask for a refund or replacement.
Pros
- Portable, compact, and lightweight, ideal for frequent riders
- Flexible hose makes inflating easier
- Small yet good for high-performance tires
Cons
- Going over 80 PSI is difficult
- Bolts or screws for the mounting bracket are not included
- Does not include a pressure gauge
Poshei Mini Bike Pump with Multi-Function Bike Repair Tools Kit
Since bike maintenance is a tough job, Poshei has included helpful tools to keep your bike in good condition. In other words, when you purchase their mini bike pump you will also get a multi-function bike repair tools kit. Going back to the mini bike frame pump, this tool is only 4.8 inches.
But it becomes 7.5 inches long when extended. The product is lightweight enough for you to comfortably carry inside a bag or attach to the bike frame, using the bike frame mount with Velcro.
Like any good bike pump, it is also made of aluminum alloy. It features a super tight Presta and Schrader thread on valve connection that is easy to switch. Simply unscrew the black valve to Presta or Schrader, screw it back, then start pumping.
This feature ensures that the valves are sealed tightly so that no air will leak. Meanwhile, its capacity is up to 100 psi/7 bars, which is good enough for both road and off-road bikes.
The 16 in 1 bike repair tools kit includes different sizes of Allen wrenches, a socket spanner, a flat wrench, a slot type screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, a sleeve extension rod, and spoke wrench. Other than this, you will also get a mounting bracket, a metal rasp, 2 metal tire levers, and glueless patches for bike maintenance.
You also have a ball needle for sports and toy balls. This package is covered with a 2-year replacement warranty and a 90-day money back guarantee.
Pros:
- More affordable than other mini bike pumps
- Comes with a variety of tools for bike maintenance and other inflatable devices
- Includes a good quality multi-function bike repair tools kit
Cons
- The carrying case or the black tool bag is low quality
- Pumping over 50 PSI is difficult
Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump & Glueless Puncture Kit
If mini bike pumps are not enough for your high-performance tire, better choose Vibrelli’s Performance Bike Floor Pump. This brand is no doubt reliable and credible in manufacturing high-quality pumps.
This particular product is ranked number 1 on Amazon under the floor pumps category. It has 4.7/5 stars satisfaction rating, making it the best bike pump today.
Despite being bigger than all the bike pumps on this list, it is considered lightweight. The product only weighs 2.6 lbs. yet can pump up to 160 PSI. That is why it a good choice for both competitive and social riders. One of the features people like about the product is the rapid-T valve.
The pump is compatible with Presta and Schrader valves and this feature allows you to switch from one head pump to another with ease. It also ensures to seal the valves tightly, avoiding air leaks.
The strong steel barrel, ergonomic handles, and wide foot nylon base make it possible to pump faster and more convenient. It also has an integrated pressure gauge that accurately reads the current pressure level as you pump.
Aside from this, the product comes in a package with an emergency puncture kit, which is the pocket-sized glueless patches, a sports ball inflation needle, and attachment for other inflatable devices. Lastly, this floor pump is covered with a 15-year limited warranty policy.
Pros:
- More lightweight than other floor pumps
- A heavy duty bike floor pump that works great with most types of bike tires
- Has a high-pressure capacity of up to 160 PSI
Cons:
- The locking lever too stiff and awkward to use
- Pumping a high-pressure tire is difficult
Conclusion:
A bike pump is one of the essential tools every bicycle owner should have. Finding the best bike pump for your bike is not a problem if you know what you are looking for.
First, you have to be aware of the type of valve your tires have then the level of air pressure they need. The other features of a bike pump follow after you have found out this information
Now, all of the products listed above are compatible to both Presta and Schrader. Most of them have 120 PSI capacity.
However, they differ in sizes. They have different pros and cons, too. To choose one among them, make sure that their air pressure capacity is appropriate to what your tire needs.
Also, consider the size and how frequently you ride your bike. If you are someone who uses it daily to work or travels for miles, a mini bike pump is a must. But if you own a bike that needs more than 100 PSI, a floor pump will be more efficient as it can inflate tires faster.