Best Bike Pump: Our Top 5 Picks & Reviews for 2017
There’s nothing worse than being out on the road with the wind in your hair, when suddenly you realize you’ve got a flat tire. What’s worse, is knowing that you’re not prepared in the slightest and instead of an awesome ride ahead, you have a long walk of shame ahead of you because you didn’t bring or don’t own a bicycle pump. Part of being a responsible cyclist means looking after your bike and ensuring you have the right equipment with you at all times while out on it and that includes a bike pump.
Bike pumps come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and the one that’s best for you will depend on several things including your situation, your bike, and you preferences. Before now, you may not have even considered there were different types of bike pumps to sort out a flat tire or to improve the tire pressure so are not sure where to start—it was only the old trusty hand pump that was available. In which case, keep reading for some tips on how to choose your next bike pump and some of the best that are available at the moment.
Types of pump
Like mentioned previously, bike pumps come in a range of shapes and sizes and some will be better than others in certain situations. Here are a few examples of the type of pump you may come across and when it might be best used:
- Track/floor pump: These are quite big and are not for carrying around with you. However, they’re great for using at home and I recommend that anyone who owns a bike should get one. Usually, they consist of a long, flexible hose, air pressure gauge and a decent-sized chamber that allows large amounts of air to be transferred quickly.
- Hand/portable pump: While this type of pump will get you out of a sticky situation and can easily be transported around with you and your bike, it shouldn’t be the only pump you rely on. They’re not great for extended use.
- Frame pump: These pumps are similar to a hand pump but are a slightly different shape. They're designed to fit within the triangle of the bike frame and are most often found on touring or steel road bikes.
- Shock pump: Not so commonly used, the shock pump is only necessary for bikes that have air suspension. It’s a high-pressure type pump that enables you to get just the right pressure and adjust it as needed from there.
Now that you know what types of pumps you may come across on your shopping trip, why not take a look at some of our favorite bike pumps available to buy currently:
1. Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit
Price range: Mid
Get double protection with this outstanding kit on offer by Vibreli. Not only do you get a mini, portable bike pump that requires no valve changing at all, you get a glueless puncture repair kit should the worst happen and it’s not just a flat. It comes complete with a mounting bracket to hook straight onto your bike with an added velcro strap that will keep it in place while riding.
Verdict: The pump’s ‘super fit clever valve’ really is a marvel. No longer do you have to mess around with changing valves. With this innovative design it is literally one size fits all (i.e. both Presta and Schrader valves). There are no leaks and you can easily carry it around with you.
Overall verdict: 10/10
2. BoG Products Mini High-Pressure Compact Bicycle Pump
Price range: Low
Another great example of a portable pump, this pump by BoG Products will not disappoint you. It’s lightweight and compact, so is perfect for carrying around. Simply slip it in your saddle bag or attach it to your bike using the plastic mount. There’s a double-ended hose for convenient valve connection and once attached its high-pressure inflation design will have your tire pumped in no time.
Verdict: It’s lightweight, durable, and will get you out of a deflated situation. However, it is quite hard to use and won’t give you an actual pressure reading.
Overall rating: 8/10
3. Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit
Price range: High
This is another fantastic model on offer from Vibrelli but, unlike the mini bike pump, this one’s a stay at home pump. It’s compatible with either Presta or Schrader valves using its special Rapid T-Valve adapter. Built using a strong steel barrel, this floor pump inflates up to 160 PSI, meaning your tires will be ready to go in no time at all. It also comes equipped with an accurate pressure gauge.
Verdict: It’s durable yet light and takes no effort at all to pump up bike tires. On top of that, it's got a working PSI gauge that lets you know where you’re at. The only thing that lets it down slightly is the T-Valve is quite fiddly and may take a while to attach.
Overall rating: 9/10
4. AMIIAM Portable Bike Floor Pump
Price range: Low
Made from aluminum alloy, this portable bike pump is ideal for use on the go. Its durable structure enables you to inflate over 100,000 times and its anti-skid pad means it will remain in place while doing so. This AMIIAM bike pump is lightweight and incredibly easy to use. It’s even got a barometer attached that gives you real time readings for more efficient inflating.
Verdict: There doesn’t appear to be any leakage when pumping and it does the job quickly. However, the nozzle is plastic and may need replacing after a few uses. It’s not too bad for the money you pay, but I have seen better quality models for a similar price.
Overall verdict: 8/10
5. BV Bicycle Ergonomic Bike Floor Pump
Price range: High
Another stay-at-home model, this bike floor pump is a must-have tool for just about anyone that owns a bike. Because it has such a long barrel, pumping takes far less effort than ever before. And, it’s twin-valve design means you can easily switch between valves without the worry about any leakages. There’s also a pressure gauge to give you accurate readings while inflating your tires. Being made of aluminum you can be sure this pump will last too.
Verdict: For a stay-at-home pump, this is one of the best on the market. It’s got a comfortable handle, is easy to use, and feels extremely solid while inflating.
Overall rating: 10/10
