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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
Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump & Glueless Puncture Kit Review
Riding a bike is fun for many until you encounter a flat tire. When things like this happen, having a bike pump is a must. Good thing Vibrelli has the Performance Bike Floor Pump for those who are looking for a lightweight and heavy duty bike pump.
This product features a rapid-T valve that is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves. It ensures that every time you inflate your tire the valves are tightly sealed.
Aside from this, the product also guarantees that you don’t have to worry about leaks. Another thing that makes the pump a better choice than other brands is its air pressure capacity. You can inflate up to 160 PSI precisely and accurately with the help of the gauge.
On the other hand, the barrel is long and strong and the handle is ergonomic so that you can pump to your desired air pressure faster and with less stress. Furthermore, the foot nylon base is designed for stability, providing support to your weight while pumping.
Since a punctured tire is something you need to be ready for, the manufacturer added a glueless puncture kit to the package. The patches are pocket sizes and simple to use. Lastly, the Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump & Glueless Puncture Kit comes with a 15-year limited warranty.
Features of the Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump & Glueless Puncture Kit
- 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
- Only weighs 2.6 lbs., lightweight enough for competitive and social riders
- Features the Rapid-T Valve that compatible with Presta and Schrader and simple to switch
- Seals the valves strongly and tightly to avoid leaks
- Features a strong steel barrel, ergonomic handles, and wide foot nylon base for a more convenient and faster pumping
- Includes an emergency puncture kit with pocket-sized glueless patches that are easy to use
- Features an easy to read pressure gauge that accurately inflates tires
- Includes a sports ball inflation needle and attachment for other inflatable devices
- Covered with a 15-year limited warranty policy
Advantages:
If you are looking for a bike pump to keep your tires in good condition, there is nothing more to choose but the best one on the market, the Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump. The brand is known for manufacturing high-quality pumps, including mini bike pumps.
That’s why there is no doubt that this particular product is number 1 on the bestselling rank on Amazon under the floor pumps category.
With 4.7/5 stars of satisfaction rating, this product surely has good value for money. A lot of reviewers like the overall features of the bike pump that make inflating more convenient and faster.
The barrel is made of strong steel while the handle is ergonomic. Meanwhile, the foot nylon base is wide enough to support your weight while pumping. This tool is lightweight, too.
While there are so many bike pumps compatible with Presta and Schrader, most of them are rather difficult to switch. For this pump, the rapid-T valve feature allows you to switch between the two with ease.
Simply unlock the arrow, attach the bike, lock, then start pumping. This feature also ensures to provide strong seals by fitting the connection perfectly, thus, preventing leaks.
You can use this for high-performance tires and pump up to 160 PSI. The pressure gauge is easy to read so you can accurately inflate the tires with the right air pressure.
Furthermore, the pump also includes a sports ball inflation needle and other attachments. This way, you can also use the tool to inflate sports balls, toy balls, pools, and other inflatable devices.
For punctures, the manufacturer also added glueless patches that are pocket-sized. The company promises that their tool is made to last, providing a 15-year limited warranty.
Disadvantages:
Although the product works great for many, some verified purchasers still say it needs improvement. One of the problems they noticed is when they are pumping a Presta, the valve becomes difficult to lock and release.
According to them, the pump is only efficient for Schrader valves. Some buyers also find the locking lever too stiff and awkward to use.
Aside from this, a few reviewers also experienced difficulty in pumping high-pressure tires. They had to pump so many times in order to achieve their desired air pressure.
Verdict:
Overall, the Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump deserves to be one of the best pumps today. It has great features that are helpful to many riders. Those features are the rapid-T valve and the pressure gauge.
Aside from this, the price of the pump is affordable. Perhaps, this is the main reason why a lot of bike enthusiasts settle for this brand. Although there are some negative reviews, there is no denying that it is worth having. With its 15-year limited warranty, you can really shop with less worry.
Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit Review
With Vibrelli’s Mini Bike Pump, maintaining your tire’s good condition is made easy and convenient. It is made of 6061 grade aluminum that is compact and strong enough to last long. In fact, the material is what some airplanes are made from.
Though the name says it is mini, the pump can be used by professionals because it is engineered for high performance. It is lightweight and robust, making it an ideal bike pump for those who always hit the road and hard terrain.
The pump stands out from the brands not just because it is durable, but also because it is versatile. It is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves so that you don’t have to change the valve, allowing you to inflate the tires right away.
This is made possible because of the clever fit feature that has a tight seal to prevent air leaks. This can pump your tire up to 120 PSI, which is the pressure a 200-pound rider should achieve.
Aside from this, the Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit also has a dual telescope functionality that lets you switch from high pressure to high volume.
Furthermore, the whole package comes complete with a glueless puncture repair kit, sports needle, inflatable device valve, and a mini pump frame mounting bracket for all the other things that need to be inflated.
Features of the Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit
- A versatile and portable bike pump made of strong 6061-grade aluminum barrel that does not easily break
- Includes a super fit clever valve that automatically fits Presta and Schrader Valves; no valve changing needed
- Engineered for high performance, great for high pressure and high volume tires
- Lightweight and robust, ideal for bicycle hobbyists and occasional riders
- With ergonomic handles and Velcro fastener that easily clip on bike bracket
- Has 120 PSI capacity with dual telescope feature for easy switch from high pressure to high volume
- Comes complete with a pocket-sized glueless puncture repair kit
- Includes a sports needle for sports balls
- Includes an inflatable device valve for inflating pool toys
- Includes a mini pump frame mounting bracket
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
Advantages:
Having a flat tire won’t be an issue when you buy Vibrelli’s Mini Bike Pump. This product has been receiving positive reviews from both professional and occasional riders for the convenience it provides whenever there is a flat tire.
In fact, it is ranked number 1 on Amazon under the frame-mounted pumps category. That is why it has 4.6/5 stars rating from over 2000 verified purchasers.
With all those numbers, one can conclude that the product offers great value for money. One of the advantages that people like about the mini pump is its versatility.
Because of the super fit clever valve, you can seal all valve types without worrying about leaks. So, whether you have a Presta or a Schrader valve, this pump will get the job done.
Aside from this, switching from high pressure to high volume is fast, too. Thanks to the dual telescope functionality, you can pump up to 120 PSI.
Another thing that makes this brand a top choice is its durability. It is made of 6061 aluminum alloy, which makes it strong and compact.
It is lightweight and portable, which is great for riders who are always on the road. It even has a Velcro fastener so you can simply attach the pump to the bike bracket.
Since you never know when your tires will be punctured, the company includes a glueless emergency puncture kit. This kit has pocket-sized patches so you can ride without much worry.
For other things that need to be inflated, the whole package comes complete with a sports needle, inflatable device valve, and more. Plus, it also has a 5-year warranty.
Disadvantages:
Though many buyers think highly of this brand, there are some people who think it needs improvement. Most of them say that the mini pump is good for low-pressure tires. However, using it for high-pressure tires is hard.
It will take you many pumps before getting the desired pressure, unlike using a bigger pump. According to their experience, the pump was not able to provide enough air pressure for a tire that needs 60 PSI.
Therefore, it is difficult for a man or a woman with average strength. Aside from this, others also complained about the quality of the patches. They say that it does not hold when inflated.
Verdict:
Despite limitations, the Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit is still a good choice. However, it might not be a good idea if you only have this pump at home.
The mini pump is great for emergencies and for those who are always on the road. Since it is smaller, you need to exert more effort and energy to inflate tires properly. For faster pumping, it’s better to get a bigger pump like CO2.
The Mechanics Behind Bicycle Pumps
Cyclists know the importance of having bike pumps for bike maintenance. They use them on a regular basis to ensure that the tires are in good condition and are able to withstand the challenges of the road and terrain. This way, they can ride the extra mile without worry.
Everybody knows that the purpose of this tool is to provide air pressure to tires. But have you ever wondered how a bicycle pump works?
Do you ever ask yourself how this tool increases and provides the right level of air pressure for your tire? If you are curious to know the answers to these question, read on.
Brief History of Bicycles and the Mechanics Behind Bicycle Pumps
There is no definite day as to when the first bicycle with rubber tires was invented. But most experts assumed that it emerged in the late 1880s when John Boyd Dunlop produced the first inflatable or pneumatic tire in Scotland. The development of the pneumatic tire paved the way to the development of modern bicycles.
Because of this air-filled tire, riding on two wheels became smooth, comfortable, and stable. It made biking more popular to people. However, because air escapes when a tire is punctured, bike pumps are needed.
The First Bike Pump
The first bike pump had a metal cylinder with a metal rod going down the middle of it. This tool forced the air out of the cylinder and pulled in new air whenever the metal rod was pulled up. You can see the same pumping mechanism in modern pumps today.
There are different types of bike pumps, but generally speaking, most of them aim to force the air out of the valve and increase the pressure of the tire to the appropriate level. The only difference between all the types of bike pumps is the method of doing it.
Some require hand pumping while others need foot pumping. The most common method is manual hand pumping.
The Basic Parts of a Floor Pump
To understand the pumping mechanism, you need to learn the importance of every part of the tool. All bike pumps have similar components.
- Body of the Pump – Outside part of the pump.
- Compression chamber – Stores the air inside the pump.
- Hose – Connects the compression chamber and the tire valve together.
- Piston – Compresses or sucks the air into the chamber and forcing the air into the tire. It is connected to the handle, which you have to hold in order to pump up and down
- Inlet valve – A one-way valve inside the chamber that allows air to enter the chamber and prevents it from leaking. It works in conjunction with the piston.
- Outlet valve – A one-way valve inside the chamber that allows air to flow through the hose into the tire and prevents it from flowing out of the tire. It works in conjunction with the piston.
How Does a Bicycle Pump Work?
In order to learn how a bicycle pump works, the entire process is divided into five stages. Just like the parts, most pumps also use the same pumping mechanism manually or without the use of electricity.
Piston rises
When you hold the handle and pull it upward, the piston also rises. This stage sucks in the air, drawing it into the body of the pump.
Air enters the compression chamber
The air in the body of the pump soon enters the compression chamber by pushing the inlet valve open. The air that is contained in the chamber is ready to be decompressed.
Piston lowers
As you pushed the handle down, the piston now lowers. At the same time, the inlet valve closes to prevent air from escaping. This means that the air has no other way to go but into the tire.
Outlet valve opens
The fourth stage opens the outlet valve because of the pressure pushing the air. And since it is a one-way valve, the air flows in one direction out of the chamber, through the hose, and into the tire.
Air inflates the tire
The air inflates the tire as it enters the tire at each downward pump of the piston. Every time you pull the handle upward, the outlet valve closes, preventing the compressed air to flow out of the tire.