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.
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:
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:
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A portable bike pump that is lightweight and compact is an essential tool of every rider. If you are always on the road on two wheels, then you should buy the Pro Bike Tool Mini Bike Pump.
This product is the smaller version of the brand’s popular bike pump. This is only 7.3 inches and 3.49 oz, making it a better choice for those who have slender or smaller bikes.
Though it is a mini bike pump, its quality and capacity are almost equal to the larger version. It is also made of CNC machined aluminum alloy, ensuring that the mini bike pump is built to last.
Aside from this, it is engineered for high-performance riding. Like the regular bike pump, it can inflate up to 120 psi 8.3 bars, too. It will take you 30% fewer pumps to reach the desired air pressure so that pumping is less stressful.
There is no need to change valves. That is because the mini bike pump is compatible with both Presta and Schrader. It securely tightens the tires with guaranteed no air leaks.
Furthermore, the Pro Bike Tool Mini Bike Pump comes complete with a frame mount bracket with a Velcro strap. This way, you can always be ready for flat tires anywhere you go.
When you are always on the road, riding on two wheels, being ready for an unexpected flat tire is a must. Though you cannot bring your bike pump during all your biking adventures, you can always rely on the power of the Pro Bike Tool Mini Bike Pump.
This product is one of the best brands on the market, having an average rating of 4.6/5 stars. A lot of people are satisfied by its usability and durability that it is now number 6 in the bestselling rank on Amazon.
The best thing about mini bike pumps is their size and weight. This product is only 7.3 inches long, weighing only 3.49 oz. or 0.4 lbs.
That is why it a perfect for bike hobbyists who love hitting the road and who have a higher chance of getting flat tires. It is compact and lightweight. You can even attach it to your bike frame, using the included secure frame mount with a Velcro strap.
According to most reviews, the mini bike pump is indeed easy to use. Compared to other brands, it easily inflates to 80 psi. If you are strong enough, you can reach as high as 120 psi.
Nevertheless, the job is easier because of the flexible hose integrated into the mini pump. This feature allows you to inflate tires even at an awkward position. This way, your valve won’t get damaged or broken.
Other things that are worth noting are the thread on connection for both Presta and Schrader valves as well as the durable aluminum alloy material, making up the whole pump.
The manufacturer guarantees that the mini bike pump is made to last. They have covered it with a reliable refund and replacement policy.
While the product has a higher rating than most, some reviewers still suggest improvements on different features. According to them, the possible and doable pressure capacity of the pump is only 80 psi.
It will be very difficult to go over that pressure unless you are really strong. If you need to achieve 120 psi, it would be better to use a floor pump.
You should also take note that the mounting bracket has no screws or bolts. But you may use it still, replacing your water bottle cage and using the same screws and bolts.
Also, it doesn’t have a pressure gauge, which is something that will really be helpful for accurate tire inflation.
Regardless of some disadvantages and limitations, the Pro Bike Tool Mini Bike Pump is still a great choice. It is good for most types of bikes such as road, mountain, and BMX.
Aside from this, it is also flexible, compact, and lightweight. Thus, the mini bike pump is indeed a good emergency tool every rider would want to have.