Best Bike Pumps for Your Cycling Escapades

Just like a driver doesn’t leave the house without a spare tire, so does a cyclist not ride around without a bicycle pump. After storing your bike for long in the garage, you are most likely to find the tires flat once you are ready to get back on the cycling track. Sometimes when you are out riding, you may encounter a flat tire which may hamper your fun. It’s important to have a quality bike pump on standby to help resolve such hiccups on your cycling journey.

Bicycle pumps are designed to compress air and drive it through the flattened tubes where it involuntarily opens it using air pressure. Bike pumps are loved by cyclists since they provide a fast solution to flat tires and come in handy for those bad days out there. Just like there are all manner of bicycles out there, you will come across so many different types of bike pumps in the market.

Choosing the right pump for your bicycle is key to ensuring efficiency and performance. Many bike owners pick just any pump without considering the type of valve on their bike. You have to ensure that the bike you settle for is compatible with your bike since each pump is designed for a different pump head. We have compiled a list of the best bike pumps in the market that will help get you back on track.

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1. Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump

Best Selling Bike Pump

Get back on track easily after a flat bike tire by investing in this high performance floor pump from Vibrelli. It has a rapid T valve that is compatible with both Schrader and Presta valves which is done using a simple switch. You will not get any annoying leaks with this pump since it seals strongly even at high PSI. The pump is built strong and boasts of a steel barrel and reinforced handle that helps inflate up to 160 PSI.

In the package is a glueless emergency kit for quick fixes when a puncture occurs in the middle of nowhere. A sports inflation needle is also included which can also be used of balls and toys. The inbuilt gauge is built to provide you with an easy to read experience while offering you precise readings. The bike pump is built to last and comes with a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty.

 

2. BV Bicycle Ergonomic Bike Floor Pump

Best Ergonomic Design Selling Bike Pump

Easily switch between Presta and Schrader switch with this newly designed BV bicycle pump. It has a twin valve design that lets you switch between Presta and Schrader easily using a simple switch. You will enjoy a user friendly experience with this floor pump since there’s no reverse or any annoying air leaks. During inflation, the maximum speed is 160 psi which is sufficient to get your tires back on track. For easy pumping, the pump has a long hose with a 360 degree pivot for less sweating when pumping.

The barrel is made of quality aluminum that’s light in weight and built to last. The ergonomic design boasts of an oversized handle that will give you a better grip as you pump. It also comes with an easy to read gauge that will provide you with accurate readings. The gauge is also extra-large so that you don’t have to struggle to take the readings. As a bonus, you get a sport ball needle and an inflation device.

 

3. Schwinn Air Floor Pump

Best For High Pressure Pumping

Get back on your cycling track with this efficient Air Center Plus Floor Pump from Schwinn. It boasts of 21.5 inch barrel height and a steel barrel of with a diameter of 38mm which will provide you with a good gust of air with every pump. The wide metal base is stable while the handle is long and has a good grip which makes pumping a less hectic affair.

Even better, the easy to read gauge has been placed at the middle and will provide you with accurate readings so that you don’t have to guess as you pump in air. The pump is also compatible with Presta or Schrader valves so that it can cater to all types of bikes the family. The pump inflates up to 120 PSI and the window turns green when the handle is up to indicate that it’s ready for pumping. The package also includes a sports needle and inflation cone for your sports balls such as soccer and volleyball.

 

 

4. Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump

Best Mini Bike Pump

Don’t let yourself get stranded due to a flat bike tire when there’s this mini bike pump from Vibrelli, With an inflation capacity of 120 PSI, this portable bike pump will get you back on track in a matter of minute. It boasts of an extendable telescope that helps to easily switch from high volume to high pressure. The valve has a super fit that automatically grips both Presta and Schrader valves.

The mounting bracket easily attaches to the tire pump and comes with a Velcro strap that holds it firmly in place as you pump. The package also includes a glue less puncture kit that comes in handy during emergencies and ensures that you aren’t stranded. It’s made of 6061 grade aluminum making it light and durable. Say goodbye to any leaks by investing in this Vibrelli mini bike pump.

 

5. Pro Bike Tool Bike Pump

Best for Racing Bikes

Enjoy quick pumping and accurate inflation on your bike tires by using this mini bike pump from Pro Bike Tools. It inflates up to 100PSI and has an oversized piston design that allows you to pump in air with 30% fewer strokes. Its air hose is flexible which allows it to connect even to awkwardly placed valves. The hose is also masterly fitted into the handle to ensure a compact design and reduce bulkiness. The gauge is expertly integrated into the hose so that you can monitor the pressure as you pump.

It’s made of superior quality CNC machined aluminum alloy which is light in weight and extremely durable. You can easily switch between Presta and Schrader connections without any annoying leaks. The secure thread-on valve connection ensures that the seal is tight. It also comes with a mount bracket that ensures that the pump doesn’t get lost or damaged.  Its sleek design is available in three colors; black, titanium and red.

 

6.  EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump

Best Digital Bike Pump

Go digital with this EPAuto Compressor Pump that allows for multiple uses including inflating your car and bike tires. It has a universal valve connector for Schrader valves. It has an easy to read gauge that supports several formats such as PSI, KPA and BAR.

You can connect it to the cigarette socket in your car for it to pump. It also has a bright LED light that helps you pump even in darkness. To prevent over inflation, the pump boasts of an auto shutoff feature. The maximum inflation is 70 PSI and comes with a sports needle and inflation cone. It’s available in red, blue and yellow.

 

7. Audew Dual-Cylinder Foot Pump

Best Dual Cylinder Bike Pump

Pumping air into deflated tires has never been this easy with this dual cylinder foot pump from Audew. The dual cylinders allow air to flow at 35L/minute which is double the speed of traditional pumps. The gauge is easy to read and features two reading units, PSI and BAR, allowing you to monitor the pressure as you pump. The floor pump has a compact, foldable design for easy storage and portability.

It also has a safety lock that clips the pedal in place so that it doesn’t snap off as you pump. The pump is compatible with a number of valves such as Presta, Schrader and Deutschland. It’s also equipped with three nozzle adaptors making it ideal for footballs and other sports items. This multifunction foot pump boasts of a one year manufacturer’s warranty.

 

8. AerGun X-1000 Bike Pump

Best for High Performance Bikes

The simple yet highly efficient design of the AerGun X-1000 will take the stress away from inflating flat tires. It boasts of a high quality pump head that doesn’t require fiddling or adapters. It also has a high pressure release valve to help remove pressure quickly in order to adjust to different riding. It has an inflation capacity of 160 PSI and you will feel the power of each stroke.

The gauge is adjustable and allows you to monitor the pressure as you pump. The steel barrel is long and the hose is flexible to allow for easy pumping. It’s masterly crafted and engineered for high performance bicycles. It also boasts of a wide handle for better grip and comes with ball and bladder needles. It’s made of rugged heavy duty aluminum that’s light in weight and lasts for years.

9. Bell Air Attack 350 High Volume Bicycle Pump

Best for High Volume Pumping

Whether you want to inflate tires of a mountain bike or your BMX, this high volume bike pump will get the job done. It boasts of a wide barrel design that pushes in more air and has a wide handle that gives you a good grip as you pump. The maximum inflation capacity is 100 PSI with a reversible Schrader and Presta head. Also comes with ball and toy inflation needles.

 

10. Kitbest Bike Pump

Best Portable Bike Pump

Take this mini bike pump with you on your next cycling escapade to take care of any inflated tires. It’s made of quality aluminum alloy which makes it light and its compact design ensures that it can fit nicely in your bike bag or mount it on your bike using a bracket. It also comes with a lot of accessories such as a gas needle to inflate sport balls and a mounting bracket.

It has a dynamic adapter that makes it compatible with Presta and Schrader valves. The pump is also easy to use through the dual action and thumb lock. You can inflate up to 130 PSI and can be used in case of an emergency since it comes with a glue less puncture kit. It also has an easy to understand user manual with detailed instructions.

 

How to Choose the Best Bike Pump: Ultimate Buying Guide

If you are a seasoned cyclist, then you know pumping a flat bike tire is quite unavoidable. Whether the tire went flat when you are out on the road or due to staying in the garage for too long, there’s no reason why you should get back to cycling. With a bike pump, you can get the tire up again with little effort and without incurring much cost. It’s therefore important to always have a bike pump at hand for such cases.

Bike pumps are specially designed to manipulate air pressure through the use of a piston that usually inside a cylinder. Most pumps come with a gauge so that you can easily monitor the pressure as the tire inflates. Before looking at the types of pumps available in the market, you need to understand the two common valves that you will come across in your search for an ideal pump. They are;

• Presta Valves – These are narrow and are mostly used in racing kind of bikes. To put in air in this type of valve, you have to open it and usually have a nut to lock in the air. They are easier to pump at a high volume.
• Schrader Valves – These are the most common type of valves and are thicker compared to Presta valves. You will find it on mountain bikes, BMX bikes and even on kid’s bikes. Can be easily inflated using hand pumps.

Types of Bike Pumps

The following are the most common types of pumps that you will find in the market;

• Floor Pump – Known to provide more pressure than portable pumps, these type of pumps are most common among bike owners. The base of the pump is placed on the floor where the user needs to push and pull to let air flow in. Floor pumps or else known as track pumps are great for providing a quick fix by inflating tires under high pressure.
• Hand/ Mini-pump – These are usually small in size and are mostly used for emergencies. Hand pumps don’t provide as much air pressure as the floor pumps but their portability ensures that you aren’t stranded in case you get a tire puncture out there. To get the air flowing into the valve, hand pumps usually come with a long hose which helps minimize air leaks and reduce pressure on the valves
• Electric Pumps – These type of pumps are multifunctional and can be used on different types of tires including car and motorcycle tires. Their in-built gauge is highly accurate to ensure that you don’t overinflate the tires. They are a bit more costly than the manual pumps and are  not portable since they require electricity to operate.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Bike Pump

The market is flooded with all manner of bike pumps and you need to be careful as you select a particular product. Let’s explore some factors that you need to keep in mind;

• Valve Type – This is by far one of the most essential factors when it comes to choosing a bike pump. You will find that the head of your bicycle pump differs depending on the type of valve. Using a pump with a head for Schrader valves on a bike with Presta valve will lead to leakages. You will find that most of the pumps allow you to easily switch between these two types of valves. Make sure that you get the right pump for the valve on your bike to prevent costly damage.
• Air Pressure – The unit for measuring air pressure when pumping is PSI which is a common unit that you will come across in your search for an ideal bike pump. The common range of air pressure for mountain bikes is 30-50 psi while for racing bikes is a bit higher at 85-130 psi. If you decide to buy a pump with higher pressure than what your bike needs, you may end up having a lower volume and inaccurate readings.
• Gauge – The gauge helps you monitor the air pressure as you inflate the tires. The smaller pumps rarely have a gauge but you may find some with an inbuilt one on the barrel. The gauge should provide you with accurate readings and strategically placed so that it’s easy to read at all times. Pumping the wrong pressure into the may shorten the life span of the bike.
• Material – You will come across pumps that are made using aluminum alloys which are loved for they are light in weight and easy to carry around. Some manufacturers use steel to make the barrels making them more durable. Plastic bike pumps are also available at a lower price but they tend to be of a lower quality.
• Design – An ergonomic design such as wide handles with a good grip and a wide base for stability when pumping go a long way in ensuring that a smooth experience. The portable pumps also come with mounting brackets for easy movement and have a compact, light design.

Conclusion

The choice of a bike pump depends on your preference. If you are a regular cyclist, you will need to pick a pump that you have with you all the time since you will need to pump regularly. Hopefully you have spotted the best bike pump to carry with you on your next cycling escapade that will ensure a smooth ride and a fun experience