Having a flat tire is one of the most annoying aspects of owning a bicycle. However, it is a necessary evil and the bike pump is an essential tool for the maintenance of your bicycle. There are hundreds of different types of pumps and some are definitely better than others.
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Before you invest in a bike pump, you should be aware of some of the different types of pumps that are available on the market. In short, pumps can be separated into two basic types, manual and electric. From there, pumps can further be categorized as being full size or compact. Your specific needs will dictate what kind of bike pump or pumps that you ultimately choose to buy.
Manual Pump
As you probably have guess, manual pumps are what most people envisions when they think of a bike pump. They generally have a base that you hold down with your feet, a long shaft, and a set of handles to pump air into the tires with. Most of them also have some form of pressure gauge to ensure that tires are properly and safely inflated.
However, those pumps are big and bulky. Serious mountain bikers may want something a little smaller and easier to carry with them. This is where portable pumps come into play. They follow the same basic principles as standard manual pumps, but they are typically designed to be pumped with only your hands or have retractable foot petals.
Electric Pump
Pumping a tire can take quite a bit of strength and energy. Electric pumps get the job done in a more convenient fashion. Using a small motor, they are able to inflate tires rapidly and without much effort. Some electric pumps also incorporate additional features such as cutting off at preset pressures and being battery powered for portability.
If you are looking into an electric bike pump, make sure that the pump is designed for usage on bicycles. There are two forms of electric pumps: high pressure, low volume and low pressure, high volume. High pressure, low volume pumps are designed specifically for bicycle tires and sports balls. This is because these inflatable items have relatively small amounts of air inside them that are kept at higher pressure levels. On the contrary, low pressure, high volume electric pumps are used for larger tires, airbeds, inflatable boats, and similar items that have huge amounts of air at lower pressures.
Bike Pump Top Recommendations
There are a ton of different pumps available on the market. Depending on the style that you are interested in purchasing, there are many pumps that are excellent choices. They can be separated into the following categories:
Budget Manual Pump:
- Bell Sports Inc Pump
- Model: 111095
- Approximate Price: $10
The most basic and reliable bicycle pump does not have to cost more than $10. The best budget bike pump is the model 111905 by bicycle super company Bell. It is constructed of high quality steel that will last for many years of abuse. The pump handle is spring loaded to make for easier, more comfortable pumping. The tube is long and flexible, taking a lot of the hassle out of inflating a tire. The pump head is sturdy and holds strong during inflation. The feet fold for easy storage. Although the only downside is that it does not have a pressure gauge, there is no better pump for your money.
Manual Pump:
- Serfas TCPG
- Model: TCPG
- Approximate Price: $30
If you are looking for the ultimate manual pump, the Serfas TCPG is it. Its specialized design encourages maximum airflow with every pump. Its metal tube and nylon base make pumping as effortless as it can be while preventing the bike pump from slipping and sliding during operation. It has a valve that attaches easily to most standard tires and an oversized gauge that is easy to see. It boasts a lifetime warranty and the company challenges you with their claims that it will be the last bike pump you ever buy.
Portable Manual Pump:
- Topeak Pocket Rocket Master Blaster
- Model: 61104000
- Approximate Price: $20
The Topeak Pocket Rocket Master Blaster is the best portable manual pump on the market. Not only is it strong, lightweight, and ultra portable, it is also very cheap. Manufactured with high strength aluminum, the pump only weighs a staggering quarter of a pound (115 grams). It features a padded grip and an aluminum thumb lock for easy two-handed operation anywhere you need it. It also comes with a holder that allows you to attach it to the frame of your bike so it is with you wherever you go.
Budget Electric Pump:
- Schwinn Electric Pump
- Model: SW74180
- Approximate Price: $25
Schwinn is one of the most recognized names in bicycles. Their electric bike pump is no exception to their legacy of quality products. Using a powerful 12-volt motor, it powers through the inflation process. Furthermore, it is compact for easy storage and includes a gauge, patch kit, and several nozzles.
Corded Electric Pump:
- Black & Decker Air Station Inflator
- Model: ASI300
- Approximate Price: $50
The Black & Decker Air Station Inflator (or ASI) is the powerhouse of electric pumps. It is small, lightweight, and easy to use. It is the ideal high pressure, low volume electric pump. Not only does it connect to standard wall outlets, it also can connect through the cigarette lighter in a car. One of the best features is its automatic shutoff feature, where you set the desired pressure and it stops when it is reached.
Battery Electric Pump:
- PowerSmith Portable Inflator
- Model: MLAI12C
- Approximate Price: $50
If a portable bike pump is what you desire, the PowerSmith Portable Inflator is the best product for the bill. It utilizes a rechargeable lithium 12-volt battery to be used anywhere. It has a lockable safety switch to prevent inadvertent powering on. This pump can easily power through two 26-inch bike tires on a single charge.
There are a lot of pumps to choose from. Whether it be manual or electric, choosing the right bike pump can make all the difference. Being informed will help you buy the best pump for you.
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