Flat tires are unavoidable, whether you're a casual weekend rider, city commuter, or downhill racer. But what kind of pump should you carry with you - a handheld mini pump or a CO2 inflator? Even if you're cautious and have puncture-resistant tires, you'll need to top off eventually. So, what's the best kind to keep in your garage - a foot-operated pump, push pump, or an electric compressor? You also need to get one that suits your ride style and tires. Is high volume or high pressure better for you?
To answer all of your burning questions, We've looked at a variety of options for all rides, from fat bikes to road bikes to beach cruisers. We considered uses from trail ride top-offs to pumping up the kids' bicycles at home. The Bell Air Attack 650 impressed us with its versatility, ergonomic design and sturdy build. But even that won't help you when you need air on the road or trail, so keep reading to check out our other top choices!
We've tried to include a variety of types to suit all bikers. Do you want something portable or not? Prefer a pump with a gauge or without? Need quick inflation or high pressure? You'll find something on this list worth checking out.
$19.96
Maximum psi | 100 |
---|---|
Valve types | Shrader, Presta; includes sports ball needle and cone for inflatables |
Body material | N/A |
Best for | Mountain, cruiser, BMX, kids' bikes |
Small
$45.99
Maximum psi | 120 |
---|---|
Valve types | Shrader, Presta |
Body material | Aluminum |
Best for | Road bikes |
$59.99
Maximum psi | 150 |
---|---|
Valve types | Shrader; includes sports ball needle and 2 cones for inflatables |
Body material | Plastic |
Best for | All bikes |
$24.98
Maximum psi | 120 |
---|---|
Valve types | Shrader, Presta |
Body material | Aluminum alloy |
Best for | All bikes |
$33.99
Maximum psi | 160 |
---|---|
Valve types | Shrader, Presta, Dunlop; includes sports ball needle and cones for inflatables |
Body material | N/A |
Best for | All bikes |
$29.98
Maximum psi | 100 |
---|---|
Valve types | Shrader, Presta |
Body material | Aluminum alloy |
Best for | All bikes |
$49.95
Maximum psi | 160 |
---|---|
Valve types | Shrader, Presta, Dunlop; includes sports ball needle and cone for inflatables |
Body material | Steel |
Best for | All bikes |
$34.99
Maximum psi | 100 |
---|---|
Valve types | Shrader, Presta; includes sports ball needle and cone for inflatables |
Body material | Aluminum alloy; steel foot peg |
Best for | All bikes |
$26.99
Maximum psi | - |
---|---|
Valve types | Shrader, Presta |
Body material | Aluminum with brass internals |
Best for | Emergency fast inflation |
$149.95
Maximum psi | 160 |
---|---|
Valve types | Shrader*, Presta |
Body material | Aluminum barrel, steel base |
Best for | Tubeless tires |
Image | 1 ![]() Bell | 2 ![]() Lezyne | 3 ![]() Acetek | 4 ![]() Vibrelli | 5 ![]() Audew | 6 ![]() Pro Bike Tool | 7 ![]() Topeak | 8 ![]() Pro Bike Tool | 9 ![]() Lezyne | 10 ![]() Topeak |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Air Attack 650 | Pressure Drive | Cordless Air Compressor | Mini Bike Pump and Puncture Repair Kit | Dual-Cylinder Foot Pump | Bike Pump With Gauge | Joe Blow Sport III | Pump With Stabilizing Foot Peg | Control Drive CO2 Inflator and Cartridge | Joe Blow Booster Floor Pump |
Features | A High Volume Pump for a Variety of Uses Around the Home | A Tiny Frame-Mount Pump That Delivers High Pressure | A Portable Handheld Substitute for a Big Compressor | Switch Between High Volume and High Pressure Modes | Pump Your Tires Without Needing Popeye Arms | Mini Frame Pump With Pressure Gauge | High Pressure Pump With a Large, Accurate Gauge | A Mini Version of a Floor Pump That Delivers Speed and Versatility | When You Need to Inflate Fast, Use This | Seat Tubeless Tires Without CO2 or a Compressor |
Price | $19.96 | $45.99 | $59.99 | $24.98 | $33.99 | $29.98 | $49.95 | $34.99 | $26.99 | $149.95 |
Maximum psi | 100 | 120 | 150 | 120 | 160 | 100 | 160 | 100 | - | 160 |
Valve types | Shrader, Presta; includes sports ball needle and cone for inflatables | Shrader, Presta | Shrader; includes sports ball needle and 2 cones for inflatables | Shrader, Presta | Shrader, Presta, Dunlop; includes sports ball needle and cones for inflatables | Shrader, Presta | Shrader, Presta, Dunlop; includes sports ball needle and cone for inflatables | Shrader, Presta; includes sports ball needle and cone for inflatables | Shrader, Presta | Shrader*, Presta |
Body material | N/A | Aluminum | Plastic | Aluminum alloy | N/A | Aluminum alloy | Steel | Aluminum alloy; steel foot peg | Aluminum with brass internals | Aluminum barrel, steel base |
Best for | Mountain, cruiser, BMX, kids' bikes | Road bikes | All bikes | All bikes | All bikes | All bikes | All bikes | All bikes | Emergency fast inflation | Tubeless tires |
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The most important things to consider when choosing a pump are what kind of tires you have and where you'll use the pump. The fact is, most bikers will probably want to own two different kinds of pumps: one to bring on rides and another to use at home.
If you only own one pump, it must be a portable pump! Unless you live in a city where you'll be able to repair a flat at a gas station or bike shop easily, you are playing with fire by not taking a pump with you when you ride. There are two main types of portable pumps: hand pumps (or frame-mount pumps) and CO2 inflators.
Frame-mounted pumps are compact and usually sold with hardware to attach it to your frame using the water-bottle holder bolts. The pump goes off to the side, so you can still hold a water bottle. You can also buy Velcro straps or other mounting hardware separately if you want to fasten it elsewhere, like your seat stem.
There are different designs: some you push to pump, others are foot-operated. Some connect directly to the valve stem, which can cause it stress, so many models offer a flexible tube connection.
Micro pumps are very small and easy to carry, but they'll sacrifice efficiency. If you want a micro pump, look for one that is dual-action. These pump both on the push and the pull stroke, which reduces time and requires less arm action in the long run!
When you're planning which size to buy, think about where you'll mount it and purchase accordingly. For a road bike, you may want to mount it to the top tube (the part of your frame from the handlebars to the seat), so measure that in millimeters; or you can look for one that fits your frame size (in centimeters).
Another portable option is a CO2 pump or inflator, but they're a supplement, not a primary choice. The advantages are that they're tiny and lightweight. But you'll have to buy CO2 cartridges each time you use it.
One cartridge will generally fill one tire, maybe two if you have skinny racing tires, and even if you're just topping off and don't use up the whole charge, the rest of the gas will usually leak out anyway. This could be a good option ff you race or are just impatient, but they aren't necessary for most riders.
In addition to a portable pump, you may want to invest in a shop pump to keep in your garage or tool shed. Floor pumps are the manual option. They're ergonomic and faster to use than a frame-mount pump. A long hose eliminates valve stem stress.
They vary by operation method, with some being foot-operated either with an offset pedal or by directly stepping on the piston. The most common are hand-operated. Whichever you prefer, look for one that's stable, with a large base and easy-to-grip handles.
Another type to keep at home is an electric pump. These are kind of like handheld compressors, and most are rechargeable. Those that plug in are obviously less convenient. Rechargeable ones should last long enough per charge to pump what you need.
Both electric pumps and manual floor pumps are great options if you need to pump other things, as they often come with needles to inflate balls and cones for things like pool toys and air mattresses. Electric ones can even be used for your car tires!
Because you can't really get both! As the volume of air that a pump can produce increases, the maximum pressure usually drops.
Floor pumps, by their nature, will offer higher volume. They can also get to higher pressures with less effort from you.
But not everyone needs both high pressure and volume. Road and racing bikes require a pump with higher pressure, and it should have a maximum pressure rating of 160 pounds per square inch (psi).
Mountain bikes only need a maximum pressure of 120 psi, and non-specialized bikes like beach cruisers or kids' bikes can get away with 90 psi. For bikes with larger tires, high volume (for faster filling) is more important.
If you have a bike with fat tires, you can forget about high-pressure pumps completely, unless you like the idea of pumping a tire for hours. Go for high volume!
Maximum pressures vary by type, with floor pumps often being capable of up to 160 psi. Portable pumps range from 90 to 160 psi. Of course, with any manual pump, the actual pressure you can reach depends entirely on your own strength, though!
There are two types of valve stem used on almost all bicycles sold in the US: Shrader and Presta. They are not interchangeable at all! If you get a pump that can't handle your valve stem type, you'll have to get an adaptor.
Shrader valves are the same kind as those on car tires. Presta valves are thinner and have a threaded cap to keep out dirt. Rarely, you may find bikes with Dunlop valves.
Fortunately, many pumps now can work with both types right out of the box. With some, you may need to switch the pump head, but others have "smart heads" which will adjust on their own.
One final consideration is the durability of a pump. Since they need to withstand high pressures, the interior and exterior should be made of quality materials. Look for a tough plastic or aluminum body on a portable pump. Floor pumps will have a steel or aluminum construction.
The internals are harder to inspect, but it may be worth researching whether or not the maker sells spare parts. If they do, it's likely they put enough engineering into their product that it's not disposable but meant to last. Some pumps may come with a warranty as well.
Although there is no rule for proper inflation, there are some guidelines that will help you find the most comfortable ride.
Remember first of all that the "best" pressure depends on the road conditions, tire size and thickness, and weight of the rider. While it's okay to under-inflate slightly on a rough road or for better grip, never over-inflate! Check your tire sidewalls for their maximum pressure.
General pressure ranges are as follows:
A flat tire isn't the only thing you need to worry about when biking. Get the best out of your ride with these other great items.
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