For newcomers to this sport, the bicycle pump may not be seen as a top priority, but it’s important to understand that it is actually crucial. The proper tire pressure, and therefore improved efficiency, largely relies on the pump.
Often, when buying a bike, you don’t think about the importance of always carrying this accessory with you. But the bicycle pump will allow us to prevent our trip from becoming a disaster in the event of a puncture.
Bicycle pumps have become an essential element for cyclists, regardless of how often they do it. The correct tire pressure allows us to make our trips with greater safety. In case of a puncture, the pumps take us out of the mess. Below, we reveal everything about this handy accessory.
Here we had listed out some of the best bicycle pumps that are present below.
Buyer Guide to Choose Bicycle Pumps
What Are Bicycle Pumps and What Types Can Be Found?
The bicycle pump is a pneumatic pump designed to fill the inner tube of the bicycle wheels with the right pressure, which allows you to move more comfortably.
Furthermore, they are intended for use with the two most common types of valves ( Schrader and Presta ) and, if they are not compatible, an adapter can always be used.
However, it is essential to evaluate the type of bike you have, as two different types of pumps will be needed for a mountain bike or racing bicycle. Before buying one, you need to know the type of valve on the bike wheel. If you use bikes with different valves, you need to choose a pump with both options.
Compatibility of Bicycle Pump
Even though the Schrader valve requires to be inflated more frequently, there will be no problems with the pump, since they can fit just about all. The Presta valve may require a small Schrader adapter.
The ideal is to look for one equipped with an o-ring (usual rubber) that prevents air leaks at the junction point between the adapter and the valve.
If the adapter does not have an o-ring, we will often experience small air leaks that will distort the pressure measurement. In these cases, you will not even need a pump with a pressure gauge. The tires will be inflated, but we will never know the exact pressure.
What Consequences Can Wheels have with Lack of Pressure?
If you have just dusted off your bike and you don’t know the pressure the wheels need, don’t worry, because on all tires this figure is indicated. If the tire pressure is too high, the tires may puncture, and the efficiency in the corners will be significantly reduced.
If, on the other hand, you go out on a bike with deflated wheels, the most likely thing is that you will end up puncturing, losing efficiency in pedaling, and damaging the sides of the tires. With low pressure, most likely drifting and braking will repeat themselves recurrently.
What Type of Pump Do I Need?
The ideal, before leaving the house, is to check the wheels and, therefore, a floor or floor pump is best. With these pumps, inflation is performed much faster than with portable or hand pumps. The floor pumps are reserved for domestic use, while the hand pumps are designed to follow you at every exit.
In general, all pumps are made of iron, plastic, or aluminum: the latter material is the most recommended, given that the plastic is very fragile and the iron can oxidize. Keep this material in mind for both the floor and hand pump.
Purchase Criteria
The bicycle pump is the accessory that every cyclist must always carry with him since he will remove it from the troubles in case of a puncture.
These pumps will also be useful when the tire pressure is low enough to risk damaging them. Below, we present a series of aspects not to be overlooked at the time of purchase:
- Pressure Gauge
- Dimensions
- Base
- Pressure
Pressure Gauge
The pressure gauge is an indicator that allows you to know the tire pressure. Some pumps incorporate digital pressure gauges, others analog, and others do not have them.
You must check that these meters have adequate dimensions, in addition to a simple reading and a proper calibration. You must also take into account the position of the pressure gauge.
In this sense, the reading will be easier if it is located in the upper part, even if it could be more easily damaged in case of a fall. If the pressure gauge is located at the bottom, it will offer a broader and more stable base. Remember that reading should be as accurate as possible.
Dimensions
The dimensions define the inflation speed, because the longer the pump stem is, the greater the volume of air that will enter the wheel in one stroke. It is essential to know that inflation will take a little longer with portable pumps.
Therefore, it is advisable to look for a pump equipped with a push and pull system, which allows filling with each stroke. The CO2 pump has a container that facilitates the inflation of the wheel without any effort. This pump is ideal for racing bike competitions. Finally, it would help if you focused on any air leaks that may occur when inflating tires.
Base
The width of the base will give greater or lesser stability to the floor pumps. Consequently, the wider the ground, the easier it will be to inflate. Keep in mind that a metal base will always be better than a plastic one, where stability is not guaranteed. This criterion does not exist in the case of hand or CO2 pumps.
Pressure
Before buying any bicycle pump, it is essential to consider the use you intend to make of it. The pump must, therefore, have the number of bars necessary for our bike. We are talking about 8 bars for racing bikes, 3 bars for mountain bikes, and 6 bars for cycle tourism bikes.
Conclusions
The bicycle pump is an indispensable accessory that must not be missing in any outlet. Punctures and unforeseen events with tire pressure can play tricks on us at any time.
And it is in those moments that the portable pump comes into play when it is necessary to know the pressure the wheels need. Don’t you know it?
The solution is found in the raised lettering on the sides of the tires. In addition to portable pumps, there are floor pumps recommended for domestic use. Before going out on a bike, check the pressure of the wheels. The pumps with a pressure gauge will facilitate the reading of the pressure, and you will thus know if it sins in excess of the defect.
