How to choose a bicycle pump?
On a desert island, a cyclist would probably take two things with him: his bike and a pump. bicycle pump ! An essential accessory, the pump is just as at home in the workshop as it is in the field, whatever the discipline.
Punctures, tire changes, re-inflating or adjusting pressure: the bicycle pump is in constant demand. This accessory must be chosen with care if it is to last over time and provide the best possible adjustment for your bike.
Features of bicycle pumps
Pump types : foot pumps, hand pumps, CO2 pumps, suspension pumps
ALL ABOUT BICYCLE PUMPS
Foot pumps
The foot pump is the workshop pump par excellence. It provides efficient inflation thanks to its large air volume, while reducing the effort required to reach the desired pressure. Its design makes it pleasant and easy to use: well positioned under the user's feet, it is stable; its comfortable handle provides a good grip, while the long hose ensures easy access to the wheel, whether the bike is on the ground or on a repair stand. Finally, the pump's large-diameter stem and body stiffen the whole. The integrated pressure gauge enables precise inflation, and the foot pump often has several nozzles for multi-compatibility with the main valves on the market (Presta, thin and unscrewable, and Schrader, larger and similar to car valves). Finally, accessories for inflating balloons, for example, can be supplied to extend the range of applications.
To install tubeless tires, new types of foot pumps have appeared: they contain a pressurized air supply. When manually filled, this reserve releases a large quantity of air into the tire in a fraction of a second. The effect is guaranteed: no need for a compressor!
Hand pumps
The hand pump is ideal for the field, thanks to its compact size and light weight. The most compact models can measure just 15 to 25 cm in length and weigh just a few dozen grams, thanks in particular to the use of carbon. In other words, these pumps offer a great deal of freedom and can be carried in a small rucksack, jersey pocket or even on the bike via a specific attachment, usually coupled to the bottle cage.
Although there are double-action pumps that send air to and from the pump, hand pumps are still limited in terms of flow and cannot be used for high pressures. Such a pump is therefore primarily a back-up solution designed for field repairs.
Visit CO2 pumps
Here, use is child's play. The tiny pump houses a single-use cartridge. When struck, the cartridge instantly releases enough CO2 to re-inflate a tire. The operation is very quick and the footprint minimal, as is the weight. Cartridges are available with smooth or threaded ends. Different volumes are available to suit different riding styles (road / mountain bike).
Suspension pumps
These high-pressure pumps are not designed for tires, but for adjusting forks and shock absorbers with air springs, requiring a limited volume of air but very high pressures (generally up to 20 bar / 300 psi).
Made of plastic or metal, they feature a highly accurate pressure gauge and a flexible hose for connection to shock absorber valves, which are often inaccessible.
Which bicycle pump is right for you?
First and foremost, it's best to check that the pump you're aiming for is compatible with the valves you're using. The vast majority of today's bikes are fitted with Presta or Schrader valves, and Dunlop to a lesser extent. It's rare that an adapter isn't available to switch from one valve to the other.
Next, the air flow must be adapted to the tires to be inflated. A cyclist practicing Road can't rely on a single mini-pump to reach the high pressures used in this discipline, generally between 7 and 8 bars, without burning out. To be able to inflate with peace of mind in the workshop, a foot pump, or at least a high-pressure hand pump, is the best accessory.
Visit MTBwith the trend towards large-section tires, a high-volume pump will be much appreciated. On the other hand, a mountain biker who uses tubeless or tubeless ready must be able to rapidly deliver a large quantity of air into the tire to "slam" the tire, ensuring efficient mounting. This is sometimes possible with a hand pump, but not always. In any case, it's much easier to do with a foot pump.
The precision of manometer also comes into play: some high-volume tubeless mountain bike tires can drop very low in pressure. A difference of just a few psi can radically change the bike's behavior! (1 bar = 14.51 psi). What's more, not all pressure gauges are created equal: the larger the dial, the more precise the marking. On a foot pump, it should ideally be placed at the top to remain clearly visible during inflation.
Finally, the weight, l'footprint andergonomics must be compared. A foot pump is subject to considerable mechanical stress, so choose a sturdy body made of steel or aluminum. Similarly, a metal base will last longer than a plastic one.
The same logic applies to hand pumps: while carbon or plastic can reduce weight, the use of aluminum can increase service life.
On the other hand, the foot pump, necessarily imposing but very functional especially in case of intensive use, should ideally be complemented by a compact hand pump or, for cyclists and riders looking for maximum speed in repairs and low weight, a CO2 pump.
The ideal configuration for mountain bikers
A large-volume foot pump, possibly with an additional air reservoir for tires tubelessA sturdy, stable foot pump with an accurate pressure gauge. Stored permanently in the workshop or in the car.
A small hand pump completes the set, for repairing punctures in the field. Competitors prefer to use a CO2 pump in the field, as it's faster, but the cartridges are single-use. In the workshop, a high-pressure pump ensures precise adjustment of air suspension.
The ideal configuration for road cyclists
A high-pressure hand or foot pump capable of inflating to over 8 bar for the workshop. Take along a CO2 pump and one or two ! single-use cartridges suitable for high pressure (a 16g cartridge, for example, can inflate to 9 bars).
For occasional or urban cyclists
A basic foot pump allows you to re-inflate your tires from time to time, efficiently and without wearing yourself out. And if you're commuting to work, a small hand pump in your pannier is just what you need in case of a puncture.
