Bicycle pumps

Buying advice for: Bicycle pumps

• Types of bike pumps

  Bike pumps are an essential accessory for every cyclist to ensure optimum tyre pressure. There are different types of bike pumps, each suitable for different purposes. Floor pumps are large and offer high performance, ideal for home use. They have a stable base and a long hose, which makes pumping quick and efficient. Mini pumps are small and light, perfect for travelling. They can be easily attached to the bike frame or carried in a rucksack. CO2 pumps are compact and use CO2 cartridges to inflate the tyre in seconds - ideal for competitions and emergencies. Frame pumps are elongated pumps that are attached directly to the bike frame and are therefore always ready to hand.

• Bike pump brands

  There are many renowned brands that produce high-quality bike pumps. The best known include Topeak, Lezyne, SKS, Blackburn and Bontrager. Topeak is known for its innovative and versatile pumps, which are often equipped with additional functions such as integrated pressure indicators. Lezyne offers a wide range of pumps that impress with their durability and high-quality workmanship. SKS is a German manufacturer known for its reliable and robust pumps, which are used in many workshops around the world. Blackburn combines functionality with stylish design and offers both manual and CO2 pumps. Bontrager, a Trek brand, stands for quality and performance and offers pumps that are perfectly tailored to the needs of cyclists.

• Materials and workmanship

  The materials and workmanship are decisive for the performance and durability of a bike pump. High-quality pumps are often made of aluminium or stainless steel, which are robust and corrosion-resistant. These materials ensure a long service life and high resistance to the elements. Plastic is also used, especially in lightweight and portable pumps, to reduce weight. The handle and feet of floor pumps are often ergonomically designed and covered with non-slip material to ensure comfort and stability.

• Technical features

  Modern bicycle pumps are equipped with numerous technical features that make pumping more efficient and comfortable. An integrated pressure gauge (pressure indicator) is a key feature found on many floor pumps and some mini pumps. It allows accurate monitoring of tyre pressure to ensure optimum pressure. Dual-head valve heads are also common and allow compatibility with different valve types such as Presta and Schrader. Some pumps have a high-pressure/high-volume switching valve that is optimised for either high pressure (road bike tyres) or high volume (mountain bike tyres). Electric pumps often offer additional features such as automatic shut-off when the desired pressure is reached and different modes for different applications. CO2 pumps utilise a quick inflation system, which is particularly useful in emergencies.