Rank: | Photo: | Model: | Rating: | More Info: |
#1 |  | WINNER BV Bicycle Floor Pump With Gauge | ||
#2 |  | RUNNER-UP Vibrelli Bike Floor Pump | ||
#3 |  | ALTERNATIVE BETO Bike Pump Portable | ||
#4 |  | ALTERNATIVE LEZYNE Classic Floor Tire Pump | ||
#5 |  | ALTERNATIVE AerGun X-1000 Bike Pump |
Bicycle pumps have been around since the first pneumatic tire was invented. They are an easy way to fix your tires if you are on the road, making bike pumps a perfect ally for most cyclists.
Bicycle pumps are highly portable, easy to use, and affordable. They will make your on-the-road time a lot more enjoyable.
In today’s article, we’ll share with you our top recommendations for the best bicycle pumps for 2021. We’ll tell you how bike pumps work, how long they last, and we’ll give you the best tips for getting your first one.
Contents
Best Bicycle Pump For 2021
Winner: BV Bicycle Floor Pump With Gauge
Featured Specs
- Weight: 2 pounds (0.9 kg)
- Size: 24 x 9.5 x 5 inches (60.9 x 24.1 x 12.7 cm)
- Tire Size: Any tire size
Benefits
The BV Bicycle Floor Pump is one of the best bicycle pumps with a gauge on the market. Its steel barrel makes it highly-resistant, and it has the possibility of pumping and reading up to 160 PSI. This bike pump can be used for both Presta and Schrader valves, making it an excellent choice if you have more than one bike model.
The BV Floor Pump is easy to use, which is excellent for new users. It also has an ergonomic design that is of great help if you have chronic pain in your wrists or fingers. Another superb feature of this pump is its long steel barrel, which allows more air into the tires with each pump.
This air pump for bicycles also offers a stable base that can help you when you don’t have a flat surface to pump over. Combine this feature with its large handle, and you have one of the easiest-to-use bike pumps you’ll be able to find
Drawbacks
The main drawback of this air pump for bikes is its price. It is not the most affordable option on the market.
Extra Features
This bicycle pump comes with an easy-to-read pressure gauge, making the entire pumping process a lot easier. The air pump also comes with an inflator ball needle, which works if you play football, basketball, or any other sport involving a ball.
Buying Advice
If you only have one type of bike, you should try to get a more affordable option. The BV floor pump is excellent, but most of its features are not necessary for the average commuter.
Runner-Up: Vibrelli Bike Floor Pump
Featured Specs
- Weight: 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg)
- Size: 24.5 x 10.5 x 5.9 inches (62.2 x 26.6 x 14.9 cm)
- Tire Size: Any tire size
Benefits
Vibrelli’s Bike floor pump is an excellent alternative if you are looking for a pump with an accurate pressure gauge. This pump also allows you to inflate tires with Presta and Schrader valves. This feature is possible thanks to its T-valve switch, which lets you alternate between valves whenever you want.
The pump comes with a long steel barrel and a large handle that makes pumping a lot easier. Its pressure gauge can read up to 160 PSI, and the pump itself is highly portable, making it your best ally for the road.
Drawbacks
This pump’s main drawback is that you will lose some air as you disengage the pump valve from the tire’s valve. This problem is most common in Presta valves, and it doesn’t seem to be a problem for Schrader valves.
Extra Features
The Vibrelli floor pump is highly resistant, and it offers a 5-year warranty. It also comes with a puncture kit that does not require any type of glue, which is perfect for mountain bikers that want to avoid a flat tire in the middle of nowhere.
It also comes with a ball inflation needle that you can use for sports items like soccer and volleyball balls and inflatable pool toys.
Buying Advice
We recommend this pump if you have a bike that uses a Schrader valve. If you have a bike with a Presta valve, then you can choose between other options on the list.
Alternative: BETO Bike Pump Portable
Featured Specs
- Weight: 2.6 pounds (1.1 kg)
- Size: 8.46 x 1.18 x 1.18 inches (21.4 x 2.9 x 2.9 cm)
- Tire Size: Any tire size
Benefits
The BETO bike pump is part of one of the most trusted brands in the world. It comes with a high-volume steel barrel that makes pumping a lot more effective. It also includes an anti-slid ergonomic handle for better comfort.
This pump comes with a tri-valve mechanism that allows you to use it for Schrader, Pesta, and the Dunlop valves that are most commonly used outside of America. The best part of this model is that you don’t need to convert the valve at all. It will automatically fit any of the valves mentioned above.
All of these features make BETO’s bike pump one of the best portable bicycles pumps on the market.
Drawbacks
The main drawback with this pump is that even if it offers the possibility of working with three valves, it is difficult to attach the pump to the tire. It’s not impossible or too hard, just a bit tricky if you are new to air pumps.
Extra Features
BETO’s bike pump comes with an industrial-level pressure gauge that will make the pumping process a lot easier.
Buying Advice
This model is your best option if you have a bike model with the Dunlop valve. They are not that common in America, so get it if you live in Europe or Asia.
Alternative: LEZYNE Classic Floor Tire Pump
Featured Specs
- Weight: 3.1 pounds (1.4 kg)
- Size: 26 x 11 x 8.75 inches (66 x 27.9 x 22 cm)
- Tire Size: Any tire size
Benefits
This aluminum-made air pump for bicycles is one of the best bicycle hand pumps on the market. It allows you to pump up to 220 PSI, making it one of the best options for road bike tires.
The aluminum makes this pump entirely resistant and durable. It also comes with an analog gauge that will help you inflate your tire to its recommended PSI.
Drawbacks
You can use this pump for Schrader valves with no problem. However, it won’t give you the best results for Presta valves.
Extra Features
This model offers an extra-long hose that will make pumping a lot easier. The hose is also made of aluminum, making it resistant and durable.
Buying Advice
This bicycle pump is one of the best pumps for road bike tires, so it is your best option if you own a road bike.
Alternative: AerGun X-1000 Bike Pump
Featured Specs
- Weight: 2.4 pounds (1 kg)
- Size: 9.5 x 5 x 24.25 inches (24.1 x 12.7 x 62.2 cm)
- Tire Size: Any tire size
Benefits
AerGun X-1000 is one of the easiest-to-use bike pumps in the world. It requires no fiddling, and you won’t need to adapt it for different valves. It also comes with a pressure valve that makes pumping and removing air a lot more effective.
This air pump allows you to fill your tires up to 160PSI, which is the standard for most high-performance bikes. Additionally, it includes an accurate pressure gauge that can make pumping your tire to the recommended PSI a lot easier.
This model is made with the highest-quality aluminum, making it resistant and reliable for any situation. It is without a doubt one of the best bicycle tire pumps you’ll be able to find.
Drawbacks
This bike pump’s main drawback is the stiff valve lock. It makes it hard for users to attach and detach the pump from the tires.
Extra Features
This brand offers a 3-year warranty, and you’ll also get a ball inflation needle that works perfectly with soccer, volley, basket, and other sports balls.
Buying Advice
It is highly recommended if you have a high-performance bike. It will give you all the necessary features to inflate your tires on the road.
Bicycle Pump FAQ
How Does a Bike Pump Work?
Bicycle pumps work by compressing the air inside the mechanism and then pushing that air into the bike’s tires. The bike pump will start by compressing air in the cylinder. The air will then be pushed down the pump’s tube and into the valve connected to the bicycle’s tire.
You repeat the process as many times as necessary to inflate the tire. Once the air is inside the tire, you will push the air back in again while the pump makes sure the air doesn’t escape.
Once the tire is inflated, you should stop pumping air into it or risk blowing up the tire. Some pumps come with a gauge that shows the amount of air pressure inside the tire so that you can stop when the tire is correctly inflated.
When you notice that the tire is inflated correctly, you should remove the tire’s valve. Do it quickly to avoid any air from escaping the tire, and don’t forget to seal the tire with its cap.
Keep in mind that there are two types of valves you can find in tires, and not all pumps can be used in each one. There are air pumps that work perfectly with both, but most air pumps will work only for one type of valve.
Here are the two types of valves you can find in tires:
Presta Valve
This valve is one of the most common valves in mountain bikes and high-pressure road style bicycles. You can find this valve outside of the tire, but it has an internal mechanism inside the tire. This type of valve comes with a lock nut and a cap that prevents the air from escaping from the inside.
Schrader Valve
You can find this type of valve in almost every motor vehicle in the world. It is usually used for hybrid and folding bikes as it makes them safer for users. You’ll also be able to find this type of valve in most wide-rim tires.
Both
The other option you have is to get a bike pump that works with both the Schrader and the Presta valve. This type of pump is excellent if you have more than one bike model and if you sometimes use your pump on your car’s tires (not recommended, but possible).
Are Bicycle Pumps Universal?
You can use most air pumps on any type of bicycle as long as they have the same valve. If your bike has a different kind of valve, you’ll have trouble trying to make it work with your air pump.
How Many Types of Bicycle Pumps Exist?
There are three types of bicycle pumps you can find. Each one works for a specific kind of tire valve. But don’t worry. Even if your pump has a different valve than your bike, you can get a valve adapter in any bike store.
The most common type of pump is the stand pump, which works by placing the pump on the floor and pushing with the handles. Each push sends air pressure into the tires, and the valve prevents the air from escaping between pumps.
Another common type of air pump for bicycle tires is the stand hand pump. They are the cheapest models and are easier to carry than other pumps on the market.
You connect the pump to the tire and start pumping. The air will begin flowing into the tire with each pump and won’t escape while you do it.
Finally, the third type of pump for bicycles is the foot pump. This type is not typical for bikes, but there are still some models on the market that can help you a lot. They are not standard for bikes because they do not generate enough pressure for narrow bicycle tires.
Foot pumps do, however, work correctly for mountain bikes. This type of model is designed to work with Schrader valves, so you’ll need an adapter if you want to use it with a Presta valve.
CO2 Inflators or Pumps
This type of inflator or pump is new to the market. CO2 inflators are a lot more efficient, but they are also a lot more expensive. You’ll need to regularly purchase them so the costs can add up.
Basically, you attach the inflator to the tire’s valve, and it’s done. The inflator and the CO2 do the rest. Your tires will be ready in an instant. You should keep in mind that the more you use this inflator, the more expensive it will become.
Can You Use a Bike Pump On Car Tire?
Although the bicycle pumps are more efficient for bikes, you can still use them for cars depending on the model and the valve they use. Most cars use Schrader valves, meaning that you will either need a pump with that type of valve or get a valve adapter to make it work.
Follow these steps to use a bike pump for your car in a safe way:
1. A Flat Surface Will Help You a Lot
Before using the pump in your car, you should make sure that your vehicle is over a flat surface, or it might not work correctly. It is not a must, but it will make using the pump a lot easier and will help you get a better reading of the pressure inside your car.
2. Keep the Caps Safe
Proceed to remove the valve caps from the tire you want to inflate. Keep the lids close to you as they are small and easy to lose. We recommend using a ziplock bag or a small container, but you can always use your pockets.
3. PSI
Now, it’s time to know the correct PSI your tire needs. The information is on the rubber part of the tire, but it might have worn off after usage.
If that’s the case, you can check for the information printed on a sticker on one of your doors. Another option is looking for it in your car’s manual.
You can also look for it on the internet using the size and brand of your tire. However, you might also want to change tires if it is already too old. Keep in mind that back and front tires might require different PSI.
Once you know your car’s PSI, it is time to use your pressure gauge to read the PSI on your tire and know how much you need to pump. Clean any dirt around the valve before using the pressure gauge.
Here’s what you should do to use your pressure gauge to read your car’s PSI:
- You should start by pressing the opening of the tire gauge to the top of the valve.
- Proceed to push it firmly into the valve, only stop when the sound of escaping air stops. Once that’s done, it will be time to release.
- Some gauges have various reading measures that serve other purposes. However, if you want to determine the actual pressure in your tire, you should read the information on the mark that is closest to the end.
4. Check On Your Car’s and Pump’s Valve Type First
As mentioned before, most bike pumps use the Presta valve because it is the standard for bicycles worldwide. However, some models use the Schrader valve, which is the one that cars use. If your pump uses a separate valve, you should not try to use it for pumping air into your vehicle’s tires.
5. Time To Pump
Connect your air pump’s valve into your car’s pump. Make sure they are correctly connected before pumping, or else all of the air can escape. The best way to notice this is to pay attention to the sound that comes from the air exiting the tire. Once the sound stops, you’ll know that the valves are correctly attached.
Make sure your pump is stable enough if it is a stand pump. Once the pump is standing still, it is time to start pumping.
It might take several minutes, depending on how much air your tires need. So, stop every once in a while to check the pressure with your gauge. Keep pumping until you’ve reached the correct PSI.
6. Put Everything Back In Order
Once you’ve reached the recommended PSI, you will need to seal the valve’s caps. If not, the air will escape, and all your hard work would have been for nothing. After that’s done, you’ll be able to drive your car again.
How Long Do Bike Pumps Last?
Your pump will last depending on the model, the brand, and how much you use it. If you get a cheap pump or a no-brand one, chances are you probably won’t be able to use it for more than a couple of years.
However, if you choose a suitable model from a trusty brand, your pump will probably last you for over two years. If you take care of your bike pump, keep it dry, and use it only for your bike tires, it should last about two years.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the right bicycle pump for 2021, we recommend the BV Bicycle Floor Pump With Gauge.
It is one of the best bicycle pumps for high-performance bikes thanks to its easy-to-use mechanism and the possibility of using it for Presta and Schrader valves.
The handle has an ergonomic design for more comfortable pumping. It includes a long steel barrel that makes pumping more effective.
Overall, bicycle pumps are necessary if you are a biker that loves cycling on long trails or a daily commuter that needs the bike ready at all times.
Choose the pump that better adjusts to your needs depending on the type of bike you have. Don’t forget to make sure it has the right kind of valve for your bike.
RESOURCES
Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Danijel Cakalic
