Whether you ride a mountain bike or a road bike, a good bicycle pump is essential. Tires lose air every day, so it's important to keep them properly inflated to ensure your safety, comfort and performance when riding. While it's important to pump your tires on a regular basis, it's also important to understand exactly how a pump works so you can use it properly.
About Pumps
Basically, there are three types of tire pumps. A floor pump is the largest and most stable pump. It works quickly and easily when inflating a tire. These are best to keep in your garage for use before a ride. The frame-fit pump is smaller and attaches directly to the bike frame. They are somewhat heavy, yet portable, and can be used at home or on the road. The mini-pump is the smallest and lightest. It is also portable but requires additional hardware to be mounted on your bike. Mini-pumps are designed to take with you on the road and are usually not meant for at-home use because they take longer to inflate a tire.
How Pumps Work
When pumping a tire, the pump attaches directly to the tire valve. There are two type of valves--a Presta or Schrader. Some pumps fit both types of valves; others do not. For Presta valves, the top will twist open. For Schrader valves, the cap simply comes off and is then ready to pump.
Compressed air is stored in the pump's cylinder. By pushing down on the handle of the pump, air is driven into the rubber tubing that attaches to the valve. The force of the pump causes the valve to open and thus allows air to flow in the tire. When the handle is pulled back up, the valve closes so air does not escape. New air then enters the pump's cylinder to allow the inflating process to continue.
Most pumps have a built-in gauge that measures pounds per square inch (PSI). This shows how much air to put in the tire. Once the tire is properly inflated, the pump is then removed from the tire, the valve is tightened and the pump is stored until next time.
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