One of the most important things you can do to keep your bike running safely and efficiently is to keep the proper amount of air pressure in the tires. Bike pumps come in a variety of sizes and styles, including floor pumps you use at home, pumps that can be attached to your bike frame and mini-pumps for smaller needs.
Step 1
Check the valves on your bicycle tires and determine if they are Presta or Schrader. Presta valves, which are common on high-performance bikes, are skinny valves that feature a built-in cap you must loosen before you can pump up the tire. Schrader valves, the style also used on automobile tires, are found on most children's and utility bikes. Your bike pump must be compatible with your tire valves. Some pumps can be adjusted to use on both types of valves.
Step 2
Consider your bike riding style. If you are an occasional rider who only goes short distances, you are probably okay with a floor pump you keep in the garage. Those who bike long distances should look for a lightweight pump you can attach to your bike. If you are a competitive cyclist, you need a lightweight, durable pump that will inflate tires quickly.
Step 3
Evaluate the performance of various tire pumps. Pumps have performance measurements you can compare to find the one that meets your needs. The "maximum PSI output" is the highest amount of air pressure the pump can produce in a tire. "Stroke force" indicates how much energy it takes to operate the pump; the lower the number, the easier the pump is to work. The "strokes-to-inflation" number shows if it will take many pumps or only a few to fill a tire.
Step 4
Consider how much you want to spend. With all the available choices in style and performance, there is a wide price range with bike pumps. As of 2010, the price of a basic pump starts at around $4. More powerful pumps sell for up to $100.
Member Comments