What To Look For
Look for a sturdy pump that stands up by itself. It should have two large flat feet where you can place each of your own feet for leverage when you are operating the pump. It should have a large, comfortable ergonomic T-shaped handle on top where you grab it on both sides. There should be a circular gauge at about ankle height or higher located on the pump body with a large pressure indicator you can read when you are operating the pump. The pump should be capable of producing a maximum pressure of 160 lbs.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid pumps with hoses shorter than 36 inches. A pump with a short hose will pull loose from the tire if the pump slips when you are operating it. The constant rocking, sideways pull on the short hose will make the pump valve leak air. Also avoid pumps without a locking mechanism on the valve head. A valve lock is vital to keep the valve head from blowing off or leaking. Avoid small unreadable or confusing pressure display gauges. Make sure you understand the way the pump pressure gauge translates tire pressure recommendations into the bar formula used on most pumps.
Where To Buy
You can buy a pump almost anywhere. Walmart, Kmart or any of the "Marts" carry good enough floor pumps to get you going. Probably the best place to buy a high- quality pump would be the local REI store. They know about high-pressure pumps and will make sure the pump they sell will deliver the pressure you need with the right fittings. The best prices and selection are found online from Bike Nashbar or Performance cycling, though you will have to wait for delivery.
Cost
The cheapest department store pump that will do the job can be bought for $10. Most moderate pumps that can achieve the 130 lbs required of most road bike tires can be bought for about $20. For the best pump guaranteed not to leak air, you will pay just about $50.
Comparison Shopping
There are two types of tube valves in use today, the Schrader and the Presta. You need a different valve head on your pump for both of these valves. The current methodology is to offer a pump with a "smart' head on it. These pumps will fit on either type of tube valve. The problem is, they don't always work. You may have to thump the head of the valve on some solid object to get the "smart" feature to engage. The other type of pump valve head is specific to a single valve and they are infallible. So with a single valve head pump, you will need two pumps if you have both types of valves on different bikes.
Accessories
When you buy your floor pump, pick up a frame or a compact pump to carry on your bike with you when you ride. These tiny little pumps can save your life if you get a flat when out on the highway. They attach to your water bottle mounts and you don't even know they're there until you need them. You can get a decent compact pump for under $20.
Insider Tips
Buy the tallest pump with the longest hose you can find. The taller the pump, the more air capacity it can deliver in one stroke. Inspect the fitting where the rubber hose is joined to the valve head. It should look stiff, and not a bit flimsy. Floor pumps are capable of delivering an incredible amount of pressure and it's vital the the fittings are reinforced. Also, try to buy a pump with the brightest yellow, orange or day-glow colors you can find. Pumps get lost in cluttered garages easily. The bright color really helps to locate it.
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