Bicycle pumps all serve the same purpose but in slightly different ways. Some fill tires slowly and laboriously while others work quickly and effortlessly. At least one is too bulky to take on the road while others easily come along for the ride. Where you bike also plays a part in pump selection.
Choices
Bicycle pumps come in three basic types. Floor pumps, as the name suggests, sit on the floor. They consist of a metal cylinder atop a metal base and are the largest pumps of the lot. Frame pumps are similar to floor pumps but attach directly to your bike frame for easy transport. Mini pumps are smaller still for even easier carrying convenience. CO2 pumps are the smallest pumps. Rather than manual power, CO2 pumps inflate tires with a CO2 cartridge that spurts out air when you depress the trigger. Floor pumps, frame pumps and mini pumps all share the cylindrical design while CO2 pumps are hand-held devices.
Pros
Each pump has its own set of advantages. Floor pumps provide the most power and pressure with the ability to fill tires quickly and easily. Frame pumps provide less power and pressure than the floor pumps but their big plus is attaching to your bike frame without any additional mounting brackets. Mini pumps are even more convenient to carry than frame pumps but, as the pump size decreases, so does its power and air-filling capacity. CO2 pumps are usually small enough to fit in a seat pack and take absolutely no power from you other than depressing the trigger.
Cons
As the pump size decreases, so does its power. Mini pumps are the least powerful of the cylindrical pumps due to their small size. Compared with the floor and frame pump, they will take the longest to fill your tire. They also require some type of mounting bracket if you want to attach them to your frame. Frame pumps need no bracket, but not all varieties fit all types of bike frames. Since CO2 pumps rely on CO2 cartridges, the cost can add up. You will also be out of luck if you have an empty, expired or defective cartridge when on the road.
More Pump Points to Ponder
Before purchasing any pump, make sure it is compatible with your inner tubes. Some pump valves fit only Schrader valves, other fit only Presta valves and a third type is compatible with both. Schrader valves are the same type on your car tires while Presta valves are longer and thinner. Also consider the type of riding you do. The pump has to be able to achieve the pressure you need but it also needs to stand up to abuse. Lightweight pumps work well on road bikes, but you might need a heavier, stronger pump if you're out trolling trails, scaling mountain paths and splashing through streams. Pumps will add weight to your ride, as will any mounting hardware.
Member Comments