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Questions and answers about sports

What is the best cycle pump?

4 min read

Asked by: Derrick Roberts

What should I look for in a bike pump?

THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A BICYCLE PUMP

  • VALVE COMPATIBILITY. Presta and Schrader valves are the two most common valve types. …
  • PRESSURE COMPATIBILITY. Not many riders need a pump that manages to go up to 160 psi. …
  • VOLUME COMPATIBILITY. The volume of air depends on the main bike choice. …
  • GAUGE. …
  • BUILD QUALITY. …
  • SERVICEABILITY.


Which Topeak pump is best?

We’ve selected the Topeak – Joe Blow Sport III as the best floor bike pump. It has a dual head for Presta and Schrader valves that attaches and detaches in a snap, a large easy-to-read gauge, and a smooth, effortless pump.

Do bicycle pumps wear out?

Bike pump frames don’t wear out quickly, and so it may take a lifetime for that to happen. However, things like pressure gauges, seals/gaskets, and air hoses wear with time. So, you may have to replace the worn-out components individually or replace the pump entirely.

Are Presta or Schrader valves better?

Presta vs Schrader: Which is the superior valve? Because Presta valves were designed specifically for use on bicycles, they are the best. Presta valves are also more narrow, so they require a smaller hole in the rim, with less interruption to the structural integrity of the rim than Schrader valves.

Which is better foot pump or floor pump?

Go for a foot pump or compact foot pump model to make pumping up your tyres quicker and more comfortable (you will push more air into the tyre each time than with a hand pump). Generally, foot pumps will pump to a higher pressure than hand pumps. They also require less effort to use.

Does type of bike pump matter?

Bike pumps generally can handle either valve type. When shopping, just be aware that lower-priced pumps may require you to use an adapter to fit one of the valve types. Most others will adjust automatically to fit either Presta or Schrader valves—no adapters needed.

What psi should my bike pump be?

Know the tire pressure you need



Before you pump, check the sidewall of your tire: It should list the pounds-per-square-inch (psi) range that your tire can safely handle. Typically, a road tire can go between 80 and 130 psi, while a mountain tire holds between 25 and 50 psi. Hybrids usually take between 40 and 70 psi.

What are the different types of bike pumps?

To help you decide which pump might be right for you, here’s a list of the common types of bicycle pumps.

  • Floor Pump. Floor pump, also referred to as a “stand or track pump” is a standard type of pump that every bicycle owner should have in their home. …
  • Mini Pumps. …
  • CO2 Inflators. …
  • Electric Pumps. …
  • Foot Pump.


Can you fill a tire with a bike pump?

Yes, you can use a bike pump to inflate a car tire, but it’s going to take a long time. Manually pumping a tire can take upwards of 20 minutes depending on how flat the tire is.

How do you take off a bike pump without losing air?

After inflating your tires, you have to flip the switch over the pump head. Immediately make locking nut tight and cover tire valves to avoid loss of air. Your tire can lose air after removing the pump from it, and it is absolutely normal.

Why are Presta valves so difficult?

because the tube valve ‘self locks’, i.e. only opens under pressure from the pump line, when you stop pumping, it locks. this means the pressure in the pump (which is what is being indicated on the dial) is not the pressure in the tube. sometimes though, it seems to stay open and i get a good (accurate) reading.

How do you burp a Presta valve?

You've got a little rubber o-ring. So to use one of these you'll basically just unscrew that tip all the way make sure you break your seal.

Do I need a special pump for a Presta valve?

To inflate a Presta valve you’ll need a regular air pump and a special adapter. These can be purchased for about a dollar at your local bike shop.

What is the point of Presta valves?

So to sum up, the advantages of Presta valves are that they allow a higher air pressure, require a smaller hole in the rim and can be purchased in various lengths to suit the profile of your rims. It’s very unusual to see Schrader valves used on road bike tubes and wheels.

Can I switch from Schrader to Presta?

You can switch from Schrader valves to Presta valves by switching to Presta valve tubes. Nothing else is required. Bikes supplied with Schrader valve tubes have larger holes drilled in their rims. Presta valves are thinner so they will fit in the hole drilled for Schrader valves.

Why do mountain bikes have Presta valves?

So why are Presta Valves used on mountain bikes? The main reason presta valves are used on mountain bikes comes down to the fact they are compatible with tubeless tires. Being able to get your tires down to a low psi, while maintaining that air is important, and presta valves make that happen.