The bicycle pump is among the most important bike accessories of all time. You can’t go too far without a mini pump, and if you still can’t appreciate the importance of the pump, then you haven’t ridden long enough yet.
A floor pump is needed in every garage because it does the job much faster than a mini pump and you can use it to inflate a lot of other things.
Here you can find the best mini and floor pumps of 2021:
Best Floor Pump: Bontrager Dual Charger Floor Pump
PROS:
- Works with Presta and Schrader
- Quick inflation
- A high-pressure setting
- Ball needle and nozzle included
CONS:
- Bulky
The bicycle pump market is somewhat crowded, but there’s always one company and product that stands out from the crowd and this is it: Bontrager Dual Charger Floor Pump.
You won’t find it on Amazon, but you will encounter it on websites devoted to consummate cyclists and at a price that belies its modest status at around $70.
Don’t look for fans to wax poetic about this floor pump: it’s new to the market but so versatile, it won’t be long before this dual charger is being reviewed by the world.
Whether you’re hitting the roads or the trails, this Bontrager product with an impressive pedigree offers you multiple pressure settings so regardless of the type of tire you choose for your bike, inflation is a breeze.
Highly recommended by both mountain bike and road warriors because it takes only a flip switch to move between settings, this pump is manufactured for the long haul thanks to steel construction and replaceable internals.
The stable base minimizes chances of tipping over and even if you have poor eyesight, you can still read the 4-inch base-mounted gauge capable of delivering 160 psi (11 bar) maximum pressure.
We at Yescycling.com think that definitely, this is one of the best pumps you can find right now.
Best for Travelling: LEZYNE CNC Travel Drive Floor Pump
PROS:
- Flawless function, sleek design, and feather light
- Travel bag included
- Hose screws into the handle bottom for storage/travel
- Great for family travel
CONS:
- Not very stable
- Digital pressure gauge
Plan to open your wallet wide for this sleek-looking floor pump with its $100 price tag. This LEZYNE pump is compact, offers pressure expansion up to 160 psi (11 bar), it’s crafted of CNC aluminum and the pump gauge is easy to read.
A tidy 10- x 7.4- x 2.3-inch pump, this travel drive floor pump accommodates both Presta and Schrader valves and the pump’s ABS Flip-Thread chuck is equipped with Speed Chuck adapter, so you get plenty of bang for your buck.
Promoted as the floor pump that is the epitome of engineered design, this black accessory is a favorite of cyclists preferring lay-flat design and it is both portable and easy-to-use. But just because it functions like a pro, that doesn’t mean product developers didn’t consider aesthetics.
This sexy pump is made with an anodized high-polish finish and the gauge itself measures a tidy 1.5 inches. A felt-lined canvas bag is included to protect the pump while you’re on the move.
Topeak Sport II Floor Pump
PROS:
- The easy-to-read design puts PSI markings outside the gauge on the surrounding bezel
- Rapidly inflates high pressure and MTB tires to recommended pressures
- High-performance pumping and release without significant air loss
- Dual valve connector achieves a tight fit
- New Topeak Sport III just debuted, so price deals are to be had on the Sport II.
CONS:
- Steel base may not be stable; pump could rock back and forth when in use
- Topeak calls the hose “extra long,” yet it’s only about 2 feet in length
- Don’t look for instructions; owners rely upon YouTube videos for instruction.
You’re not seeing things when you note the bumblebee colors designers chose for this $44-floor pump. It’s black and yellow; you couldn’t lose it if you tried. The Sport II isn’t the only Topeak product on our list. This prolific manufacturer churns out products to suit the eclectic tastes, budgets and features cyclists seek.
The virtues of the Sport II are extolled by amateurs and professionals who applaud the high-quality materials used to produce this pump in Taiwan.
The Topeak Sport II measures an impressive 26.6- x 9.8- x 5.4-inches, so if you love comparisons, this pump is more than twice the size of the LEZYNE CNC Travel Drive Floor Pump profiled earlier. Of course, this pump is not designed to travel.
At around 4 pounds, it’s weighty enough to hold its ground but light enough to take on the road if your mini-pump is out of commission.
The Sport II comes with two attached heads to accommodate Schrader and Presta valves, and if your valve happens to be a Dunlap, Topeak swears you can use the Presta side to inflate your tire.
Topeak RaceRocket HP Master Blaster
PROS:
- Extendable hose inflates tires to 160 psi/11 bar
- Mounts to your bike’s frame via the bottle cage side mount bracket
- Weighs less than 3 ounces and measures just 7.1- x 1- x 0.8-inches
- Cyclists rave about the extending hose feature preventing sawed-off valve stems
- Handy for overnighters eager to top off tires in the morning.
CONS:
- When unscrewing connector, be careful not to remove the valve core
- Will require a lot of physical effort to inflate a tire
- You get what you pay for, say disappointed cyclists.
At around $34, the Topeak RaceRocket delivers on both savings and bluster—after all, this bike pump must stand up to it’s Master Blaster name, so for folks with more cycling passion than money, take second a look at this pocket-friendly helper. Highly rated by cyclists who have no desire to schlep clunky pumps, you get the industry name with innovation.
The smart head thread lock never met a Presta or Schrader valve it couldn’t cozy up to and as long as you don’t mind owning gear manufactured in Taiwan, this little gem is ready for your ride.
At just 4.5-ounces, the younger brother of the RaceRocket HP fits in the smallest t-shirt pocket, but when you need the air it dispenses, you’ll find that despite the narrow barrel diameter, this tool handles high pressures with aplomb.
Crafted of aluminum, the extendable hose’s SmartHead ThreadLock easily works with Presta and Schrader valves, “taking stress off the valve stem when filling the tire,” notes the manufacturer. Topeak calls it elegant. You’ll call it handy—and at a price that won’t give you sticker shock.
Blackburn Mountain ANYVALVE Mini-Pump
PROS:
- Awesome starter mini-pump for cycling newbies
- Works smoothly and effortlessly despite its small size
- The most affordable mini-pump on the market
- Fits nicely into saddles and backpacks if you don’t want to mount it
- Packaging includes small, illustrated use diagrams.
CONS:
- May not work with Presta valves despite company claims
- It could be difficult to mount the pump bracket to your bike
- Pump hardware may not be top quality.
If you’re so tapped out, even a burger could empty your wallet, you could greet this slim black mini-pump like a long lost brother when you spot the $14.50 price tag. This handy pump may look bare-bones, but according to owners, it does the job, which is why it receives high ratings from cyclists and folks who rate products.
The sturdy aluminum barrel features an ergonomic handle delivering a tight grip and a cage mount is packed with this mini-pump so you can secure it to your bicycle frame.
Is this mini-pump capable of inflating the big boys? Not exactly. Delivering 90 psi of maximum pressure, this isn’t the pump you choose as your Tour de France backup, but for local trail rides, you get what Blackburn calls “peace of mind.”
The ANYVALVE mini-pump lives up to its’ name: use it with Presta, Schrader and Dunlop valves and anticipate a tight fit with no leaking worries. Easy operation and a surprising price tag make this Blackburn Mini-Pump a good investment in safety if you’re all about a streamlined ride and love the idea of a pump that weighs just 8 ounces.
Best for Fat Bikes: Topeak JoeBlow Dualie
PROS:
- Weighs in at a hefty 4.7 pounds for extra stability
- The air release button dials up the pressure in the perfect spot
- The hose is 4-feet long; kiss wimpy hoses goodbye
- Solid, respected brand name delivers on quality
- Perfect for fat-bikes and MTB
CONS:
- The locking lever takes a lot of force to operate
- Pumping requires more stamina and strength than competitor floor pumps
- You could find pump gauge readings to be questionable.
If you aspire to the Cadillac of floor pumps but you don’t necessarily want to pay top dollar to get air in your tires, consider Topeak’s JoeBlow Dualie Floor Pump, a rock star in the eyes of cyclists who are happy to pay a few extra bucks to get both the brand and the plethora of features and benefits.
For around $65, this sexy black floor pump works with Schrader or Presta valves and it’s particularly useful to deliver air to low-pressure fat tires and mountain bikes.
This is no puny pump: It surpasses standard floor pumps thanks to an oversized barrel that’s 1.5 times larger than most. Fine-tune your pressure courtesy of the twin head’s air release button. Because some pumps are not engineered to handle large volumes of air, the JoeBlow Dualie steps up to the challenge.
Why two gauges? Why not? One tops out at 30 while the other reaches maximum expansion at 75. But it’s the higher volume of air you generate with each pump that may impress you the most.
Best for Road Cycling: Topeak Roadie DA
PROS:
- Revive your tires fast thanks to this dual-action pump
- There are no different strokes for different folks: you deliver air on both strokes
- Comes with a side-mount bracket that affixes to your bike
- Highly-rated by owners
- You can’t beat the price.
CONS:
- Can only be used with Presta valves
- While the barrel is aluminum, the body is made of plastic
- The gauge is an add-on, nearly doubling the price.
This slim and trim mini pump runs less than $20, so if you skip a couple of fast-food lunches at your go-to eatery, your wallet won’t take a hit. You recognize the brand, right? This efficient but mighty 7.2- x 1.3- x 1.1-inch mini pump is only compatible with Presta valves, so keep reading if your tire valves don’t belong to this particular family.
Despite its size, this dual-action pump makes fast inflation work of high-pressure tires, delivering air on both strokes so you can get back to your ride fast.
Like its cousins, the Roadie DA is happy to stay stashed in your jacket or jersey pocket until it’s needed, and you can expect to top off your fill at 120 psi /8 bar. You’re vanquishing dirty trails and grimy streets on the way to a personal best, so the integrated dust cap, thumb-lock lever or both could become your favorite features once you achieve an air-tight seal.
Made of lightweight aluminum and weighing just 3.32-ounces, stash it in a pocket or stow it in the side-mount bracket. Done and done.
SILCA Tattico Bluetooth mini-pump
PROS:
- Measures an efficient 11- x 3.7- x 1.4-inches and weighs less than 9 ounces
- If the battery goes down, the pumping mechanism still functions
- Easy to mount and pair with iPhone 7 platform
- Minimal heat build-up due to sturdy materials
- SILCA stands behind its pump if you encounter problems.
CONS:
- iGauge will not register pressure lower than 6 psi
- iPhone app has no audio feature; it’s digital
- You may not be able to justify the price.
You’re not hallucinating when you spot the $125 price tag associated with this SILCA Tattico Bicycle Mini-Pump with Bluetooth gauge reading PSI or BAR, so you may want to put it on the wish list you give to your favorite aunt before your birthday rolls around.
What’s driving the expense? The seamless connection to the iGauge mobile app that provides you with clear, accurate pressure readings after deploying air via the 6061 alloy barrel featuring easy-grip surfaces.
The long, extractable filler hose works with Presta or Schrader valves and you can expect maximum pressure of 120 psi once it’s done its job. The CR2032 battery masterminding this pricey pump is included so you don’t have to go battery shopping.
Designed to fit into small pockets as well as the bottle cage mount that comes with this mini-pump, SILCA promises adhesion to your bike frame to be so flawless, extreme vibration, impact, moisture, and dirt won’t compromise the workings of this shock-proof, waterproof mini-pump.
The TATTICO Bluetooth gauge is isolated in a fully sealed, shockproof and waterproof environment so it’s fully protected.
How to Choose the Best Bike Pumps ( Buying Guide )
Schrader vs Presta Valves
If you think Schrader is a kitchen tool and Presta refers to the noodles you top with marinara sauce, you need our Bike Pumps 101 tutorial. This information will make you look smart when you talk bikes with your kids.
They’re tiny, essential and often at the heart of breakdowns, but valves play a major role in keeping cyclists going. Schrader valves have been around a long time; they were originally designed for auto tires. Presta valves are newer and considered contemporary state-of-the-art valves.
How can you tell the difference? Schraders are wider than Prestas. Schraders are often wrapped in rubber for a tighter seal and the outer wall of a Schrader can accept a pump head or cap.
The pin at the center of Schrader valves hosts a spring-loaded check valve to control the air that flows in only one direction. To let air in, you must put pressure on the inner pin.
Identify a Presta valve by its all-metal construction (no rubber). This streamlined valve is half as wide as a Schrader and the only way to open this valve is to unscrew the textured nut at the top.
Presta systems don’t use check valves, thus a seal can be achieved only by putting pressure on the tube/tire. Due to the way Prestas are made, it’s easier to unscrew the entire core, at which point air will escape fast.
Read more: 10 Best Handlebar Bags
High-Pressure v. High Volume Pumps
As if you didn’t already have plenty of decisions to make when choosing a bicycle pump, you must also decide between high pressure and high volume products.
According to folks who find the difference between the two fascinating, a high-pressure pump is your best choice if you intend to move small amounts of air into tires with each stroke, like skinny road tires requiring between 160 psi and 220 psi.
High volume pumps, on the other hand, are made to service tires that require a large volume of air delivered with each stroke, so if your tires are fat, shop for high volume pumps.
High volume pumps struggle to inflate tires requiring more than 60 psi, though you will likely find that the gauges on high volume pumps are easier to read, offering one-pound increments that deliver a more precise pressure reading.
Floor vs. Mini Pumps
Floor pumps are distinguished from mini pumps primarily by size and simplicity of function, though both are manufactured to deliver the highest air pressure possible for their capacity.
While there are a variety of bases featured at the bottom of floor pumps, the objective is the same: stabilize the unit so when the pump is in use, the cyclist can push and pull efficiently enough to get that air into tires uniformly and quickly.
Mini-pumps are designed primarily for emergencies, but plenty of cyclists who aren’t seeking high inflation pressure readings find them indispensable, especially for bikers who don’t want to tote their floor pumps around due to weight or size restrictions.
Mini-pumps require more exertion by the person doing the pumping to achieve inflation, but for a quick fix, flat or puncture, they are lifesavers. New iterations of mini-pumps are being introduced with features like attached hoses that reduce valve stress and minimize air leaks.
How to Pump Up Your Bike Tires
Check out this amazing video by Trek:
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