The Benefits of Choosing the Right Bike Air Pump & the Different Types

With people becoming more aware of the consequences of global warming, the popularity of commuting with bicycles is on the rise. Not only is biking the right step towards saving our planet, but it’s also great for your physical and mental well-being. The best part of it all? You can find an array of great bicycles at affordable prices which don’t require much maintenance other than pumping their tires every once in a while, replacing the breaks once they wear out, and lubricating the chain occasionally to prevent premature wear. This means that besides a cycle air pump, a few basic tools and replacement parts, you don’t really need anything else.

Even though bicycle pumps are pretty straightforward pieces of equipment, different models come with different features and picking the ideal one can make a huge difference in how easy and conveniently you’ll be able to tend to your tires. Even same-type cycle air pump models differ from one another in terms of pressure, volume, size, weight and construction. 

Types

There are three popular types of bicycle pumps – track, hand, and shock pumps. 

• Track pumps, also known as floor pumps, are great to have in your home garage. They feature a long, flexible hose, a large chamber and a pressure gauge for fast air transfer.
• Hand pumps are extremely lightweight and compact, which makes them easily portable. However, you shouldn’t rely only on this device as your source of air, because they have a couple of constraints due to their size. For instance, they can stress the valve stem, which may lead to a leaking inner tube. There are a couple of models that add a flexible hose which resolves this issue, but you’re still going to be pumping much longer than you would with a track pump, and most of the time, you won’t be able to reach the ideal tire pressure level. 
• Shock pumps are ideal for pumping mountain bikes that feature air-sprung suspension. These small-volume, high-pressure models have a max pressure of 300 PSI, which is enough to help you get the right pressure and fine-tune it.

Pump Pressure and Volume

Most people don’t need a model that goes up to 260 PSI, including mountain bikers. However, a high-pressure pump is a trade-off for volume output or gauge accuracy. Due to this, some manufacturers offer products that are specific to mountain or road biking. Generally, mountain bike tires require lower pressure pumps than road bike tires. Similarly to pressure, the amount of volume you’ll need will depend on the type of bike. High-volume models require fewer strokes to pump your tires to the desired pressure, but at the price of lower maximum pressure. Since mountain bike tires have a much greater volume and less pressure, you’ll need a pump with a higher volume, whereas road bikes will require a pump with a lower volume but higher pressure.

Size and Weight

If you plan on keeping the pump in your garage, size and weight shouldn’t be a big concern. However, if you intend on carrying it when you go on rides or in your car, they are important factors to consider. Even the smallest pumps will inflate a tire eventually, but they’re limited in terms of air volume. The best pumps are usually made of lightweight aluminium and carbon fibre. Although you’ll find a ton of plastic options as well, plastic can’t even compare to aluminium and carbon in terms of durability. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t trade lower weight for something that doesn’t meet your needs, but there’s also no point in carrying more weight than you need to.

Construction

The pump’s construction quality will oftentimes be reflected in its price. Usually, the more metal the model contains, the more expensive it will be. For track pumps, plastic models are the most affordable option, but they’ll wobble and flex under heavy use, and eventually, they’ll give up. Metal ones are much more solid and can last for up to several years without a problem. Further, metal pumps can oftentimes be serviced, which makes them a long-term investment. Most popular brands offer spare parts for their pumps, the most important parts being valve and head gaskets, as those are prone to wear and may start leaking over time.