Best Bike Pumps
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Value
When we talk about the value of an item, we aren't just talking about the price. We dive deep down into the materials, features, and reputation of the product. While most of these products are not absurdly priced, there are some that have deemed themselves worthy of a higher price. If specialty equipment can only be purchased for above the low price, then, by all means, make it your bike pump of choice. In particular, the Lezyne Pressure Drive Hand Pump is an ideal choice for buyers that want customizations with their pumps, ranging from size to colors.
This can sometimes make the buying decision easier for some users, and they can match the colors with the bike and the size of the pump with their air requirements. But outside of these small circumstances, shopping by price will not net you a lot of benefits for getting a better bike pump.
Brand
Out of all the brands on the list, the one that should be looked at the most is Topeak. They are all about biking, and over the years have been the recipients of multiple awards. The most impressive thing about their awards is that they come from multiple magazines and organizations worldwide. Topeak is a company that is loved by multiple sources, and it also helps that they have skin in the game.
Their Topeak-Ergon Racing Team has been a major success since 2005. It’s that type of prestige that makes them such a no-brainer for any customer that wants the best bike pump for their cycling. And with Olympic experience and major names attached to their brand like Wolfram Kurschat, other companies often look like backups by comparison. Over the years the competition has become a lot better, so Topeak is no longer lonely at the top. Even the smaller brands are starting to make some noise, and overall that is only a bonus for the entire industry.
Ease of Use
Now, this is where it gets interesting for a lot of users, notably those with wrist, shoulder, back or even hand problems. All bike pumps offer a different level or type of pumping action, which can range from easy, medium or hard. This is important, and most people can tell if it is going to be a hassle within the first few pumps. If you have to fully inflate a full tire and the first few pumps or problematic, then you have the wrong bike pump.
Easy to use options have been created to make pumping easier like double action pumping and twist to pump. It’s all about taking as much pressure off of the user as possible while filling their tires. And just because a product offers a new way to pump doesn’t always mean that it is the easier option. Some products that use the traditional pump method are better for the wrist than a newer twist action model. And for users with bigger tires, the double pump will crush both the traditional and the twist pump. Finding the correct model is all about getting the bike pump that requires the least amount of effort for your physical body type. You never know when you’ll need to put air into your tire, and the last thing you need is to second guess an important accessory.
Durability
As far as durability is concerned, we’ve mentioned on our list what products are made to be long-lasting, and which products might last quite as long. Much of this is up to the design of the bike pump and doesn’t always get measured by how much money you are spending on your bike pump. Part of getting a lot out of your bike pump also means that you’ll need to maintain it, and make sure you read the directions so you understand how you should both store and carry it along with you so it lasts as long as possible. The more use you get out of your pump, the more money you will save in the long run, so you’ll want to pay careful attention to what you need to do to maintain your pump.
When you run into problems with your bike pump, chances are weeks of neglect have finally caught up with it. You know there is a problem with your accessory when you pump and nothing happens. The good news is that most pumps are very easy to troubleshoot, and you’ll either fix it yourself within minutes or you’ll call in your warranty. Some common things to check for are leaks, and if there is anything clogging the air chuck. These main two culprits are easy to fix and could save you a lot of time if you need your bike pump to work immediately. For the more adventurous user, some of the pumps on the list allow a full teardown and rebuild. This is really handy in a pinch but takes some practice. Never take apart a bike pump unless you are 100% sure about what you’re doing.
Top 10 Picks
1. Topeak Road Morph G
Topeak is the correct company to make it to the top of the list and is usually in the top five of multiple outdoor lists. Their Road Morph G mini Pump is exactly the type of product that needs to be on everyone’s radar.
Read moreValue
It is small, portable, and best of all great on the wallet for being a top product.
Brand
Topeak will be on the list multiple times and is one of the better brands in the industry. Their expertise goes beyond bike pumps and extends into a lot of other quality outdoor materials.
Ease of Use
Everything you need to get started is already packaged with the product. There is nothing complicated about using this bike pump, even for first-time users. The instructions are clear, and there is a very short learning curve if you’re new to the system.
Durability
The entire pump is high quality, but there are some plastic parts like the thumb lock. Even with a lot of force, there is no part of the pump that feels like it will fall apart due to extended use. Dependability is the name of the game when it comes to this mini pump.
2. Topeak Mountain Morph
Buyers that want a bike pump that stands out from the rest on the list need to look no further than this Topeak model. This is yet another one of the company’s standout products, with a design and feature set that puts it right in the middle of the list. You’ll get a reliable and durable product if you decide to pick this bike pump.
Read moreValue
Topeak doesn’t charge a lot for their excellent products, you can rely on this to be another low-priced entry. They continue to surprise not only with attention to detail but overall usefulness with different bikes. If you are shopping on a budget, this might be the bike pump for you.
Brand
Being able to count on a brand when you need a compatible accessory is important. This is what makes Topeak so popular, and one of the many reasons why they made the list multiple times. With excellent customer service and a history of providing great products, you won’t be disappointed if you purchase something from them.
Ease of Use
Even with its slight bulkiness, using this bike pump is easy. For reference, the usefulness is maximized for experienced users that have used pumps before. The fold-out foot pad looks and feels solid, so will hold up when using it on rough terrain.
Durability
The bigger issue of long-term durability gets the same answer and is solid throughout. Customers that are considering this bike pump will get a good deal. Topeak is a reliable contributor to the industry and this is one of their best products.
3. Vibrelli Floor Pump
If portability isn't an issue, this floor pump from Vibrelli will catch your eye. It is 24" inches tall and includes both Presta and Schrader valves. This is a great piece to have at home and is versatile enough to even fill up volleyballs and soccer balls.
Read moreValue
Coming in at a great price, with excellent features, and a great reputation, this floor pump is a great investment. Additionally, a ball needle, an inflatable device needle, and an emergency puncture kit are also included with your purchase.
Brand
Vibrelli is a semi-known company in the cycling and outdoor gear world. We expect to see more of them in the future. They have displayed great customer service and the ability to create strong products.
Ease of Use
This floor pump fits both Presta and Schrader valves and the valves are easily switched. The gauge is large, upward facing, and easy to read. It inflates up 160 PSI fairly quickly. As long as you remember to leave the arrow in the unlocked position while inflating, you’ll have no issues using this pump. The pump itself is 24” tall and has three feet to help keep it stabilized.
Durability
The barrel of this floor pump is made from steel. As mentioned, the three feet keep it upright while you are pumping. The valve heads are made from plastic, which some customers detest and hasn’t made any difference to others. To top it all of, Vibrelli offers a 15-year warranty with this product.
4. Blackburn AirStik SL
Stylish and portable are some of the better qualities of this bike pump. Over the years it has proven itself to be more useful than the average pump, and possibly one of the best. Made for ease of use and portability, you won’t mind whipping out the Blackburn Airstik SL anytime you need to use it.
Read moreValue
Both the black and white version are about the same price, with very little difference. The color choices are something that isn’t seen a lot with pumps, so is a refreshing option. For the most part, however, this bike pump is priced in the average range.
Brand
Some might say that Blackburn is under the radar compared to other bike pump makers. Even if that is true, they have a good history of product quality, and they are also known for providing excellent customer service.
Ease of Use
For a high volume pump of such small stature, it works remarkably well. You’ll have no issues figuring out how to use this in a pinch even if you forgo the included instructions.
Durability
The durability of this bike pump really isn’t an issue since it has a lifetime warranty attached. That alone should be worth the pickup for anyone serious about their biking accessories. A lifetime warranty puts this high on any list of bike pumps. It provides a lot of air and is small enough to work on any bike available.
5. Lezyne Pressure Drive
Options are the selling point for this Lezyne hand pump. Using a variety of colors and sizes, buyers will get the best choices possible when choosing a model that fits their needs. If you know you tend to be picky about things when you make a product selection, then the Lezyne Pressure Drive might just provide what you need.
Read moreValue
Depending on which size and color combination you get, the price can range from low to medium. Nothing too outrageous, but in some cases twice the price of a normal bike pump. So, our advice is to pick your size and color options wisely, especially if you are shopping on a budget.
Brand
Lezyne is a great brand to get behind if you’ve never purchased a pump before. They always equip their models with pro features like advanced deflate options, something that comes in handy when you’re in a rush. They are also known for providing excellent customer service.
Ease of Use
Inflating and deflating is easy, and doesn’t take a lot of time once you get the hang of it. And if you choose the medium-sized model, it goes even faster to reach your max level.
Durability
Made of CNC machined aluminum, the construction is so precise that it deserves a lot of praise. Buyers will find that this pump takes more outdoor punishment than the others on the list. With the price going up a little bit based on size and color, some customers may choose the cheaper model. That would be a mistake, as this is a very good choice when going for the larger and more efficient pump.
6. Park Tool PMP-3 Pocket Protector
Size is everything with this micropump, as it aims to be the most portable accessory on the list. Customers that need to have a pump with them at all times will find this the most viable option in the industry. You’ll love how easy the Park Tool PMP-3 Pocket Protector is to carry and bring along with you, so you can have it ready to use each time you need it.
Read moreValue
The price is just as small as the actual size of the pump. With the ability to be tucked into a bag or large pocket, this is an unbeatable price. If you are shopping for something on a budget and need something affordable, this could be a viable option for you.
Brand
Park Tool isn’t as popular as the other brands on the list but brings a really good product to the industry. Ultra-portable pumps that get the job done are hard to find, so this is a great start. Plus, Park Tool is also known for providing excellent customer service.
Ease of Use
With such a small size, it is a little tougher to handle than a regular bike pump. Some beginners will get the hang of it quickly, but this is more recommended for intermediate to professional users.
Durability
The aluminum barrel won’t wear out anytime soon, and there is not a lot of moving parts with the internals. Consider this a product that won’t wear out, even with extended use. If the size doesn’t draw you in, then the impressive durability will. Bike pumps this small and effective are great deals when the baggage room is a concern.
7. Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator
Our next addition is a bit different than the rest that we have seen. This is an inflator, not a physical pump. However, this Pro Bike Tool is still compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves.
Read moreValue
This inflator packs a punch, but the price doesn’t. It is worth noting that the CO2 cartridges are not included but those won’t set you back much. For those of you who enjoy growlers of craft beer, there’s an extra advantage for you. This inflator can also be used with food-grade CO2 cartridges to pressure beer and keep it tasting fresh.
Brand
Pro Bike Tool is a newer brand on the biking scene, they were founded in 2015. Since then, the company has partnered with many cyclists around the world to receive input and feedback to help them create the best products possible. In 2018, they won an award from Outdoor Gear Lab for “quality products that offer the most bang-for-the-buck."
Ease of Use
This tool is easy to use once you learn it. There is no PSI gauge because it depends on which cartridge you decide to you and the specific tire. The head can be screwed into any CO2 cartridge with 12g, 16g, 20g, or 25g, but the foam sleeve is only designed to fit 16g. The top red lever can be adjusted to regulate the distribution of gas. When attaching the cartridge, you will want to make sure that the lever is turned to the off position. After using and when removing the inflator from your tire, keep in mind that the head will be very cold and you should keep your biking gloves on to touch it.
This inflator is compatible with both Schrader and Presta valves. The gas is expelled with so much force that either valve will open easily.
Durability
The pieces of this inflator are made from CNC aluminum alloy. It provides a secure connection with no chance of leaking if used properly. CO2 will slowly dissipate from your tires over time. For this reason, you should pump your tires with regular air once you arrive back home. This tool is better used on the road and in emergency situations.
8. Mosonth Mini
This little pump here would make a great addition to any on-the-go bike repair kit. It is small, lightweight, and dependable. Because of its small size, it requires a bit more muscle from the user.
Read moreValue
Small item, small price, big power. This is a great pump to bring traveling, on a long ride, or even to keep in your backpack. It can even be mounted to your bike for easier accessibility. It is available in two colors, gold or green. A needle is included to re-inflate athletic balls as well. When collapsed, it is only 4.9” long, and 7.7” when extended.
Brand
Mosonth is fairly unknown in the outdoor industry. There isn’t very much to read about them online, either. Whoever they are, we appreciate their dedication and craftsmanship of this mini pump. Customers on Amazon have claimed that Mosonth has decent customer service and replaced faulty products.
Ease of Use
While it does have a surprising amount of power for its size, it is best used as an emergency/travel pump. It is adaptable for both Schrader and Presta valves. To fit it to a Shrader valve, leave it how it is. For a Presta valve, loosen the silver nozzle until it is loose, but not unattached. The Mosonth can inflate up to 160 PSI, but keep in mind that it is a small machine and will take some time.
Durability
The pump is made from metal and has circular stripes to make it easier to grip. It weighs 2.9-ounces and has both valve pumps built in, so you don’t have to fumble with adapters. There have not been many durability complaints about the pump. If there’s anything to complain about durability wise, it’s the person pumping who gets worn out.
9. Schwinn Air Center Plus
Schwinn is a brand that has been synonymous with bikes for over 100 years. This is a simple floor pump, at a fair price, from a great company. It is available in multiple colors and features a large, easy to read gauge.
Read moreValue
This simple floor pump is one of the cheapest pumps on our list! Sometimes well-known brands charge more for standard products, but Schwinn is keeping it real. A needle for balls and a cone for inflatables are also included.
Brand
Perhaps the most recognized name in the bike industry, Schwinn has been producing bikes and accessories since its founding in 1895. Over the years, the styles have obviously changed but Schwinn’s dedication to quality has not.
Ease of Use
The PSI gauge is located in the middle of the barrel (21.5” tall) and is large enough to see without squinting. When open and ready to pump, there is a small green indicator. When it is not in the correct position, the indicator is red. The dual pump head fits Presta and Schrader valves easily. Once attached, grab a hold of the T pump and get to work.
Durability
This pump comes with a wide metal base of 10.75-inches. The handles of the T-pump feature slight gripping on top. The barrel of the pump is made from 38mm steel which provides you with lots of air and fewer pumps. The 26-inch hose is made from rubber and seems to be quite strong.
10. SKS Germany Silver Spaero
This unique bike pump takes the extra work out of pushing air into a tire. With doing only half the work, you can fill up a tire in half the time. If you need something that makes pumping quite easy for you compacted into a portable pump design, then you’ll love this product.
Read moreValue
There’s nothing to see here as far as price since it is low. With compatibility for both Schrader and Presta valves, it has tremendous value for multiple users. This pump is a great option for those of you shopping on a budget.
Brand
SKS-Germany is known for its innovative features and tough products. Chances are you’ll find something new with their models that have yet to be implemented in other bike pumps. They are known for providing excellent customer service.
Ease of Use
With air being pumped for the in and out motions, that leads to a lot less work overall. You won’t be out of breath if you use this bike pump to fill up your tire.
Durability
The clean look and design of this model are not just for show, and even the included frame bracket being high quality. Buyers can look forward to using this double action pump for years at an optimum level. Looking at the beautiful silver finish of this SKS-Germany product will turn a lot of heads. And users that want to do less work for the same amount of air will find this a worthy challenger to the newer twist pumps.
Sources
- The Best Bike Pumps, Informational Cycling Website ,
- Bike Pump Reviews, Informational Cycling Website ,
- Bicycle Pump Reviews, Informational Cycling Website ,
- The Best Bike Pump, Buying Guide ,