From a professional cyclist to a weekend warrior, everyone has experienced a flat tire at some point. A pump is one of the essential pieces of equipment you can have on your bicycle and will be used thousands of times over its lifespan. Well, maybe not thousands for some casual riders, but you get the point! In this buyer’s guide, we will break down what to look for when purchasing a new bicycle pump.

Bicycle Valve Types – The Difference Between Presta And Schrader Valves

While there are many types of valves for air pumps, the Schrader and Presta valves are most commonly found on bicycles.

Schrader valves are found on cars, too! They use a spring-loaded pin that opens up when air is pushed in. This allows for the free flow of air.

Presta valves have a slimmer profile than Schrader valves which makes them ideal for use with narrow tires. With Presta valves, you must first open the locknut before pumping air into the tire.

If you buy a pump and your bicycle has a different type of valve, don’t fret! Most bicycle pumps typically come with adapters to accommodate both types.

A floor pump is a bicycle pump designed to be used while standing on the ground. It usually features a head that automatically adjusts to fit different types of valves.

They are more effective at filling tires quickly with air and achieving the desired pressure compared to hand pumps. For that reason, they are the preferred choice for bicycle shops and professional race teams that need to quickly fill many bicycle tires at once.

The Mini & Frame Pump is a small and compact pump that can easily fit your backpack or be mounted onto the bike frame.

It offers the convenience of pumping up your tires while on the go, no matter where you are. Mini or frame pumps are great for travelling, but they can only inflate to around 80 PSI.

The CO2 inflator for bikes operates with compressed CO2. No pump is necessary, just CO2 cartridges and an adapter. It can be conveniently carried in your pocket, so it’s always on hand for quick fixes.

They’re extremely fast at getting air in your tire. If you’re in a pinch and need to get back on the road or trail quickly, this can be a godsend.

The downside to CO2 inflators is that the cartridges are not reusable, so once you use one, that’s it.