The Best Bike Pumps

BV Bicycle Ergonomic Bike Floor Pump

Pump it up

This powerful pump delivers the pressure you need.

Best Floor Pump

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This steel barrel bike pump is the effective and durable design you’ve been looking for. Made to be extra wide, the base is more stable than other floor pumps so that it’s easier to use. The 34-inch-long rubber hose is designed to let you easily pump up bike tires — among other things like sports balls — and it even includes an inflatable device along with a sports ball needle to make it simpler. Take this with you anywhere or stash it in the trunk of your car for easy access when you need it most.

Pros:

• The pump has an extra-wide base to make it more stable and easier to use
• Along with the standard inflatable device, the pump also includes a sports ball needle attachment
• The gauge is easy to read and has two different measurements: Bar and PSI

Cons:

• The included instructions are simple, but not very detailed
• To pump air quickly, you need to stand with both feet on the base

Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump and Glueless Puncture Repair Kit

Air on the go

This compact pump attaches right to your bike for unparalleled convenience.

Best Bike-Mounted Pump

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Simply attach this pump next to your pedal and you can always get air, even on long and remote bike rides. The pump has two different modes to make it easier to pump: a high volume or a high-pressure setting. It also features a handy Velcro strap to keep it in place. Plus, a glueless puncture kit makes it easy to repair a flat tire on the go in any situation.

Pros:

• The compact pump doesn’t add much extra weight, so it’s still easy to cycle as usual
• The pump includes a repair kit, so you can repair a ruptured tire on the go
• Two different pumping modes give you added versatility

Cons:

• As the tire becomes filled, the last few strokes of the pump are very challenging
• The pump is better for mountain biking than road biking

Pro Bike Tool Bike Pump with Gauge

Air from anywhere

You can take this pump with you on any adventure thanks to its small size.

Most Portable

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Reach 100 PSI in just a few minutes with this powerful pump. The oversized piston ensures that you can get your tires to the right pressure with 30% fewer strokes, saving you both time and headaches. At just under 9 inches long, this pump is also super simple to stash in a backpack, car, or even on your bike itself so you don’t have to worry about leaks or flats on your next ride. The pump even connects using both Presta and Schrader valves without any adapters, so you’ll always have a way to inflate your tires in a pinch.

Pros:

• The pump has a flexible hose, making it easier to inflate your tires anywhere
• Because the pump is so compact, you can mount it directly on the bike so it’s always accessible
• There’s a built-in pressure gauge so you always know the exact pressure level

Cons:

• As the tire reaches higher pressure levels, it becomes very challenging to pump more air
• To switch between valves, you need to unscrew and reverse the rubber tubing, which takes longer

Franklin Sports High-Pressure Foot Pedal Air Pump

Step on It

This pedal-powered pump means you don't have to tire out your arms with frantic pumping.

Best With Pedal

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This pump lets you inflate everything from bike tires to footballs for a versatile addition to your toolkit. Designed to be equally compact and durable, the iron pump has a foot pedal that pushes the air, so you don’t have to worry about the labor and stress traditionally associated with air pumps. Instead, simply put your foot on the pedal and push down. An attached air pressure gauge also ensures you always know the exact pressure, so you can check the levels as you inflate up to 100 PSI.

Pros:

• The pump has a release clip, so you don’t have to worry about the pedal moving when you’re not using it
• The heavy-duty steel frame is extra durable and built to last
• The foot pedal makes it easier to quickly pump air up to 100 PSI

Cons:

• The pressure gauge can be inaccurate, so you don’t always know the exact PSI
• Instructions aren’t included with the pump

Cycplus Portable Air Compressor

Air without the effort

Instead of pumping endlessly, this electric model takes all the work out of the process.

Best Electric

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Instead of pumping air or using a pedal, this electric compressor helps you inflate tires to 150 PSI in just a few seconds. The small and compact pump has all the bells and whistles you need to keep your bike in tip-top shape: a gauge with four different units of measurements, a rechargeable Li-Ion rechargeable battery, and a built-in LED light with a digital LCD display. Stash it in your backpack or mount it to your bike with the included bike mount so you always have it on hand when you need it.

Pros:

• The pump is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves for added versatility
• Once on, the pump automatically pressurizes your tire to the level you choose so you don’t have to manually check the levels as you pump
• It only takes 2.5 hours to fully charge the pump

Cons:

• Unlike manual pumps, this pump has a battery that needs to be recharged occasionally
• The LCD display is dim and hard to read in direct sunlight

Frequently Asked Questions

Do bike pumps wear out?

Over time, the frame of a bike pump can wear out. Depending on the frequency of use, however, most bike pumps should last for years.

Are there different types of bike pumps?

Yes. There are two typical types of valves that you’ll need for a bike pump: Schrader and Presta. Many bike pumps have attachments to fit both of these valve types.

How do bike pumps work?

When you push on the lever or pedal, the bike pump compresses air and pushes it through a tube. This air then goes through the valve and into the tire, adding air and pressure into the tire itself.