Best Bike Pumps Ever (2018 In-Depth Reviews & Comprehensive Guide)

Owning the best bike pump is one of the very first requirements for any bike owner that wants to perform any kind of maintenance on his bicycle. The tire pump is not just helpful when you get a flat tire or lose pressure for various reasons, it’s also handy in adjusting the tire pressure according to the terrain you’re going to face on your next ride so you get maximum levels of comfort and performance. Having a good bike air pump is like the first-aid kit for your bicycle during a long ride and every owner must should have one around just in case you’ll need it.

But what bicycle pump is the best one for you? You’d like it light and small enough so you can have it with you even on the long rides but at the same time to deliver enough inflate power so that you don’t waste a long time inflating your tire. A perfect blend between size and inflating power is most desired, however, finding the best bike pump is a mission that is still far from being easy. Usually, getting a small and cheap portable tire pump will result in a low inflating power and more effort required to inflate your tires. And it’s well-known that during a very long ride when energy levels are usually calculated with small room for sparing, getting tired while taking care of a flat tire is not the best way to go.

Luckily, this article aims to help any bike owner out there in finding the best bike pump for his bicycle and needs. No matter if you’re looking for a mini bike pump or a specialized bike pump, we’ve done an extensive research to make your decision a lot easier. Not only that we’ve been through tons of reviews for each model but we’ve also searched for testimonies from real owners of the models we’re going to tackle in this article so that you have all the possible information before taking a decision and buying one bicycle air pump or another. You won’t need your helmet for this ride, however, it is recommended that you pay attention to all the categories taken into discussion as it’ll help you a lot in choosing between different bike pump types.

The Vibrelli bike floor pump is not only a pump but also comes with a glueless puncture kit that comes in very hand in case of a flat tire. It’s considered to be the perfect lightweight floor bike pump for all types of riders, no matter if we’re talking professional or social riders. It comes with an exceptional rapid-t valve that allows you to switch very fast from a Schrader to Presta valves in case you need to inflate the tires to one of your friend’s bike or you simply chosen to go with different valves for the front and back wheel. It has a steel barrel that makes it very durable but still quite easy to take around with you in a backpack. And thanks to the steel barrel and reinforced handle, this road bike tire pump can inflate up to 160 PSI without no difficulties.

The Vibrelli floor pump also comes with a highly accurate gauge to allow you to inflate the tires up to the desired pressure and avoid losing comfort and performance due to overly or poorly inflated tires. Another great thing about this best bike pump is that it comes together with an emergency puncture repair kit as well as multiple valves that allow you to inflate footballs, basketballs or even other inflatable devices such as matrices or aquatic toys for the kids. The effort you put in when inflating with this pump is minimal thanks to its design and perfectly aligned steel tube and piston that make sure a lot of air is being pushed downwards into the tire with every press of the handle. So, you won’t get too tired while taking care of your flat tire and you’ll still have enough energy to get to the end of your trip.

Pros

• Can inflate up to 160 PSI very quickly thanks to the high-capacity steel tube
• Adaptable to both Presta or Schrader valves in no time
• Comes with additional puncture repair kit that’s very handy whenever you get a flat tire on a long ride
• Has multiple valves that allow you to inflate sport balls, inflatable pools and a high number of other inflatable devices

Cons

• he gauge can lose accuracy sometimes, however, it has to do with the correct placement on the bike’s valve in order for it to read pressure correctly

Just as promised, we’ve also been through a lot of customer reviews online and tried to sum them all up in order for you to get an even more clear idea of what this road bike pump has to offer. Yan is very happy with this pump thanks to the ease with which it allows him to inflate the tires of his bike and even car while Chritopher likes it because it gets the job done and is small in size and offers good value for the money spent.

The BV bicycle ergonomic bike pump could easily enter in the fight for the best floor pump thanks to the quality it offers and the fantastic customer reviews it has all over the internet. It is a complete pump that will offer great quality time and time again, no matter if you use it as a recreational bike rider or a more competitive one, with thoughts of going pro. The reasons why this might be the best bike floor pump start with the newly designed head-valve that is able to switch between Schrader and Presta without leaks or reverse. Thanks to its large base, it offers stability and the oversize handle makes the pumping of air a very easy and pleasant task. Well, as pleasant as inflating a flat tire can be, anyway. But if you’re just doing it for maintenance before going out on a ride, it can be quite enjoyable, especially after a long and cold winter.

Thanks to a long steel-aluminum mix the barrel is built of, this best bike floor pump pushes a lot of air with every press of the handle and the long hose with the 360-degree pivoting head makes it easier to inflate the tires in no time. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a very useful and accurate pressure gauge that indicates both the pressure in your tire when you connect the pump as well as how the pressure is being modified while you inflate it. And, even though this is designed as a bike pump with gauge, it can also be used to inflate pool floats, sport balls or any other inflatable object thanks to its valves and the ball-inflating needle that comes along with the pump.

The manufacturer offers a one year warranty which might seem a bit short for a bike pump, however, these tools rarely get broken or need repairs so you won’t have to worry about that at all.

Pros

• Can inflate up to 160 PSI
• Has a twin valve head that can fit both Schrader and Presta
• It only weighs 2 lbs
• Comes with a complete valve set for other inflatable devices and ball-inflation needle
• Highly durable and easy to operate thanks to the large base and ergonomic handle

Cons

• It can’t really be fitted onto the bike frame, however, it isn’t destined to be a portable bike pump

The Bodyguard mini bike pump comes with a new and improved design to take a product that was already working great, to a whole different level for any bike user out there. The first thing they did is upgrade the hose and now you don’t need a converter for Presta or Schrader as the new hose is compatible with both versions of valves. So, if you’re wondering what the best mini pump for road bike is, you have the answer right in front of you.

The Bodyguard is not only one of the best bike pump for mountain bike but it also delivers outstanding performances, being able to go up to 260 PSI, an amazing figure considering the dimensions of this pump. With 260 PSI it can easily be declared as the best mini bike pump for road bike on the market but there are other aspects that we need to take into consideration before going with that verdict.

Due to the fact that it can reach 260 PSI, it has a switch that allows the Bodyguard to commute between a high-volume and a high-pressure air pump, depending on what you’re going to use it on. You can start inflating the tire in the high-volume mode and then, when the pressure reaches higher values, switch it into the high-pressure mode and continue inflating your tires up to the desired values. Unfortunately, this isn’t a mini bike pump with gauge, however, you will always be able to feel the tires and check inflation levels.

The Bodyguard pump is made from 6010 aluminum alloys, capable of delivering exceptional performances with the 7.7 inches tube that fits perfectly the frame of the bike or you can just store it in a backpack or a bag mounted on the handles of your bicycle. When to all that you add the fact that it also comes equipped with all the materials needed for inflating other object such as a football, basketball, inflatable pools or matrices, you get the best bicycle mini pump out there.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight pump that can fit in a backpack or on the frame of the bike
• High-quality aluminum alloy used for best results
• Interchangeable valves for both Presta and Schrader
• Up to 260 PSI operating pressure

Cons

• It doesn’t have a gauge to check tire pressure, however, you usually feel when the tire is at the right pressure point for a perfect ride

The BV bicycle ergonomic bike pump could easily enter in the fight for the name of the best bike pump thanks to the quality it offers and the fantastic customer reviews it has all over the internet. It is a complete pump that will offer great quality time and time again, no matter if you use it as a recreational bike rider or a more competitive one, with thoughts of going pro. The reasons why this might be the best bike floor pump start with the newly designed head-valve that is able to switch between Schrader and Presta without leaks or reverse. Thanks to its large base, it offers stability and the oversize handle makes the pumping of air a very easy and pleasant task. Well, as pleasant as inflating a flat tire can be, anyway. But if you’re just doing it for maintenance before going out on a ride, it can be quite enjoyable, especially after a long and cold winter.

Thanks to a long steel-aluminum mix the barrel is built of, this best bike floor pump pushes a lot of air with every press of the handle and the long hose with the 360-degree pivoting head makes it easier to inflate the tires in no time. Furthermore, it comes equipped with a very useful and accurate pressure gauge that indicates both the pressure in your tire when you connect the pump as well as how the pressure is being modified while you inflate it. And, even though this is designed as a bike pump with gauge, it can also be used to inflate pool floats, sport balls or any other inflatable object thanks to its valves and the ball-inflating needle that comes along with the pump.

The manufacturer offers a one year warranty which might seem a bit short for a bike pump, however, these tools rarely get broken or need repairs so you won’t have to worry about that at all.

Pros

• Can inflate up to 160 PSI
• Has a twin valve head that can fit both Schrader and Presta
• It only weighs 2 lbs
• Comes with a complete valve set for other inflatable devices and ball-inflation needle
• Highly durable and easy to operate thanks to the large base and ergonomic handle

Cons

• It can’t really be fitted onto the bike frame, however, it isn’t destined to be a portable bike pump

The Topeak Road Bike mini pump is the excellent choice when looking to buy a quality pump that will always to the job and leave you with enough space in the backpack for other necessary items when leaving on a longer bike ride. I might be not the overall best bike pump, but thanks to the high-quality materials used this model can easily compete at the title. Let’s see some of the features it proposes before making up our minds. Thanks to its performances, this portable bicycle pump can be used by amateur riders or professional ones alike. Even though it doesn’t offer the speed of a CO2 pump, this is a very good solution for any rider that wants to be done with inflating tires in no time. It also excludes the need to carry replacement cartridges with you all the time. The high-quality materials and components ensure durability and makes it perfect for mounting this portable air pump for bike on your bike frame and never get it down no matter if you’re dealing with rain or mud because it won’t affect it one bit. Also, it has a foldable footpad that is great help in further stabilizing the pump against the ground for when you stroke to inflate the tires.

A serious competitor for the title of the best portable tire pump, the Topeak model has an extra-long barrel and a flexible air hose that is perfect for operating valves in tight spaces or awkward positions. So, if you’re looking for the best track pump for road bike, Topeak might be the answer to your questions.

Pros

• Compact and durable
• Easy to mount on the frame of the bike
• Very resistant to rain, mud or humidity so you can leave it on your bike even in the harshest of conditions
• Flexible hose allows you to operate it in even the most awkward conditions

Cons

• It lacks a pressure gauge but you can always feel the tires to know when the pressure is right since most riders aren’t that interested in respecting the manual pressures but rather go with what feels more comfortable

The Vibrelli Performance CO2 inflator delivers exactly what its name suggests: high performance, quick and safe CO2 inflation and a top-quality experience overall. It is a high pressure bike pump that allows both professional and amateur riders to inflate their tires in just a few moments and getting back on the road in no time. It has extreme power for such a small handheld bike pump even if we’re talking about a CO2 pump and it offers excellent inflation times with no CO2 leaks or uncontrolled releases of the gas. You just have to insert the cartridge in then fix the valve into position then pull the lever to release the CO2. Speaking of fixing the device head into the valve, you will be happy to hear that the same head is compatible with all types of valves so no need of using adaptors or changing the head depending on when you inflate a slim valve or one of those that can also be found on car tires.

Furthermore, the Vibrelli CO2 is a cheap bike pump that delivers excellent results for the price you’re paying for it. Of course, there is the need to buy CO2 cartridges as well, however, if you but them in greater quantity, the cartridges are extremely cheap. So, the bottom line is that you will get a very good portable bike pump that use CO2 to inflate your tires in a matter of seconds at a very reasonable price.

Pros

• Very small and easy to transport in your pocket or settle bag
• Accurate CO2 release to inflate as much as you need
• Compatible with all types of valves
• You can use is for other purposes as well

Cons

• Most of the customers complained about the need to buy CO2 cartridges for this pump but you can always use a regular air pump if that’s an inconvenient

For the last entry in our top-rated products we have the Schwinn 5 in 1 floor pump and if you’re wondering why it was saved for the last position, keep reading this review and you will find out. Actually, just in case you’re not really that interested in reading another two paragraphs to reach the conclusion, it’s the case of any other device that proposes to perform multiple tasks, it does each of them decent but doesn’t excel with anything in particular.

Just to be clear, we’re not saying it could be the best bicycle floor pump to some riders out there, but compared with the models we’ve reviewed so far, its parameters are not at the same level. The main advantage is the easy-lock head that can be used with all valve types without any issues, however, the maximum 140 PSI can sometimes be too low for a high-end road bike, for example. As a bottom line, when you compare it with an Ezyne floor pump, it could come out a winner, however, it’s still a matter of taste and what exactly you need this pump to do for you.

Another big plus of this pump, compared to even the best portable mountain bike pump, is that it comes with a pressure gauge that is very useful if you’re that kind of rider that needs to follow instructions to the last decimal. Amateur riders will rarely go with the manufacturer specifications, though, and that makes the search of the best portable bike pump with gauge a little excessive for the ones that are simply looking for a pump to inflate their tires when needed.

Pros

• Durable bicycle foot pump made of aluminum alloy
• The head is compatible with all types of valves
• Extended base and handle for easy strokes
• It can be also fitted on the bike frame due to its dimensions

Cons

• It may struggle to get up to the 160 PSI registered on the gauge, however, few amateur riders even go beyond the 120 PSI point.

Now, that you have a good idea on what the top models are and what to look for when shopping for any type of pump, even a bike shock pump, it’s time to move on and actually tackle the frustrations or considerations you may stumble upon in the process of deciding which one of the 12 models described above is the best bike pump for you. And there are certain characteristics that apply to all models, here’s what they are.

Pump Head

A good quality pump head, like the one on the Topeak bike pump for example, will allow you to easily attach and also detach the head to any of the Presta or Schrader valves. Not only that it should be compatible with both valve models but it should also secure a tight seal and prevent any leaks. If you’re using a mountain bike pump that leaks air, you’ll never reach the desired pressure and the effort you make to inflate your tires is also greater. As you seen above, the most-indicated air pump for bike tires is one that automatically adjusts on each type of valve with no need for an adaptor or switching sides. Another thing to consider when talking about the pump head is materials, in all the bike pump reviews we’ve been through so far, a combination of metal and rubber is the best way to ensure durability and a tight fix.

Stability

Using a bike pump requires stability among other elements in order to get the tire inflated within a reasonable amount of time. That’s exactly why the best mountain bike pump will be the one that, besides maximum PSI, materials used for construction and type of head, has a stable base so that you can inflate the tires no matter where you need to. It might already be clear that using a bike frame pump will pose some serious issues regarding stability due to the fact that you can’t really keep it still while pumping. Besides contributing to a more efficient inflating process, a stable base will also help with the amount of effort you put into that. For example, a bike foot pump is probably the one that requires the least effort to inflate a tire due to the fact that you only use your foot.

Gauge

No matter if you’re looking for a Schrader bike pump or a Presta one, it’s a good idea to have a gauge fitted on. The most experienced riders won’t really feel the need for a gauge in order to determine what’s the best bike tire pump for their needs, however, considering there are different inflation instructions for each type of tire, it doesn’t harm to have one. It’s a bit uncommon to see a gauge fitte on a compact bike pump, that’s why if you want a pump with a gauge you’ll probably have to go with something bigger such as a floor pump.

Inflation Speed

For the ones of you that are still wondering where to buy a bike pump, the inflation speed might not matter that much as this is a thing that will come with time, after you already tried a couple of models. But it won’t hurt to start with a good bike pump from the beginning. As mentioned above, a bike pump with pressure gauge is recommended, however, this won’t really affect the inflation speed. Actually, the fastest pumps on the market right now are the CO2 ones that can deliver a vast amount of volume into the tires almost instantly. However, if we were to look at an air pump for bicycle tires, in terms of speed, a big foot pump is the best choice if you want high inflation speeds. It goes without saying that a compact bicycle pump won’t offer you the speeds you need so a standing bike pump is most likely the choice you need to make.

Accuracy

Whenever you’re checking a bike pump for sale, try to determine exactly why you need that pump in the first place. If you’re that kind of riders that applies a few pumps then feels the tire and they are good to go, then you won’t need a racing bike pump to exactly calculate the pressure within and be able to know how much more pressure you add with each stroke. But if you’re attempting to become a pro, those extra PSI’s can really make a difference so you’ll want to have accuracy in mind when you buy bike pumps. Most of the stand-up bike pumps have a built-in gauge that is accurate enough, however, you can double check that with a different gauge just to be on the safe side.

Durability

If you’re not looking for something in particular but you just want a universal bike pump that is durable and will last forever, pay close attention to the materials it is built from. The most common material is aluminum alloy for the tube and rubber on the hose and head. Sometimes, plastic or metal is used for the head and that adds to durability but might make it harder for it to lock tight on the valves. A bike wheel pump should be able to face being left on the frame of the bike with no real damage.

Comfort

Entering an area that might affect the bike pump price as well. Comfort is something that few riders think of when buying a pump. If you’re going for a cheap tire pump, then comfort isn’t going to be a priority and you’ll most probably put more effort into inflating your tires. But even with all the comfort in the world, the tire won’t inflate itself so you’re still going to get a bit uncomfortable when dealing with your flat tire.

Design

Another buying consideration that doesn’t really address the ones that are at the ‘where to buy bicycle pump’ phase. It’s true that a small air pump for bike is more likely to have a pleasant design and also look cool but when you’re too focused on design, you might lose efficiency. So, in the end, it comes back to the exact reason you’re buying using a bicycle pump for.

Portability

A category where different bike pumps offer a vast range of options, portability is very important because you will need to carry it around you in case of an emergency. In terms of portability, the most important features are weight and dimensions. To take care of the weight part you should opt for an aluminum bike pump and regarding dimensions, your best bet is a small and basic bike pump that will fit on the bike frame.

Extras

Some riders are also interested in what else comes in the package and not the best air pump for bike tires per se. The extras that are most common with bike pumps are the ball-inflating needle, some special valves for inflatable pools or a number of different such devices. It’s common for the best value bike pump to also include these accessories, however, you can always buy them separately.