How To Choose Bike Pumps

By Paul WalterLast update: 2023-07-25

Whether you're into road cycling or mountain biking, especially for short or long periods of time, a bike pump is essential for your bike's wheels when there's an issue like a flat tire or just plain wear and tear. the add on the system on the rule of level.

Knowing that, the bicycle pump is a type of positive displacement air pump with a special structure and function that is to inflate bicycle tires. In addition, they have a connection or adapter to share one or two valves that will be used on a bike like the Schrader or the Presta. A third type of valve is the Dunlop or Woods valve, notably which can be filled using a Presta pump. In addition, bicycle pumps are one of the tools that if you want to protect your bike, you must use them. We are called low-machines and the designs are for basic goals like adding air to the car. However, there are still some pumps that will not be as efficient as expected. Below is some information on how to choose bike pumps.

1. Types of bike pumps

1.1 Stand bike pump

They are also known as floor pumps or track pumps. When choosing this product, users should put the pump base on the floor, put the foot on the base, and pull the whole thing with the handle. Then there will be an additional hose connecting the pump to the steam intake valve. They will most likely provide a long hose, pressure gauge and large chamber for rapid gas transfer.

1.2 Hand bike pump (mini bicycle pump)

For hand pumps, there are two basic types: tubed and integral. The tubed will usually have a separate tube to connect the pump to the valve. On the market, they are quite cheap but not very effective. In addition, they have many joints so that the air can escape. The integrated pump is constructed with a hole in the side with a rubber sealing ring that fits snugly against the valve. In general, they are compressed into the valve by an auxiliary lever due to their good sealing properties, rigidity and low dead mass. Know that the dispersion integrals will pump faster than the eighteenth integral. However, due to the rapid pumping process, there is a risk of rupture of the spool valve such as the presta valve.

On the other hand, with a simple pump there will be a threaded or cambered plastic piston. They will push air forward the sides of the cup into the cylinder, so they form a sealing ring, and it also provides a separate valve. The piston can then push air out of the hole at the distal end.

Furthermore, the current well-functioning pump is a dual-acting pump. They will seal the piston in the cylinder at both ends, and they can push air into the tire both times. In addition, the pumps can also be mounted to a bracket on a bicycle frame or clipped onto, or latched onto. They can also be carried on bags, backpacks, and fixing cyclists' saddles.

Hand pumps are also known as mini pumps, and hand pumps are usually designed for emergencies or little use so they are easy to store and lightweight. Comes with a limited size, these pumps can put pressure on the valve body, resulting in leaking or unusable inner tubes. Currently, on pumps, there are more flexible hoses to eliminate the above cases, but in return, the pump speed will be reduced.

1.3 Foot bike pump

Not primarily designed for bicycles as they don't generate too much pressure so won't work well on narrow road bike tires, but will work on low pressure tires like mountain bikes . Because this type is only for cars and is suitable for Schrader valves. However, if the bike has Presta valves, a metered speed reducer is required to use the pump.

1.4 Electric bike pump

This 12 volt air compressor is not only suitable for car tires when using a starter to power the pump, but is also compatible with bicycle tires. In general, the 12-volt electrical system is primarily for bicycle lighting, sometimes powering this pump when a cigar lighter holder is installed. Currently, some electric pumps have a more compact structure than hand-operated foot pumps. This, well, fits a well-equipped bike with a DIY 12 volt system.

1.5 CO2 inflator

Gas pumps are usually for mountain bikers or road bikers, or those who need to reduce weight and save time if a tire is punctured. They can be in the form of disposable pumps or pumps with replaceable cartridges. In general, the pumps use carbon dioxide and a standard threaded 16g CO2 canister. The rate of leakage of carbon dioxide out of the rubber inner tube will be faster than air, although they have large molecules, for the CO2 molecule, it will be more soluble with Oxygen and Nitrogen in the rubber. This will cause the tire to deflate faster when the wheel is filled with air. Some notes when choosing:

For size 16g is suitable for a 700c road tire.

For size 20g fits to fill a pair of 700c tires or a 26-29 inch mountain bike tire.

Add a nozzle that includes a shut-off valve for more accurate inflation measurement. However, some nozzles and cartridges are threaded, so be sure to have a compatible replacement kit when purchasing.

2. Tire pressure of bike pump

Pumps up to 260psi are rare and even a mountain biker won't need to go up to 40psi. In general, a high-pressure pump will often have a trade-off for volumetric output or gauge accuracy. Tire pressure usually depends on many factors such as tire size and sidewall thickness, rider weight, driving conditions and many more. Tires should be inflated in smooth conditions, while underinflated tires may be suitable for rough roads or trails. Know that pounds per square inch (psi) is the standard measurement; con Thanh is the equivalent figure. Some suggested measuring guidelines are as follows:

Road tension bike from 80-130 psi / 5.5-9 bars

Comfortable bike from 35-70psi / 2.2-4.8 bar

Mountain bike from 30-60psi / 2.1-4.2 bar If you inflate to a lower gear in the pressure range, it will increase traction and help the car operate more smoothly. If you accelerate to high, it will bring cycling efficiency and reduce the chance of a flat tire. Where the pressure outputs or the amount of air the pump presses into the tire is a factor to consider as you must inflate properly and sufficiently, if the maximum air pressure is low then the tire will not be able to inflate fully.

3. Volume of bike pump

Similar to the tire pressure, the volume will depend on the choice of bike. For high volume pumps, fewer strokes will be required, to achieve the desired pressure means lower pressure. Since mountain glue bikes usually have a much larger volume, while the pressure is lower, they require a larger capacity pump. If the tires are tubeless, a pump with a large capacity may be enough to inflate the tire without the need for an air compressor.

4. Pump heads and valve types of bike pump

Currently, on the market, there are two types of valves that are used by many people: Presta (racing style) and Schrader (car style). Almost all steamers use Presta and Schrader, but not all valves are suitable for specific types of pumps, it is possible that some pumps must be internally modified to accommodate different types of valves. For double valve heads, there will be two separate slots for one of the two valves, while the other end will automatically adjust to different valve sizes. However, there are still some types of lace on, but it also depends on your needs. In case if you use tubeless tubes or valves with removable cores and only note that some threaded pump heads can remove the valve after inflated, with this type you should choose the type of press head.

5. Size and weight of bike pump

Size of bike pump: if you plan to take the pump with you when traveling, cycling, or in the car, size is important to minimize the load on your gear. For small mini pumps that will blow up the tires but are actually limited in the amount of air.

Weight of bike pump: similar in size, weight won't be an issue if they are placed at home. But if you want to carry it on trips, you should choose compact pumps. Often more expensive pumps are made of lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber, but some pumps are made of plastic. However, choosing them is based on your needs and how you want to do it.

6. Gauge accuracy of bike pump

It is rare for some hand pumps to have a meter. When choosing, look for gauges that are easy to read and offer the right pressure range for your needs. Usually the gauge will measure most accurately mid-range so when inflating mountain bike tires between 23 and 25psi, and either a low-precision gauge or a separate pressure gauge. Depending on your needs and finances, there are many different types of pumps.

Conclusion

As a general rule, the more expensive the material, the more expensive the pump will be. In addition to the pressure characteristics, suitable valve type, size and weight... all affect the selection process more or less. Attention should be paid to the materials they are made of, often pumps made of good materials such as metal will be more durable than other types. If cheaper materials like plastic can wear out after a long time of use. In short, the choice of a bike pump depends on the needs of each person. If you are a cyclist, choose a pump that is compact, lightweight and can deliver air between pumps on a regular basis that can provide air between and without the need to choose machines. pump with bell and whistle. By sharing some of the above information, we are happy to be able to provide useful updates for everyone. Thanks for following me here.


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