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The Best Bike Pumps of 2024

A quality bike pump is a critical tool that every cyclist needs. We tested 11 of the best model on the market to help you find the best bike pump to suit your needs and budget.

A group shot of many of the bike pumps we tested
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Whether you ride road, gravel, mountain, or electric bikes, a good floor pump is a must-have for every cyclist. Maintaining the proper tire pressure is critical for comfort, safety, and the performance of your tires on the road or trails.

While they all perform the same basic task, there is a huge variety of pumps with literally hundreds of models to choose from. Whether for high volume, high pressure, or seating tubeless tires, there are lots of great options to keep your bike rolling smoothly, but finding the best bike pump for your needs and budget can be a challenge.

We rounded up 10 of the best pumps available today and have recommendations for all types of pumps and riders. Our diverse selection includes both high-end and budget-friendly models, high volume and high pressure, digital and analog gauges, and booster pumps for seating tubeless tires. While testing, we took notes on the type of valves they work with, the ease of attachment at the wheel, pumping efficiency, smoothness, stability, accuracy and readability of gauges, and the overall value and quality of craftsmanship.

Our top recommendations are listed below, followed by the best of the rest that are all worthy of consideration as well. To see the specs of all the bike pumps we tested at a glance, check out our comparison chart. If you need help making your purchase decision, our buying advice covers the important product considerations and our FAQ section provides answers to common questions.

The Best Bike Pumps of 2024


Best Overall Bike Pump

Bontrager Dual Charger

Specs

  • MSRP $75
  • Valves Presta and Schrader all-in-one
  • Max PSI 160 (11 bar)
  • Hose Length 46” (117cm)
  • Gauge Analog
  • Weight 1,692g
Product Badge The Best Bike Pumps of 2024

Pros

  • Switch between high-volume and high-pressure easily
  • Great efficiency in high volume mode
  • Stable base
  • Large, easy to read analog gauge
  • Long hose
  • Red color is easy to spot

Cons

  • Average all-in-one head connection
  • Head can be finicky
  • Gauge is not the most accurate
The large gauge on the Bontrager Dual Charger bike pump
The Bontrager Dual Charger’s massive analog gauge is easy to read, and the ability to switch between high-volume and high-pressure modes make it a great option to cover all inflation needs. (photo: Paul Clauss)
Best Budget Bike Pump

ToPeak Joe Blow Sport III

Specs

  • MSRP $60
  • Valves Presta and Schrader with two sided head
  • Max PSI 160psi (11 bar)
  • Hose Length 30” (76cm)
  • Gauge Analog
  • Weight 1,622g
The Best Bike Pumps of 2024

Pros

  • Solid value
  • Second most accurate gauge in our testing
  • Smooth operation
  • Durable

Cons

  • Short hose length made less usable being mounted at bottom of pump
  • Not the most stable
  • Head is difficult to use with one hand
The ToPeak Jow Blow Sport III bike pump in use in a home workshop
The ToPeak Joe Blow Sport III is a versatile pump that should meet most rider’s needs at a modest price. (photo: Paul Clauss)
Best Tubeless Booster Bike Pump

Bontrager TLR Flash Charger

Specs

  • MSRP $160
  • Valves Presta and Schrader all-in-one
  • Max PSI 160 (11 bar)
  • Hose Length 54” (137cm)
  • Gauge Digital
  • Weight 3,002g
The Best Bike Pumps of 2024

Pros

  • Very accurate gauge
  • Fast enough airflow to almost fully seat tubeless tires
  • 54” hose length increases usability and plays nicely when the bike is on a stand
  • Digital gauge is easy to read and repeatable
  • Pin and plug hidden in handle

Cons

  • Less efficient than a normal floor pump
  • Challenging to increase reservoir pressure above 125 psi
  • Average all-in-one head connection
Bontrager TLR Flash Charger bike pump digital gauge detail
Not only does the Bontrager TLR Flash Charger work consistently well to seat tubeless tires but the large digital gauge is impressively accurate and easy to read. (photo: Paul Clauss)
Best High-End Bike Pump

Silca SuperPista Digital

Specs

  • MSRP $349
  • Valves Presta with Hiro chuck, threaded Schrader
  • Max PSI 220 (15.2 bar)
  • Hose Length 48” (120cm)
  • Gauge Digital
  • Weight 1,967g
The Best Bike Pumps of 2024

Pros

  • Hiro chuck works great – easy to use with one hand
  • Quality construction
  • Supple hose
  • Very stable footing with rubber feet
  • Digital gauge works great
  • Replaceable and rebuildable components
  • Extremely smooth pumping action

Cons

  • Preload function is not very valuable
  • Average accuracy at a high price point
  • Fabric handle clasp is very tight
  • Extremely expensive
Silca SuperPista Digital bike pump Hiro Chuck detail
Not only is the Silca SuperPista Digital one of the nicest pumps you can buy, but the Hiro Chuck for Presta valves is the most user-friendly we’ve ever used. (photo: Paul Clauss)
Best Bike Pump for Suspension

Specialized Air Tool UHP

Specs

  • MSRP $100
  • Valves Schrader for air suspension, includes a Presta adaptor that can be used to fill tires
  • Max PSI 350 (24.1 bar)
  • Hose Length 48” (120cm)
  • Gauge Analog
  • Weight 1,593g
The Best Bike Pumps of 2024

Pros

  • Very quick to fill high pressure, low volume shocks
  • Quite accurate
  • Better than using a handheld shock pump when in the shop
  • High quality threaded head chuck
  • Braided hose is flexible and long – works well with both shocks and forks
  • Stable base

Cons

  • Not great for pumping tires – but not really made for pumping tires
  • Small changes to shock pressures can be hard to read on analog gauge
Specialized Air Tool UHP bike pump attached to a rear shock in the home workshop
The Specialized Air Tool UHP is a standing shock pump that makes quick work of inflating and adjusting pressures in suspension components. (photo: Paul Clauss)
Best Bike Pump for Travel

Lezyne CNC Travel Floor Drive

Specs

  • MSRP $100
  • Valves Presta and Schrader ABS Flip Chuck
  • Max PSI 160 (11 bar)
  • Hose Length 23.6" (60cm)
  • Gauge Analog
  • Weight 865g
The Best Bike Pumps of 2024

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Lay flat design
  • Smaller, packable and storable dimensions
  • Great for travel
  • Comes with a protective storage bag

Cons

  • Less stable
  • Shorter hose length
  • Shorter height requires bending over for taller users
  • Not ideal as an everyday pump
Best Bike Pump on a Tight Budget

AerGun X-1000

Specs

  • MSRP $40
  • Valves Presta and Schrader all-in-one
  • Max PSI 160 (11 bar)
  • Hose Length 34" (86cm)
  • Gauge Analog
  • Weight 1,090g
The Best Bike Pumps of 2024

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Gets the job done
  • Easy to use
  • Versatile all-in-one head

Cons

  • Shorter hose length
  • Not the most stable footing
  • Less robust build

Best of the Rest

Another Good Value

Blackburn Core 3

Specs

  • MSRP $80
  • Valves Presta and Schrader reversible head
  • Max PSI 160 (11 bar)
  • Hose Length 50” (127cm)
  • Gauge Analog
  • Weight 1,580g
The Best Bike Pumps of 2024

Pros

  • Good value
  • Stable and wide, rubber footed base
  • Smooth feel
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Sturdy, durable construction

Cons

  • Not our favorite head lock design, awkward operation and very stiff

PRO Floorpump Team

Specs

  • MSRP $115
  • Valves Presta and Schrader all-in-one
  • Max PSI 220 (15.2 bar)
  • Hose Length 47” (120cm)
  • Gauge Analog
  • Weight 1,500g
The Best Bike Pumps of 2024

Pros

  • All-in-one head is easy to use and has a good, sturdy feel
  • Relatively efficient
  • Easy to read analog gauge with clear color differentiation between high volume and high pressure readings
  • Greater gauge detail between 0-40 psi
  • Metal handle feels solid
  • Smooth pumping action

Cons

  • Stand is not the most stable in the test
  • No rubber padding on bottom of metal foot
  • Gauge only goes up to 140 psi

Lezyne Classic Floor Drive 3.5

Specs

  • MSRP $80
  • Valve Presta and Schrader thread-on
  • Max PSI 220 (15.2 bar)
  • Hose Length 46" (117cm)
  • Gauge Analog
  • Weight 1,885g
The Best Bike Pumps of 2024

Pros

  • Slim/sleek
  • Does the job
  • Fully serviceable
  • Moderate price

Cons

  • Screw-on valve is less user-friendly

ToPeak Joe Blow Booster

Specs

  • MSRP $220
  • Valves Presta and Schrader all-in-one
  • Max PSI 160 (11 bar)
  • Hose Length 60” (152 cm)
  • Gauge Analog
  • Weight 3,387g
The Best Bike Pumps of 2024

Pros

  • 60” hose is the longest in our test
  • Simple operation to release reservoir
  • Generally easy to use
  • Stable

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Head has a very sloppy feel, loose and gets knocked off easily
  • Challenging to fill reservoir fully to 160psi
  • Airflow from reservoir is not quick enough to seat tubeless tires reliably
  • Not super efficient

Bike Pumps Comparison Chart

Bike PumpMSRPValvesMax PSIHose LengthGaugeWeight
Bontrager Dual Charger$75Presta/Schrader all-in-one16046″Analog1,692g
ToPeak Joe Blow Sport III$60Presta/Schrader two-sided16030″Analog1,622g
Bontrager TLR Flash Charger$160Presta/Schrader all-in-one16054″Digital3,002g
Silca SuperPista Digital$349Hiro Presta and thread-on Schrader22048″Digital1,967g
Specialized Air Tool UHP
$100Schrader with Presta adapter35048″Analog1,593g
Lezyne CNC Travel Floor Drive$100Presta/Schrader ABS Flip Chuck16023.6″Analog865g
AerGun X-1000$40Presta/Schrader all-in-one16034″Analog1,090g
Blackburn Core 3$80Presta/Schrader reversible16050″Analog1,580g
Pro Floorpump Team$115Presta/Schrader all-in-one22047″Analog1,500g
Lezyne Classic Floor Drive 3.5$80Presta/Schrader ABS-1 Pro Chuck22046″Analog1,885g
ToPeak Joe Blow Booster$220Presta/Schrader all-in-one16060″Analog3,387g

Why Should You Trust Bikerumor?

At Bikerumor, we ride bikes, a lot. For work, play, training, racing, you name it, our lives revolve around bikes of all kinds. With all that riding comes a lot of tires, and we are constantly using bike pumps to install or add air to tires on our townies, road, gravel, and mountain bikes. Turns out, the lowly bike pump is one of the most frequently used and important tools any of us have. We also know that finding the right bike pump can be a challenge, and we are always in search of the best models to make our lives easier while keeping our tires at the perfect pressure for optimal performance.

For our like pumps buyer’s guide, we enlisted frequent Bikerumor contributor, Paul Clauss, to test and compare all of the models in this review. Paul is an avid cyclist who lives outside of Burlington, VT where he spends the majority of his time on his mountain bike and his gravel bike/commuter. He enjoys technical trail riding and knows the importance and benefits of a properly inflated tire and its relation to his enjoyment and performance on the trail. A mechanical engineer by trade, Paul loves to tinker with things, scrutinize designs, and perform quantifiable tests to help him discern differences in the performance of the products he tests. In addition to bike pumps, Paul has tested dropper seatposts, the best flat pedals, and secure bike locks, among others.

How We Tested Bike Pumps

After rounding up a diverse selection of the best bike pumps on the market in 2024, we ran each model through the same rigorous testing process to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and performance differences. While some of these pumps have been in a staff member’s garage for years, we tested them all over the course of several weeks, rotating through them for every day pumping needs. Each model was also used for a number of repeatable tests in search of quantifiable results. These included checking gauge accuracy at 10 psi intervals against our ToPeak SmartGauge D2X digital pressure gauge, as well as a pumping efficiency test to determine the number of strokes needed to inflate a Maxxis Minion DHR II to 30 psi. During these tests, we evaluated the ease of use and security of valve chucks/heads, stability in use, comfort of handles, smoothness of the pumping action, and readability of gauges. The more specialized pumps were tested for their intended uses of seating tubeless tires or adding air to suspension components. When testing concluded, we zeroed in on our favorites and those that excel for specific reasons compared to the rest.

Group shot of most of the bike pumps we tested
There are lots of bike pumps on the market that come not just in different colors, but varying gauge styles, pumping volumes, or to meet specific needs. (photo: Paul Clauss)

Buying Advice: How to Choose the Best Bike Pump

When choosing a bike pump, there are several factors to consider that may impact your purchase decision. A major factor is the type of tires you need to inflate along with the type of pump, type of valves (and valve attachment method), the volume of air moved per stroke of the pump (the efficiency of the pump), the gauge accuracy, and the overall build quality and stability of the pump. We’ll provide more detail on each of these areas below:

Types of Bike Pumps

The review focuses on floor pumps, which are aptly named for their ability to stand up and be used on the floor in your workshop (or parking lot at a trailhead). We tested three different types: standard floor or track pumps, tubeless booster pumps, and a high-pressure shock pump. Portable options like hand pumps, frame pumps, and Co2 inflators are other common tools for adding air to tires, though they are typically reserved for use in the field.

The PRO Floorpump Team is an example of a Standard, or Track pump
Standard, or Track pumps, like the PRO Floorpump Team, are the most common type of bike pump. (photo: Paul Clauss)

Standard Floor Pumps or Track Pumps

Standard floor pumps, also known as track pumps, transfer air directly from the pump to the tire through the valve. If you’ve ever used a bicycle pump, chances are you’ve used a standard floor pump. They can be used with all types of tires and wheels, and, while standard floor pumps are not as effective for mounting tubeless tires as an air compressor or reservoir-style pump (in theory), they can often get the job done, especially if the tire has a relatively snug fit on the rim, or you have prior experience and good technique. We like to keep our in a very easy-to-access location, preferably near our favorite chain lube and a rag for the pre-ride bike check.

Standard floor pumps are often optimized to work better for high-volume/low-pressure or high-pressure/low-volume applications. High-volume pumps typically move more air per pump, making them well-suited to inflating the larger volume of lower-pressure mountain bike tires. High-pressure pumps generally move less air per pump but are better suited to inflating lower-volume tires, like those on road bikes, to higher pressures. Either style of pump still works for all types of tires. Some pumps are capable of performing both tasks and are equipped with switches to change between high volume and high-pressure pump settings, like the Bontrager Dual Charger.

The ToPeak Joe Blow Booster bike pump
Tubeless booster pumps, like the ToPeak Joe Blow Booster, are essentially a manual air compressor and a bike pump in one, and they help when seating tubeless tires at home. (photo: Paul Clauss)

Tubeless Booster Pumps

Tubeless booster pumps are very similar to standard floor pumps but include a reservoir that can be pumped up to a high pressure and then quickly released. Tubeless pumps strive to act as small manual air compressors to make tubeless setup easy. Quickly releasing high air volumes helps “snap” the bead of tubeless tires to seat them on the rim. They also function as regular pumps for everyday use, making them a versatile addition to the home workshop for those who change their tubeless tires frequently. The Bontrager TLR Flash Charger and the ToPeak Joe Blow Booster are the two models of this style that we tested, although there are a few other options on the market as well.

As tubeless tires have grown in popularity and are now widely used not only on mountain bikes but also gravel and road, tubeless pumps are becoming increasingly common. While the models we tested certainly helped make tubeless setup easier, it isn’t always necessary to use one for tubeless tire installation. Some tubeless tires can easily be installed with a standard pump depending on the tire brand/model and the rim combination. Other tubeless tires can be more stubborn, and that’s where the Booster pumps come in handy. It is worth noting that pumping the reservoirs on these pumps up to 160 psi can be somewhat challenging, especially when you get above 120 psi.

The Specialized Air Tool UHP is a standing shock pump
Standing shock pumps like the Specialized Air Tool UHP are great for working on suspension components where you need super low volumes and high pressures. Note that the gauge goes up to 350 psi. (photo: Paul Clauss)

Shock Pumps

Shock pumps are more of a niche product for those who work on or adjust their mountain bike suspension components regularly. The air chambers of suspension forks and rear shocks are quite small, and they generally need to be inflated to significantly higher pressures than tires. For this reason, shock pumps move smaller volumes of air, but are typically capable of reaching must higher pressures. A great example of a shock pump is the Specialized Air Tool UHP which has a threaded Schrader head for attaching to shocks and forks and a max psi of 350.

While most people use small hand-held shock pumps at home or on the trail, a standing model like the Specialized Air Tool makes adding air to suspension components much quicker and easier. These are most common in bike shops, but those who tinker with or service their own suspension at home can benefit from them as well.

Side by side photo of Presta and Schrader valves for comparison
Presta (left) and Schrader (right) are the two main types of valves used on bicycle tubes. Most tubeless valve stems are Presta. (photo: Jeremy Benson)

Types of Valves

Bike tube/tire valves will almost always be either Presta or Schrader. There is a third valve type, known as Dunlop valves, though they are fairly uncommon in this day and age. Schrader valves are like those found on your vehicle and they are larger in diameter and generally found on more value-oriented or electric commuter bikes. Presta valves are most common among higher-end road/mountain bikes. Most tubeless valves are Presta valves, though there are some Schrader options available. Both types of valves have been around for quite a while and every pump we tested has configurations that work with both Presta and Schrader valves. 

Collage of four different bike pump heads/chucks for comparison
The heads, or chucks, of bike pumps vary in their designs and user-friendliness, but all of the pumps we tested have the ability to work with both Presta and Schrader valves. (photos: Paul Clauss)

Valve Chucks/Connections/Heads

While all the pumps in our test group accommodate both Presta and Schrader valves, they do so in different ways. Some pumps have heads that thread onto the valve while others have lever-lock style heads that tighten on the valve when the lever is flipped. Many pumps use an all-in-one head style, which easily connects to either Presta or Schrader valves but tends to be more sensitive to angular changes and can leak a bit more when being put on or taken off. Other pumps, like the Silca SuperPista Digital, use a removable chuck for Presta valves that threads onto a Schrader connection directly on the hose. Others, like the Blackburn Core 3 and the Lezyne Classic Floor Drive, use a reversible threaded tip on the pump head – which enables a tighter fit for each valve type but needs to be set up appropriately whenever a new type of valve is used. All of these are good options but, as riders who generally find ourselves using Presta valves, we were most impressed with the easy operation and lack of air leaks when using the Silca SuperPista Digital Hiro chuck.

The mode switch on the Bontrager Dual Charger bike pump
The mode switch on the Bontrager Dual Charger allows you to switch between high volume and high pressure. This pump proved to the most efficient in our testing in its high volume setting. (photo: Paul Clauss)

Pumping Efficiency

Pumping efficiency is a function of how much air is pushed through the pump into the tire during each stroke, and its importance will vary somewhat depending on whether you need high volume or high pressure or both. All of the pumps we tested will fill your tires relatively quickly (with the exception of the suspension-focused Specialized Air Tool UHP), and regular top-offs will typically only require a few pumps.

We tested pumping efficiency by counting how many strokes it took to fill a Maxxis Minion DHRII to 30 psi five times and then taking the average. Across all the pumps we tested, the average number of strokes to 30 psi was 36, with the Bontrager Dual Charger leading at 22 pumps (on high volume mode) and the Topeak Joe Blow Booster requiring the most at 47. Having used many pumps over the years, none of the pumps we tested felt super slow – but a more efficient pump will always save time and effort and may be worth consideration if you are frequently filling tires.

Collage of bike pump gauges for comparison
Bike pump gauges come in either analog or digital flavors in varying sizes, positions, and colors, some of which are easier to read and more accurate than others. (photos: Paul Clauss)

Types of Gauges

The pumps we tested come with either analog gauges/dials or battery-powered digital displays. Both types work relatively well, although their location and size can make some more easy to read than others. In general, digital displays are considered to be more precise as they can show the pressure readings in smaller increments than can be read on most analog dials. That said, a digital gauge generally adds to the cost of a bike pump and will require you to change a battery at some point in its lifespan. Many brands make pumps with both types of gauges, so you have options to suit your preference.

Gauge Accuracy

Most gauges are fairly accurate and will get you within a few psi of your desired pressure. We measured the accuracy of both analog and digital gauges by pumping up tires by 10 psi at a time, checking the gauge pressure at each interval against the pressure read by our Topeak SmartGauge D2X digital pressure gauge, and taking the average difference percentage from pump gauge pressures at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 psi. On average, pump gauges showed pressures 2.45% higher than the D2X digital gauge, with the most accurate pump (the Bontrager TLR Flash Charger) averaging readings 1% lower than the digital gauge, and the least accurate pump (the Bontrager Dual Charger) averaging 6.6% higher readings than the Topeak gauge.

Using the ToPeak SmartGauge D2X to check the accuracy of the bike pump gauges
We sued the ToPeak SmartGauge D2X digital pressure gauge to check the accuracy of the pumps we tested in a series of tests. A tool like this is very handy to ensure the accuracy of your tire pressures. (photo: Paul Clauss)

But how important is gauge accuracy? Provided you usually use the same pump to inflate your tires, it may be slightly annoying that it isn’t perfect, but it should be easy to work with. Finding the optimal pressure for your tires, rims, terrain, and riding style requires experimentation, and, if you are using the same pump every time, you can feel out pressure changes by using any baseline reading from the pump. You may find that your tires feel great at 28 psi on your pump dial, which might read 24 psi on a digital pressure gauge. But you know that using your pump, you like the feel of 28 psi on that gauge, so you can compensate for the difference.

Since changes in tire pressure can have a relatively large effect on the feel and performance of your tires on road, mountain, and gravel bikes, having a separate pressure gauge is always a good idea for those looking to get the most from their tires. This will help ensure consistency and accuracy, and most feature an air release button for fine-tuning of pressure. We used the ToPeak SmartGauge D2X, which, while somewhat expensive, we found to work very well.

Bike pump comparison shot of different foot/base designs
The base or feet of bike pumps varies, though all strive to provide good levels of stability with varying success. (photo: Paul Clauss)

Stability

While it isn’t the most important aspect of a bike pump’s performance, stability in use is definitely a consideration, and they are not all created equal in this regard. In general, the more the stable the better so you’re not constantly knocking it over in your workspace or having to constantly stabilize it with your feet while pumping. We found that we preferred pumps with wide, three-legged feet for multi-directional stability, and we also appreciated pumps like the Silca Superpista Digital and Blackburn Core 3 for their rubber padding on the bottom of the foot, which helped avoid slippage and floor scratches. 

Durability

Quality bike pumps can be shockingly durable and last for decades if treated with a reasonable amount of care. Most mid to high-end models are made with steel or alloy bodies and feet, and many can be repaired if they are damaged. Plastic tends to be cheaper but much less durable, so typically spending a little more on a pump will get you a longer-lasting product. We recommend buying from recognizable name brands like Bontrager, Specialized, ToPeak, Blackburn, and Lezyne, as they are most likely to stand behind their products with warranties and many have replacement parts to keep your pump running smoothly should it ever get damaged.

Group photo of most of the bike pumps we tested
Most bike pumps will last you for many years, regardless of price. That said, they do vary dramatically in price with the models pictured here ranging from $60 to $349. (photo: Paul Clauss)

Price/Value

In the grand scheme of things, bike pumps are relatively affordable tools that usually last for many years. You definitely don’t need to break the bank to get a great pump that covers your needs, and we found the sweet spot to be around $75 to $100. In fact, our favorite pump of the test was the Bontrager Dual Charger that retails for $75. Of course, you can spend less, and the super affordable AerGun X-1000 will get the job done for less frequent users or those on a tighter budget.

Pumps with special features, like tubeless booster pumps, require more materials and engineering, and they typically command a higher price as a result. Still, even at $160, the Bontrager TLR Flash Charger could be worth its weight in gold if you frequently install tubeless tires at home. At the highest end of the price spectrum, the $349 Silca SuperPista Digital won’t be for everyone, but it is an impressively well-made bike pump that’s sure to please anyone who is willing and able to spend that much.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Pumps

Why do some gauges go so high? Does anyone pump to 220psi???

Well, some track racers do pump their tires to 160psi or more, but that’s only because they are riding on a perfectly smooth surface in a controlled environment. Regular riding outdoors, on real roads and trails, needs far less tire pressure.

Recently, and especially with tubeless tires becoming the norm, it’s been proven that lower tire pressures yield more comfort, better traction, and improved efficiency. Yep, lower really is better. Brands like Silca have even made guides to help you find your best tire pressure.

So, why do floor pump gauges read so high? Because they need to account for the pressure spikes that occur when pumping. Next time you’re inflating your tire, notice how the needle spikes really high on each stroke. The gauge needs to have room for those spikes or it can be damaged, which means it will no longer be accurate. Specifically, they need 20-30% extra in order to safely cover the higher pressures generated during your pump stroke.


What about portable pumps and CO2 cartridges?

Portable hand pumps and CO2 cartridges are intended for use on the trail and should be carried on longer rides, especially on longer rides that you won’t want to walk out of if something goes wrong. But, due to the small size of portable hand pumps, they are time consuming to use with high volume tires and difficult to use with high pressure tires. CO2 cartridges are compact and easy to carry in a hip pack (or in frame storage), but they are low volume and can only be used once. Hand pumps and CO2 cartridges are great for use on the road or trail, but we recommend investing in floor pump to make maintenance easier at the house.


What about air compressors?

Air compressors are great for tubeless setup! But, they are also relatively expensive, loud, and difficult to throw in your car for a road trip. While having an air compressor is wonderful, floor pumps are an indispensable piece of gear that makes it easy for any cyclist to keep their tires inflated to their desired pressure.

What tire pressure should I run?

It depends on the type of bike and tire you’re running. All bike tires will have a recommended psi range listed on their sidewalls, so try to stay within that range. For most road riders, pumping tires to between 70 and 90 psi is a good starting point, while mountain bikers will run anywhere from 18 to 35 psi depending on the rider’s weight and the terrain. It is often a process of trial and error to find the optimal pressure for your tires, riding style, terrain, or road conditions to get the best performance from them.

How often do you need to pump up tires?

Tire pressure should be checked before each ride even though it may not need to be adjusted every time you take out your bike. Some tires will hold air pressure perfectly for extended periods, but over time, and sometimes overnight, small amounts of pressure can leak that can impact your tire’s performance or even be a safety issue. Checking your pressure is quick and easy, and adding air takes only a few seconds, so it is worth doing every time you head out for a ride.


What is the difference between a shock pump and a pump for tires?

Shock pumps are optimized for use with high-pressure, low-volume air suspension components. While most air forks and rear shocks use a standard Schrader valve and shock pumps can be used to fill Schrader tubes (and ultra rare Schrader tubeless valves), they generally have a very low volume stroke and are inefficient for use with tires. 

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