With a screw-on head to protect Presta valve cores, a built-in Presta core remover (essential for running tubeless set-ups), as well as a pressure release button in the head to fine-tune psi, the Lezyne is impressive. A sturdy, wide base provides a platform on which you can stand and hold the pump still, and a wide handle allows you to engage the plunger with both hands for better leverage. Taking everything into consideration, woom even designed the plunger to be a bit longer than the main cylinder to prevent your knuckles from hitting the cylinder when pumping. This article covers DIY options and dedicated bicycle-specific inflators across a broad price range. Made in the USA, EVT specialises in high-end workshop tools with an old-world feel that are built to last. Heres a professional-level automotive inflator, perhaps the type youd find at fancy petrol stations. That material is less malleable to easily slip over valves and I found it somewhat fussy to form a perfect seal. Itll survive. No need to swap internal components or switch anything around, the ALXs head auto fits to both valves. The well-protected gauge (0-160 psi) is large and well placed for easy viewing, and my sample was impressively on-point for accuracy. The pump that is best for you depends on whether you have a 12 bike, a bike with a Presta valves, a bike requiring high psi in the tires, as well as your budget. Pass. The tube is also a huge perk because its small attachment end makes it much easier to attach to the tire than the bulky head of other hand pumps. With a particular focus on families in mind, we tested each pump on a kids 12 balance bike with air tires, a 12 pedal bike, a 24 mountain bike, as well as a 700C adult road bike. Highs: One-handed design, benchmark valve head design, built to outlast cockroaches, unbeatable airflow. Fill it with sealant. Now over a decade later and the companys range is full of gauge-equipped inflators ranging from US$40 to US$80. This was in part due to its wider diameter plunger (the part that extends and retracts into the cylinder). The tube is dual-sided with screw-on Presta and Schrader fitting on either side. And while the valve head isnt great, its relatively easy to do a DIY conversion on. Unstable Bell Attack 350 base versus Stable Lezyne Base. The locking, lossless air chuck (presta or Schrader) is connected to a flexible hose that stores inside the pump when not in use. With a weighted, wide, 2-footed base, the Joe Blow is stable during use and was one of the few pumps that didnt knock over every time we walked past it! Highs: Great push-on valve design, one-handed operation, large gauge, simple design can take a knock, well priced. This is especially difficult on 12 bikes with coaster brakes, because the rear hub is significantly wider and therefore closer to the end of the valve. The taller and fancier version of our favorite budget pump, the Planet Bike ALX is another solid choice for families. Despite being best-suited for high-volume tires, it also does a solid job getting road tires back to serviceable riding pressure. However, there are a few big compromises here. This isnt such an issue, but Ive certainly found 1/4 parts easier to source. That pill is even tougher to swallow when you consider the tool lacks a bleed valve and that the gauge is unprotected in the event of accidental drops. Arundel uses a stepped gasket for the Presta head that slips onto valves easily, seals reliably, and pulls off without fuss. PrestaCycle was perhaps the first company to sell a cycling-specific inflator for bicycle use. Its wrapped in rubber, threaded at the end, and has a pin in the center that can be depressed to add or release air with a spring to keep it sealed. However much like the cheaper Ozito/generic digital inflator discussed below, this one also lacks unimpeded airflow. How they were all tested is covered at the bottom of this article. Its worth noting that this inflator was the only one tested to use 3/8 BSP fittings and not the more common and smaller 1/4 size. Schrader: Think car tire, mountain bike tire, beach cruiser, and most kids bikes. This works quite well but, of course, lacks a pressure gauge. When inflating the tire, just be sure to attach the head squarely on the end of the valve. Either way, both serve the same purpose: to inflate your tires. Meanwhile, a few cycling-specific production options tend to consider bicycle-specific usage and therefore offer one-handed use and speed. Also, if you often find yourself working on fussy tubeless combinations then an important element will be airflow efficiency not all inflators are equal in this regard. Though it may seem minor, its incredibly useful when youre trying to hit 17 psi and you accidentally overfill. As expected from woom, the overall feel and construction of the Airflow is impressive. The Presta head is made in-house by EVT and is simply the nicest inflator/pump head Ive ever used (and Ive used most). Pumps that always fall over are a pain to use and a pain to store. To test the accuracy of the bike pumps psi, we compared the pumps psi gauge to a stand-alone digital psi reader. Switching from Schrader to Presta requires unscrewing and flipping the red barrel at the end of the head. Although the tube is quite short, compared to most hand pumps that dont have a tube, the Airflows tube is a blessing as you dont have to kneel down quite as far in order to attach the head. PrestaCycle recently moved to a harder rubber gasket in its inflator heads for improved durability, but its this feature that also caused me dramas. The downside of screw-on pump heads is that they take much longer to attach and detach the head of the pump to the valve. All but one of the full-size pumps we tested had a pressure gauge. This pump won our testing. And the whole CNC-machined, aluminum package is just plain beautiful to look at. Firstly the measured airflow on this was the worst tested and so its not the best option if youre trying to overcome problematic tubeless fitments. After trying to convince everyone she knew about how amazing balance bikes are, she began Two Wheeling Tots. You wouldnt get very far without one, whether its a mini pump that goes along for the ride or a hard-working floor pump in the garage. While compatible with Schrader and Presta valves, switching between the two does require you to unscrew a portion of the head and flip some internal components. Swappable: This also has all the parts needed to inflate a presta or Schrader valve. And since its a dual-stroke type, it inflates tires extremely fast. Schrader is the most common valve on kids bikes as well as everyday adult bikes. And importantly, it offers decent airflow for tubeless seating, although its more restricted than what EVT and PrestaCycle achieve. Check out five of the top performers from our testing below, then scroll farther for a primer on this necessary tool and longer reviews of these pumps and other high-ranking options. Bells clip for needles on tube vs. crankbrothers enclosed storage in pump handle. Walk into any automotive or hardware store and youll likely find a number of tyre inflators. However, at less than half the price of the EVT, there are limitations. This inflator really is proof that the valve head typically makes or breaks such a tool. This pump is a great tool for riders who typically rely on CO2 cartridges but also like to have manual insurance. The adapters simply screw onto the end of the valve and create a bend at the end where you attach the pump. Over the past couple of years Id also received feedback from many industry mechanics about what they do and dont like about popular market options. The ABS 1 Pro Flip-Thread Chuckone side for presta, the other for Schradersecures tightly to valve stems and has a bleed button to help you set the ideal pressure. Note: the photos show various different couplings fitted to the tested inflators. Its extra-long, nylon-reinforced hose wraps over the handle and secures to the base, which serves two purposes: It keeps the plunger from extending when not in use and prevents the hose from flopping around. With short tubes, you have to spin the wheel to position the valve close to the ground and then place the pump right next to the tire. But testing confirmed that this pumps gauge is accurate at all points, and we consistently reach for the Air Tool when filling mountain bike tires. I really like that there are multiple ways you can hang this tool up, and the blue colouring makes it hard to miss. The stable metal base is the same as the Air Tool and Air Tool Comp V2. Firstly you can use an automotive-style mini inflator. From presta valve pumps to schrader valve bike pumps, weve tested them all! The Comp stood out from the rest due to its limited lifetime warranty. Whether at home or on a ride, nothing beats a reliable pumpfloor or minifor fast and accurate inflation. Schrader valves attach on one side of the head and Presta on the other. You cant ride a bike if your tires dont have air in them! Audew Bike Tire Air Pump, Soccer Ball Bike Pump, Portable Bike Inflator, Bicycle Floor Pump with Ball Needle Kit for Balls, Toys, Basketball, Smart Valve Presta Schrader, Hycline Bike Floor Pump Presta and Schrader Valve 160 PSI High Pressure with Gauge, PRO BIKE TOOL Mini Bike Pump with Gauge Fits Presta & Schrader (Black), PRO BIKE TOOL Mini Bike Pump Premium Edition - Fits Presta & Schrader valves, Blakburn Air Tower 3 Bike Floor Pump with Mid Gauge, Zefal Air Storm 100 PSI Bike Pump (Sports Ball, Toy Compatible). We earn an affiliate commission when you buy through our links. Highs: One-handed design, benchmark air-flow. OUR REVIEW BEFORE THE PUMP BROKE: The crankbrothers Gems unique footswitch allows the pump to switch between high volume and high-pressure airflow. Upon reaching the desired psi on the pumps gauge, we removed the pump and tested it with our digital psi reader. What you wont likely find is a tyre inflator intended for direct fit with bicycle-specific Presta valves. Some pumps are significantly easier to use than others. For the rest of the pumps, we could attach the head, but the problem came in the heads locking mechanism. A floor pump typically does its job faster and with better accuracy, while a mini pump can get you out of a jam and back in action until youre home again, where you can top off your tire pressure with a floor pump. The Schrader valve is wider than the presta type and the same circumference from tip to rim. These will max out between 160 and 220 psi. We barely made it work on our 12 balance bike, but could not get it to fit on our 12 pedal bike. The 9.5-inch pump is rated up to 120psi. We also demonstrate all of our Quick Tips About Bike Pumps mentioned above. Longer tubes also prevent you from having the lean over as far to attach the head to the valve. The shorter tube on the Schwinn did make it more challenging to use than other pumps. Following the last point, the best inflators offer a simple friction fit with the valve (and can be used with or without the valve core in place). Whether on the side or the rear of the pumps head, engaging the locking lever in so small a space is incredibly challenging. While pressure gauges can vary in terms of max psi (the Topeak JoeBlow Ace DX in our test is the highest at 260), placement (some are located at the base, some at the top), and size (some are larger and easier to read than others), every floor pump has one. The included bell and bladder needles are securely stored on the tubing with a plastic case, which is a bonus. For the floor pumps, we counted how many strokes it took to get to 20 psi in a mid-width, 29-inch mountain bike tire, as well as 80 pounds in a 700 x 28mm tire. As a certified secondary science teacher, she loves digging deep into the why and how of kids biking. The Lezyne Sport HP offers higher pressure at lower volume (so it will take longer to fill your tires), while the Lezyen Sport HV offers lower pressure at a higher volume. Riders choice. The pump is also re-buildable, so if one part breaks, Planet Bike offers replacements parts to quickly and easily get it working again. Long tubes provide much more flexibility and dont require nearly as much positioning of the pump and the tire. The plastic handle and loose-fitting plunger give the feel of a discount product. Youll also want to consider whether youll need to inflate Presta valves, Schrader valves (including your car), or both. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Mini pumps typically dont have pressure gauges, and those that do often have one that is small and difficult to read (besides, your pumping arm will likely get tired before you even reach the ideal psi). Note: The pump head used on this tool (the Woodsman) is also sold separately to be a direct fit with a Schrader head. Our testing found that the gauge was accurate up to 100 psi (the max pressure our testing device will measure), although the graduations on the dial go all the way up to 160 psi. Price: US$169 / AU$299. From filling up beach balls and pool toys to footballs and soccer balls, ball and bladder needles are a lifesaver. Well, the PrestaCycle Prestaflator Mini is tough to beat. (1) Stability Does the pump easily tip over when trying to attach the valve? Price: US$135 / AU$290. Positives and negatives mentioned by others were put to test. The head is unique because its locking lever is on the side of the head rather than on top, making it easier to maneuver in small places. As a result, it can be very challenging to get the head of a bike pump to attach to a 12 tire in order to inflate it. Alternatively, it is possible to make your own (albeit more cumbersome) version of this and PrestaCycle sell a range of Presta heads to make that work. PrestaCycle also offers a number of lower-cost inflators with a similar form factor but with simpler analogue gauges. Presta valves are common on higher-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Not good for inflating tires past 40 psi. But its light and reliable, so whether we were micro-adjusting tire pressure mid-ride or relying on it as a backup plan for when our CO2 was spent, this pump never let us down. If youre willing to adapt a floor pump hose to fit and want a digital gauge, then something like this will do the job. But holy I actually truly love this thing. The best budget inflator is the PrestaCycle Mini (also no gauge). Notably, Ive taken a liking to inflators that offer a 90 angle of approach to the valve and a design that allows one-handed operation this leaves a hand spare to hold the wheel or pinch and pull the tyre as needed (in the case of tubeless). And that more durable seal head suffers the same issues as the companys Digital Pro inflator due to its hard material. Generally speaking, the DIY options will be best for those on a tight budget or who perhaps only see themselves needing the compressor in rare circumstances. Warranty/Replaceable Parts: 5 year / Parts not readily available, Ball/Bladder Needles: Included with on-board storage. EVTs push-on Presta head is the absolute benchmark in the industry Id like to think Ive tried most of the options out there and nothing comes close to this in a balance of easy-on-easy-off while still holding a perfect seal. Step on it. Fits 12 Bikes: Yes, but a very tight fit, Warranty/Replaceable Parts: 2 year / Parts not readily available, Ball/Bladder Needles: Included w/ onboard storage. They are stored on a simple clip on the hose that only loosely holds the needles in place. Theres no ignoring that this inflator shares the same form factor as countless commonly available automotive inflators, but it is worth noting that this one was built with far higher working pressures in mind. Keeping the head still while pumping, as well as making sure to pull straight up on the head when removing, can help to prevent a bent core. The Bell Air Attack gets the job done, but it is beyond frustrating to use. The three-inch gauge goes up to only 40 psi, with big, easy-to-read markings in one-pound increments. That flexible hose makes the Race Rocket MT much easier to pump vigorously without fear of damaging the valve stem than pumps without a rubber hose. Gauges are great for dialling in your pressures, but sometimes you just want unhindered airflow and care-free durability in a workshop environment (inflators often find themselves on the ground). Warranty/Replaceable Parts: Limited lifetime warranty/ replacement parts readily available. Similarly, there are also no perfect options, and even the best on the market still offers room for improvement. Another standout feature of the Gem is its hidden ball and bladder needle storage. With the top of the handle 5 inches lower to the ground than the Topeak, the Bell requires you to lean over quite a bit in order to even reach the handle to begin pumping. Ozitos digital inflator is the same generic item sold by countless sellers online and by other brands around the world. The company provided its top-tier Pro Digital inflator for testing. But both had trouble connecting to some 12 tires. We are a reader supported site. Finally, most of the tool is built to withstand abuse except for the fragile-feeling valve head collar. Yep, theres no gauge, yep its expensive, and yep, its awesome. Thats not a deal breaker, but it means the pump isnt as robust as the more expensive ones on this list. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. EVTs 3-in-1 inflator offers both Presta and Schrader valve inflation. To help ensure a proper lock on tire valves, the head on the Schwinn has a color-coded window red means not-locked and green means locked. However, the gauge leaves something to be desired when it comes to accuracy. Meanwhile, EVTs Presta-Only inflator, which lacks a gauge, is easily the best thing money can buy if you want unhindered air into your Presta valves and little more. The high volume setting quickly fills up high volume tires, such as plus size tires on mountain bikes. Twin: This type of head has two individual ports: one for presta and one for Schrader valves. Arundel also recently added a hose-based Schrader inflator to its range which may be worth considering if you want to fill both car and bicycle tyres (Presta adapter needed) however, this option will require two hands for operation. Still, because you never know where your riding will take you, we included a few pumps in our roundup that come with an adapter for this type of valve. Its also worth noting that there are big differences in the available airflow rate (volume of air at a given pressure) which will impact how easily stubborn tubeless tyres seat. While the Planet Bike Comp was noticeably harder to inflate road bike tires to higher psis than more expensive pumps, it was significantly easier than the Schwinn and Bell pumps we tested. Gauge is consistent and precise, but not accurate, Too big to easily toss into your car or lug around, One pound graduations are very easy to read on the large dial. The Schwinn Air Center Plus is a good-quality, affordable buy for those on a budget. The wider diameter plunger paired with its weighted 3-foot base allows the Gem to pump smoothly with minimal wobbles. But at 125 grams, its much lighter. It also means a cleaner workshop: One pump can replace a mountain bike pump with a low-pressure gauge and a road bike pump with high-pressure gauge. Our favorite needle storage provided an enclosed area to prevent them from getting lost. If youve landed on this article then you probably have an air compressor already (or are at least considering one) and youre looking for a dedicated bicycle tyre inflator to suit it. Adapters are also available to help create a bend in Schrader valves. Once the gauge hit the marker, you know its time to stop pumping! Overall, the gauge accuracy was better than we anticipated, with the differences only varying from about 2 to 7 psi. However, do keep in mind this tool was built for use in a professional bicycle workshop and so, like the Park Tool inflator, the Schrader head struggles to reach concealed valves on some car wheels. The pump itself is also very short. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. While these floor bike pumps didnt make our top three spots, they are all still recommended. The oversize gaugethe housing for which is integrated with the baseis easy to read and replace, should it someday become inaccurate or stop working altogether. But now it offers one of the smartest too. The Lezyne Steel Floor pump had the longest tube of 49.25, while the Bell Air Attack 350 had the shortest at 22. Pumping at high-pressure was also extremely difficult, making it unsuitable for use with road tires. All of the full-size bike pumps we tested came with needles, as well as a place to store them. Bravo. Longer tube lengths allows for much more maneuverability when adhering the head to the valve. This inflator is exceptional, but theres no ignoring whats an extremely high asking price for something that looks like it was cobbled together with a handful of high-quality fittings (all made in the USA). We love the Lezyne Sport HV for several reasons it is easy to use on both Presta and Schrader valves, delivers a lot of air with each pump, is small and compact, and is also budget-friendly. After testing out nine different floor bike pumps over two months, we quickly learned that there is a lot more to pumps than we initially realized. Not only has this pump stood the test of timeits held up to well over two years of usethe gauge performed flawlessly in our testing. And move a lot of air it doesit took us only 20 strokes to fill a 29 x 2.6-inch tire to 20 psi. Fits 12 Bikes: Balance bike yes, pedal bike no. However, the variations are consistent and repeatable, meaning the Air Tool Comp will inflate your tire the same way every time. Opening and closing that lever isnt a binary choiceyou can modulate the pressure as its released. As well, every floor pump has a long, flexible hose with a chuck at the end that can get into hard-to-reach placessome more easily than others. To install tubeless tires, place the nozzle on the valve, and when the tank is pressurized, flip the release lever from Charge to Inflate. Some bikes with 12 tires come with angled valves to make inflating easier, they are pretty rare. The needles simply rest in position and do not lock into place, so they are certain to easily get lost. If you prefer to see our favorite bike pumps in action, check out our video review. 22 Kids Bike Accessories to Make Biking More Fun From baskets and bells, to wheel lights and funky helmets, your kids will love these fun add-ons. For those who want to dial in an exact psi, the Topeak gauge was our favorite of all the pumps we tested. The gauge is small which can make it tricky to read an exact pressure, but it is dead-on accurate. Based on reviews on REI and Amazon, our issue does not appear to be isolated. And gauge accuracy should be considered for those looking to inflate and ride (as opposed to then using a separate gauge to dial in pressures). The crankbrothers Gem pump offered our favorite storage solution as the needles were cleverly hidden inside the pumps handle. This high-volume pump is, as the name suggests, made specifically for filling mountain bike tires. The TLR Flash Charger is a good alternative to an air compressor when it comes to installing tubeless tires. (Full disclosure: Our device reads only as high as 100 psi.) Silca, Arundel, and PrestaCycle have examples of these, and they all work as expected. Its usually found on city bikes, but is rarely seen in the U.S. The first was based on perceived flow during use some of the inflators truly snap a tyre bead into place or can be used to blow your floors clean. Theres plenty of useful information in this article, but if you simply want to know the best bicycle inflator with a gauge, its the most expensive tested: the EVT 3-in-1 inflator. The pump is a little big and unwieldy to throw into the back of a car, but its a great tool for the home workshop. Price: Approx US$150 / AU$200. Lastly, the Planet Bike ALX is one of the tallest pumps in the lot, so it was especially appreciated by our taller testers :-). PrestaCycle and Efficient Velo Tools (EVT) offer such tools ready to go with a Presta head, and these may inspire homemade versions, too. How we test gear. Highs: One-handed operation, custom Presta valve head is simply flawless, wonderful to use, great airflow, entirely rebuildable with (mostly) industry standard parts, built to last. Its small enough (7.3 inches) that it didnt dominate our bike when using the bottle-cage clip, and it can also fit securely in a jersey pocket. Like any screw-on pump head, the Lezyne does take much longer to attach to the valves, but its extra-long 4-foot tube and super sturdy 3-footed base make it pretty dang easy to use otherwise. There are DIY options with a gauge, too. Although the shaft is steel, the base and handle are plastic. But if you are willing to take the time to replace the tube on your 12 bike, 12 tubes with angled stems are a quick fix. Lows: Inconsistent sealing with Presta valves, head design wont work on many car tyres, average airflow. The gauges on these pumps typically have large, easy-to-read markings in one-psi increments that make it easy to dial in a precise tire pressure. Sadly EVT only offers its custom-moulded polyurethane seal heads with its gauges and inflators theyre not available separately. And then theres the fact that some of the tool is simply made with off-the-shelf USA-made parts. The unique ergonomics and the general feel in hand are fantastic and best on test. With a sturdy base, enclosed needle storage, and an accurate psi gauge, the Schwinn is a solid bike pump. Bladder and bell needle easily come out of tube storage. Learn how your comment data is processed. The general highs and lows are likely applicable to those, too. To help the head fit in, we found it helpful to let almost all of the air out of the tire and slightly pull the valve over to one side of the rim. If you have a road bike and need a high-pressure hand pump, the Lezyne Sport also comes in a high-pressure (HP) version that pumps up to 120 psi vs. 90 psi. Got an air compressor? To use the pump, simply screw the correct side of the extension tube onto the wheels valve and then screw the other end into the end of the pump and start pumping! By contrast, others feel like theyre trying to blow through a straw. The otherwise simple design provides a serious burst of air for seating tubeless, equal to the Prestacycle Pro and a noticeable step above both the Park Tool and Arundel. By taking the time to learn the differences in bike pump designs, youre much more likely to find a pump thats a great fit for your family. Dont let the industrial design fool you this thing is highly functional. Ease of use, comfort in the hand, care-free ownership, and durability were all key elements sought during the test period. The measured test may not be an exact science, but the results directly correlated with my subjective feelings of each inflators efficiency. Next is finding yourself a Presta valve head that simply screws into an automotive inflator. Its noticeably larger than the rest of the minis on this list, but it really works. The one downside to the Joe Blow for families is its poor needle storage. (3) Ease of Pumping How hard is the pump to execute the pumping action, especially at high pressure? While these adapters arent particularly easy to use, they are an inexpensive and quick solution to the problem. All the pumps we tested were able to pump up Schrader and Presta valves, but the shape of the pump head and how they attached to the different valves varied greatly. Standard pressure fit heads (which lock on with a lever on the head) can accidentally be attached or removed at an angle which can cause the center core of a Presta valve to bend. Of all the pumps on this list, this one has the gauge thats the easiest to use for setting a precise tire pressure. Although a tight fit, the pump connected with both the 12 pedal bike and balance bike. Wherever possible these were standardised for airflow testing. Its extremely similar in form factor to the tested Presta Cycle Digital but there are some obvious differences. Its the real star of the show here and is simply *chefs kiss*.