The Best Bike Pumps for Every Type of Rider

Turning an obstacle into an opportunity is mostly a matter of mindset, but when it comes to repairing a flat in the middle of a ride, a reliable pump sure helps keep things in perspective — it’s a lot easier to grin and bear something when you’ve got the equipment to get you back on the road, rather than camping in the bike lane until help is secured.

Cyclists of all stripes know that one of the keys to maintaining an upbeat attitude is to prepare your bike before a ride, and to bring along a little help in case of unforeseen challenges. That’s where the humble bike pump comes into the picture: maintaining tire pressure is undoubtedly a large piece of the cycling puzzle, and a reliable pump is an indispensable addition to any kit.

What kinds of bike pump designs are there?

There are two main types of bike pumps: floor and mini. Their respective names don’t leave much to the imagination — the floor pump is the quintessential pump design, with a two-pronged handle and chamber that stands on the floor as your pump air into your tire. The mini is either a hand-held pump or a small cartridge of air that can be used once or twice to fill your tire on the go. The floor pump is going to be more efficient, faster and accurate, while a mini pump is best for on-the-go emergencies and quick fixes.

What features should you look for in a bike pump?

Depending on how you’ll use the pump, there are a few features to keep an eye out for. Unless you’re a total bike nerd (erm, enthusiast), the terms Schrader and Presta won’t mean much to you, but they should: they’re the two types of valves you’ll find on tires, and knowing which you roll with will determine which pump you choose. Presta valves are found most often on performance mountain bikes and road bikes, while Schraders are more commonly seen on hybrid models and kids’ bikes. A Schrader valve is the same circumference from top to bottom and has a center pin that can be pushed in to add or release air. A Presta, by contrast, is a long and thin valve with a tapered head, made entirely of metal. The tip must be unscrewed to add or release air. The Presta is found most commonly on performance-oriented bikes because of its smaller diameter: the reduced size of the opening is able to handle more pressure, making for a stronger wheel.

It should be noted that there’s a selection of pumps that have both Schrader and Presta valves, so you won’t have to choose.

How should you choose the best bike pump for you?

In most cases, it pays to be prepared — in the spirit of accounting for all possibilities, it’s best to have a floor pump at home, and a mini you can take on the road (or trail) with you.

Below, we’ve picked out the best floor and mini pumps for every rider and budget.

Backcountry

Best Overall Bike Pump

Specialized Air Tool Comp Floor Pump

• $70.00 at Backcountry

The best floor pump will have an accurate air pressure gauge, comfortable handles and versatile performance, and this pump from Specialized ticks all of the aforementioned boxes.

Designed to inflate both mountain bike and road tires fast, this 365cc-per-stroke floor pump features a SwitchHitter II head, which automatically switches between Schrader and Presta valves, as well as an over-molded-wing handle that’s comfortable to grip, even when filling the biggest tires. The Air Tool has a steel base and aluminum barrel and delivers a maximum pressure of 120 PSI (8.3bar). The bleeder valve in the handle, combined with the dual-valve nozzle, makes this an easy-to-operate option, even if it is a bit top-heavy. This isn’t the flashiest pump on our list, but if you’re looking for a reliable, adaptable floor pump, you can’t go wrong with this option from Specialized.

Max pressure: 120 PSI / 8.3bar

Weight: 3.9 pounds

Best for: Mountain, road, gravel bikes

Amazon

Best Upgrade Pump

Lezyne CNC Digitial Drive 3.5

• $127.00 at Amazon
  $140.00 (9% off)

Lezyne has built a name for itself building dependable and quality-driven bike accessories, and the CNC Digital Drive 3.5 is no exception.

This pro-grade floor pump is built with CNC-machined aluminum components and hardware and features an extra-long nylon-reinforced braided hose with aluminum couplers. The CNC Digital Drive delivers a max pressure of 220psi | 15bar, and the ABS1 Pro Presta/Schrader Compatible Flip Chuck makes it easy to switch between valve types. The digital screen makes it easy to determine tire pressure quickly, although the acrylic screen could be swapped out for glass for a more luxe feel.

Max pressure: 220psi / 15bar

Weight: 3.45 pounds

Best for: Road bikes

REI

Best Budget Bike Pump

Topeak JoeBlow Max HP Floor Pump

• $50.00 at REI

This is the best bike pump you’ll find if you’re on a budget, thanks to its stability, efficiency and low price tag. Built to get the job done without any distractions, Topeak designed the JoeBlow Max HP with a single steel barrel that allows for air pressure up to 160psi, and included a double-sided Twinhead valve attachment that works with both Schrader and Presta valves.

The wide base and oversized handles work to provide comfort whether it’s a quick top-off or full tire change, and the extra-long hose maintains convenience. This is a solid option to keep in the garage or trunk of your car for quick fills before a ride.

Max pressure: 160psi / 11.03bar

Weight: 3 pounds, 1 ounce

Best for: Mountain, road, gravel bikes

REI

Best Complete Pump Kit

Lezyne Pocket Drive HV Bike Pump – Loaded Kit

• $50.00 at REI

Small package, large power: Lezyne’s full-rebuildable mini pump is the ideal packable pump for long days on the bike, bikepacking trips or as an extra precaution during standard rides.

Manufactured from CNC-machined aluminum, the Pocket Drive is compact at 3.2 ounces, yet packs a punch: it can inflate tires up to 90psi and is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves.

The knurled barrel offers a slip-resistant hold, while integrated ABS Flex Hose and overlapping handle ensure smooth operation. The Loaded Kit option comes with a lever kit, Twin Speed Drive CO2 and Velcro strap for easy packing. This pump is so small, you could fit it in a jersey pocket, no problem.

Max pressure: 90psi / 6.2bar

Weight: 3.2 ounces

Best for: Road bikes

REI

Best Mini Pump

Silca Tattico Mini Pump

• $70.00 at REI

Silca’s mini pump is disarmingly low-profile. At less than 10 inches and weighing in at 5.5 ounces, those unfamiliar with its capabilities would be surprised to learn this small-ut-mighty mini pump can inflate tires up to 100psi, thanks to its inverted design. The Tattico Mini Pump’s hose and valve are nested inside the inner chamber, rather than the outer cylinder, which delivers 10 percent more air per stroke. (Anyone that has pumped up a freshly-changed tire will appreciate the extra oomf per stroke.)

Mini pumps tend to heat up after extensive use, but the 6061 aluminum alloy barrel and knurled gripping surface on the Tattico stay cool thanks to an insulating air gap between the barrels, along with a hidden heat sink at the end of the barrel.

The Tattico is compatible with both Presta and Shrader valves, and even comes with a carbon-filled nylon bracket, so you can mount this hard-working wonder straight to your ride.

Max pressure: 100psi / 6.89bar

Weight: 5.5 ounces

Best for: Mountain, road, gravel bikes

Amazon

Best Basic Pump

Park Tool PFP-8 Home Mechanic Floor Pump

• $44.00 at Amazon
  $46.00 (5% off)

When it comes to home inflation, there’s nothing special about Park Tool’s PFP-8, and that’s a good thing: it just does exactly what it is supposed to do, every single time. The composite head can handle all sorts of valves — Presta, Schrader and Dunlop — without adjustment, and it’s remarkably smooth and efficient. The base is stable and the gauge is reliable, so it’s easy to see how much air you are adding. Considering it will serve you for years to come, the price is nice too.

Max pressure: 160psi / 11.03bar

Weight: .22 pounds

Best for: Mountain, road, gravel bikes

Walmart

Most Reliable Mini Pump

Pro Bike Tool Mini Bike Pump

• $25.00 at Walmart
  $27.00 (8% off)

Out on the road, the best bike pump is the one you actually have on you, and that’s always the case with Pro Bike Tool’s mini bike pump, due to its light and compact design. It comes with a mounting kit but I’ve never used it — I keep mine in a little bag on my frame, but you can also slip it in your back pocket or a cycling jersey pocket and forget all about it till you need it.

What’s really cool about this pump is that the tube tucks into the body for maximum compactness (less than nine inches long and only 4.5 ounces). The dual valve attachment means you can pump up anything, the slim profile makes it great for small or hard-to-reach valves and it screws on for a tight seal. One other notable feature: the built-in pressure valve, which ensures you always know how much air you’re adding.

The only major downside is that it’s not very efficient. If you are pumping up a tire you just changed, it’s going to take A LOT of pumps. but weighed against all the upsides, and the fact that it has helped bail me, friends and even total strangers out of flat tire jams, this pump is still a champ.

Max pressure: 120 psi / 8.3 bar

Weight: 4.5 ounces

Best for: Mountain, road, gravel bikes

Backcountry

Best Budget Mini Pump

Crank Brothers Gem Pump

• $25.00 at Backcountry

Cycling can get costly, and if you’re just getting started (or thinking about getting started) the accumulating costs of a bike, apparel, accessories and equipment can be a deterrent. For the beginning or intermediate rider looking for a little peace of mind on the go, the Gem Pump is a handy option for roadside repairs.

Crank Brothers outfitted its small pump with dual valve compatibility, as well as enough power to inflate tires up to 130psi. At just under six ounces, the Gem fits easily in a jersey pocket or small pack, and the bright green colorway makes it easy to locate on the fly. The Gem doesn’t come with the bells and whistles of a Silca or Lezyne, and that’s the point: what you see is what you get.

Max pressure: 130psi / 8.96bar

Weight: .28 pounds

Best for: Mountain, road, gravel bikes

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