When you are an avid cyclist, having a quality bicycle pump is essential to ensure a worry-free riding experience. A well-chosen pump can help you out if you lose pressure, prevent punctures and ensure your tires are always properly inflated. But how to make the right choice among the multitude of pumps available on the market? Follow this guide to find the bike pump that's right for you.

1. Determine your needs

Before you begin your search, consider your specific needs:

• Do you need a portable pump for emergency troubleshooting ?
• Do you prefer a floor pump for precise and quick inflation at home ?
• Are you considering using tubeless tires that require specific equipment ?

2. Different types of pumps

a. Hand pumps

Hand-held mini pumps are compact and portable. They are ideal for offloading while on the way, but they have their limits in terms of maximum pressure. They are convenient to carry in a bag or to attach to your bike.

Council : Opt for a mini pump with gauge for better precision.

b. Foot pumps

Foot pumps are larger and offer higher inflation pressure. They are ideal for precise inflation at home. However, they are more bulky and less portable.

Council : Choose a foot pump with gauge for maximum accuracy.

c. Tubeless tire pumps

If you use tubeless tires, make sure you choose a suitable pump. These pumps are designed for high pressure inflation necessary to slap the tire on the rim.

Council : Look for a model with an integrated compressor for quick inflation.

3. The characteristics to be considered

When choosing a bike pump, keep in mind the following characteristics:

a. The compatibility of the valve

Check if the pump is compatible with the type of valve of your tires (Presta or Schrader). Adapters can sometimes be needed to switch from one type to another.

b. Inflating capacity

Make sure the pump offers a inflation pressure capacity higher than the one required for your tires. Foot pumps are generally more effective to achieve high pressure.

c. Lightness

If you plan to carry your pump during your exits, lightness is an important criterion. However, do not sacrifice quality to gain weight.

d. The precision

A pump with a gauge will allow you to accurately measure the pressure of your tires. Electronic gauges offer even more accurate reading.

e. Compactness

If the compactness is essential for you, look for foot pumps with feet and a foldable handle for easy storage.

4. How to swell his tires

Once you have chosen your pump, it is essential to know how to use it correctly:

a. With a hand pump

• Remove the valve cap.
• Hold the pump tip on the valve.
• Pump until the resistance is felt.
• Check the pressure by pressing the tire.
• Remove the tip and replace the valve cap.

b. With a foot pump

• Remove the valve cap.
• Choose the appropriate tip.
• Stand on the valve.
• Pump vertically.
• Monitor the gauge until the desired pressure is reached.
• Remove the tip and replace the valve cap.

vs. With CO2 cartridges

• Remove the valve cap.
• Install the inflator tip or the percutor on the valve.
• Connect to the CO2 cartridge.
• Control flow if necessary.
• Remove the tip and replace the valve cap.

Do not forget to regularly check the pressure of your tires, especially if your bike has been unused for a while.

Tire inflation is an important step to ensure good performance and optimum safety. Each practice has technical recommendations to use the full capabilities of its tyres.

Tubeless assembly or air chamber, do not hesitate to regularly control the pressure of your tires.

The various inflation methods for your bike

The foot pump is the most common for swelling bike tires and is usually used at home or in bike shops. It is attached to the Presta or Schrader valve and uses the efficiency of a piston to quickly inflate road bike tyres up to 10 bar.

The hand pump is smaller and portable than the floor pump. It is usually carried on bike rides for tire inflation emergencies. Its smaller piston allows a slower rise in pressure and requires more effort to inflate.

Some major brands manage to combine the speed of inflation and a good pressure rise (up to 8 bars).

Electric pumps are powered by a power supply or a rechargeable battery. They can be used to quickly inflate tires, but are heavier and more expensive than manual pumps.

CO2 cartridge pumps are often used by professional cyclists during races in which every second counts. They use CO2 cartridges to quickly inflate tires.

Manometer bicycle pumps

Bicycle pumps with pressure gauges allow you to measure tire pressure, essential to optimize the performance of your tires for competitors and seasoned riders. The advantage is to have a precise reading on low (1.5 bars) and high pressures (8 bars). Some digital pressure gauges allow for a quick reading of pressure.

Pressure gauge pumps are available in different designs, such as floor pumps, hand pumps or electric pumps, and can be used with different types of tire valves, such as Schrader, Presta or Dunlop valves. In general, it is recommended to check tire pressure before every bike ride and inflate them according to the manufacturer's specifications.