Pumps for bicycles: types and choices

The pump is the main accessory for the bike, so they are recommended to be bought together. This unit is designed specifically for tire covers. He should always be near, because with faulty equipment you will not go far. When choosing a bicycle, you must immediately determine the pump.

The first bicycle pump appeared in 1887 in Scotland. And today, a bicycle pump is an indispensable device for summer equipment. Every cycling enthusiast has one. There are several types, different options and models of pumps.

The mechanism is usually equipped with an adapter that connects the fitting and the bicycle chamber. Air is pumped using a special piston. When it rises, the system draws air through the valve. With a downward stroke, the piston begins to displace air from the pump itself into the tire. Some models have a pressure gauge that measures the pressure level inside the chamber.

The camera can be inflated with a foot pump or compressor. The latter option can pump too much air, which will affect the walls of the chamber and may even tear it apart.

In order to be able to take the unit with you, most people choose manual options. The manual bicycle pump has a cylindrical shape. The design has a piston, rubber gaskets that act as seals. To conveniently operate this device, the pump has a stem and a handle. Pumps having a small capacity, often cylindrical, have a handle that reduces the size of the device itself.

A valve is installed on a number of pumps, which operates on the outlet. Gas or liquid enters the vessel passing through the fitting. When the piston starts to work back, the contents are compressed, and then under pressure comes out through the nozzle. Tire inflation pumps have a flexible hose that connects to a valve on one of the wheels. In some cases, a pressure gauge is mounted on them, which controls the pressure in the tire.

therefore For long-term and high-quality use, you first need to study the instructions for this unit.

The way the pump is used affects its type of choice. Consider the main types of this unit.

• Floor with a manometer (foot). It resembles a car, as it has a head for the Schrader valve. When the unit is operating, its base is on the floor. The pumping process occurs by pressing the foot on the pump pedal. It is easy to use such a technique in any situation: a fixed stop goes into the ground, a wide handle allows you to comfortably hold with both hands. Thanks to the one-way valve, the pressure gauge as well as the air hose are attached firmly to the chamber. Such a system allows you to quickly inflate the tire, but the large weight and dimensions do not allow you to carry this unit with you.

• Hand held portable. The most popular type, which can be with a hose, as well as with an integrated head. Pumps with hoses have separate tubes connecting it to the chamber nipple. These models are fond of affordable pricing, a variety of compounds that release air. However, they are inferior to other types of pumps in their efficiency. The pump with integrated head is equipped with a rubber tab that fits in the side hole. This is to ensure that the nipple has a good seal in a circle. Such a seal is the most effective and reliable in operation.

• In the form of a can with compressed gas. They pump up wheels very quickly thanks to liquefied gas, which cannot be pumped on their own. In addition, they are expensive, so they are used only in races, when there is no time for repair. It should be noted that CO2 molecules are distinguished by their large sizes, which prevents them from lingering for a long time in rubber. This means that after a few days the wheel becomes flat.

• Electric bicycle pump Designed for car tires, but can be used for bicycles. A number of pumps cut off the pumping to suitable pressure level options, so the bicycle tire may not be sufficiently inflated. This tool works from a 220 V outlet.

• Battery pump. He easily inflates inflated tires, as well as balls, mattresses and much more. Such a unit in any territory quickly, without wires and silently pumps the necessary element. This pump is equipped with a display, a pressure meter, as well as automation. The battery lasts a long time, but it needs recharging.

• Universal. It is distinguished by its compact size, you can pump not only bicycle tires. Modern products have a beautiful design, have additional automation, which gives even more reliability to this product. The device is suitable for different types of nipples.

• Auto - This is a reusable device that can be easily carried. With it, you can pump a fully flat tire, as well as a tubeless tire. Pretty convenient and simple device. In order to fill the camera, you just need to click on one button. These units are filled with an air compressor.Thanks to the aluminum capsule, it is possible to withstand a pressure of 16 bar. Compressed air in this technique is controlled by a sensor on the housing.

A nipple is a device that can hold pressure in a chamber. Designs differ from each other, they have advantages and disadvantages.

• Bicycle Nipple (Dunlop) - The construction of the times of the Soviet Union. The principle of operation is as follows: a tube is inserted into the wheel, its opening is closed by cambric. If the tube is working properly, then the nipple holds pressure. When the tube fails, this affects the operation of the nipple - it deflates. It turns out that the rubber tube closes the metal tube, which is held by the pressure inside the wheels.

• The nipple for the car (Schrader) - practical and popular option. It is recommended for many types of equipment, it is considered a universal tool. The product is very reliable and easy to use. The nipple tube is plugged by a spool in which there is a rubber seal. When the pump is connected, the middle bayonet opens the valve. Through it, air enters the wheel. If the system malfunctions, the valve is not tightly closed, then air will escape.

• Presta (FV and SV) - An advanced and elite model of nipples. Installation is on tubeless types of rubber, as well as on expensive models of bicycles. This is the easiest and most reliable of all the other representatives. In practical use is complicated. To work with this nipple, a special adapter and hose are used. Spool with a valve is not the most convenient, you need to get used to it. The principle of operation is similar to the operation of an automobile nipple. The design makes the uncomfortable valve reliable.

• An adapter that allows you to switch from one to another nipple. The variety of nipples leads to the fact that the user can easily get confused in their number, which is why an adapter is needed. It usually serves for a long time, lasts for several seasons.

So, for bike lovers, you need to have two types of pumps in your arsenal, as well as an adapter. It is important to remember that each nipple has its own diameter. Has the largest car.

Let's review the most popular models and brands of bicycle pumps.

• A universal device is a portable pump Leyzine. It is miniature, length 17 cm, weight 94 g. It can be easily placed in a pocket of clothes or placed in a bag under the frame of a bicycle. The maximum pressure is 11 atmospheres. There are 2 switching modes: large and small. It turns out that first we pump the chamber under high pressure, and finally we switch to low pressure. The head is suitable for nipples Schrader, Presta.

• Those who are actively involved in cycling, or cycling a lot, it is better to buy home floor pump. The best in this direction will be Topeak JoeBlow Max HP Track. It has a high price sector, but it is suitable for all types of nipples. The design is made of high quality and reliable materials. The manufacturer guarantees the durable operation of this device.

• The rating of road bike pumps is led by Topeak. It can be safely taken even on the longest trip, the brand managed to positively recommend itself. A pressure gauge and a hose are included with this device. The handle can be laid out with the letter "T", the lower part has a bar, it is convenient to clamp it with your foot. It can even replace portable and outdoor pumps. This option will be relevant for those people who have only one bike. He can quickly swing, gain 11 atmospheres in a tire of a shossera.

• Cyclotech - the product is made of plastic. Very lightweight, practical, and, most importantly, cheap. It is popular with bike lovers. This is a universal brand in which composite materials are not inferior to a metal pump.

• Stels is a brand that develops models adapted for a wide range of people. A pressure gauge and a scale for measuring are supplied with the pump. The maximum pressure is 11 atmospheres. The case is made of aluminum alloy, is distinguished by its power and reliability in use.

• Berkut - devices have special buttons for pumping tires. Pumps are easily mounted on the frame. The kit has a flashlight, which makes it possible to inflate tires even at night. The unit charges like a simple phone. The pressure gauge works perfectly, without errors determines the level of load for safe inflation of tires.

• Giyo. The company produces its tools from aluminum of high strength and good quality. High pressure allows you to quickly inflate the wheels. But there are models in this line in which the cameras are small in size, so the tires will have to be pumped longer than usual.

• Stern - pumps with pressure gauge. They feature an ergonomic body, a convenient and agile handle. Fasteners included. The product is made of plastic, therefore it is lightweight and practical to use.

• Xiaomi A company that supplied a lithium battery, a pressure detection system, and other functions to the pumps of its model range. The main thing is that the pump has a compact size, and it can even inflate tires quickly by car. The result was an innovative product adapted for modern conditions and outdoor activities.

An important characteristic of a bicycle pump is pressure - it must be maximum. For example, for a mountain bike - from 6 to 8 atmospheres. These are usually standard bicycle pumps. If the bike is highway, then from 8 to 11 atmospheres. Correctly determine the pressure will help the information on the circumference of the tire. This number indicates the pressure that the tire itself can withstand. It’s important to understand that it should be in equal amounts. Errors lead to camera damage.

The bicycle pump must be equipped with a plug that protects it from dust and dirt. It is important to pay attention to mobile models. The ideal option is an aluminum case, which is distinguished by its lightness and reliability in use. It is better to have two options: one - with a manometer, stationary for the house, and the second - portable type, to take with you everywhere. The choice is up to the owner of the bike.

If there are several bicycles in the family, then for everyone to buy a separate pump is expensive and unjustified. You can install the mounts on the frames and take one pump, then rearrange it from one unit to another. A proven option is considered purchase of two types of pumps: one - at home, the second - with you.

When choosing a pump for a bicycle, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• maximum pressure level in the pump;
• the working volume must be within the permissible norm;
• manometer measures accurately;
• compatible with nipples of various sizes and firms;
• dimensions of the bicycle pump;
• unit weight;
• reliable assembly, quality material;
• for expensive floor models there should be spare parts.

Thus, the choice of a pump for a bicycle is an exciting and financially expensive exercise, but it's worth it. It is better to spend money once and buy, really, useful things that will help out even in the most extreme situations. An analysis of the types of pumps and their features suggests that accessories in the life of the main structures occupy far from the last place.

The following video provides an overview of bicycle pumps.