Portable and floor pumps for road bikes and MTB

Bike pumps, in search of the right pressure

Before heading out, checking tyre pressure with a bike pump is best practice for every serious cyclist. With a floor pump, everything becomes easy, while a practical portable pump lets you adjust pressure even away from home. And in the event of a puncture, having one or not can really make the difference between getting back home or having to be picked up by family or friends. Whatever product you choose, the pump should be fitted with a pressure gauge to check inflation pressure in real time. Presta, Schrader, Dunlop: almost all models are compatible with the three main valve types on the market thanks to specific reducers and adapters.

Models compared

Weight and convenience: these are two elements that distinguish portable versions from those designed to sit on the floor. In the first group, mini pumps stand out for record-breaking lightness. At just 65 grams, for example, the Topeak Micro Rocket AL is barely noticeable while riding. Much heavier, floor pumps are however easier to handle. Equipped with one or two support feet to lock them to the ground, they are also faster at inflating. On the other hand, carrying them around becomes impractical, as in the case of the Syncros Vernon 3.0TR. The third option is CO2 inflators. Unbeatable for size and lightness, they attach to a cartridge that inflates the tyre in just a few moments. And if you do not settle for a basic model, you can choose a CO2 pump complete with pressure gauge, like the excellent Specialized Air Tool Gauge Trigger.

Pressure values

Different tyres require different pressures. But finding the right one takes a good dose of experience and several attempts. The rider’s build has a significant impact in this respect. But even more important are the type of bike and the routes ridden. On road bikes, pressure values (expressed in bar) are necessarily higher than on MTB. On rough terrain, in fact, tyres that are too hard would send the bike skidding from side to side, with a resulting loss of grip and control. To increase speed on tarmac, on the other hand, it is better to raise the pressure. A road bike pump, therefore, should reach at least 8 bar. While to inflate a knobby gravel tyre, a portable MTB pump with 3 bar may be enough. Intermediate values, finally, are suited to urban rides on city bikes.