There are so many options, mainly because of the own-brand alternatives. So how do I choose a good floor pump? What should I look for?
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Generally known as a "floor pump".– Daniel R HicksCommented Apr 9, 2018 at 21:36
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You need to consider the tires you will inflate and buy a pump to match. A low-pressure pump isn't good for high-pressure tires, and vice-versa.– Daniel R HicksCommented Apr 9, 2018 at 21:38
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Not a feature, but I sometimes wish a floor pump had a small storage compartment for ball valve needles or spare valve caps. Mine's got a small film canister taped to the upright.– Criggie ♦Commented Apr 10, 2018 at 0:26
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1@Criggie - Some come with a plastic clip to hold ball needles. But I don't know how well this works -- whether the needle is apt to get knocked off.– Daniel R HicksCommented Apr 10, 2018 at 2:17
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I have 3 or 4 cheap floor pumps that have been broken or won't pump high pressure or otherwise have been rejected. Now I have a full-metal body Nashbar pump with a nice wooden handle and I love it.– Steve H.Commented Apr 10, 2018 at 20:56
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8 Answers
I'd say it must have a good sturdy build and should be stable.
It must have a good pressure control and display; it should have a proper pressure range.
It should have a good connector with detachable/replacable plugs.
It should have a long hose, so you're not too close to the bike and make full control strokes on it.
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I'll add that it should pump relatively quick ... I have one pump that fills the tyre after 20 pushes, other one needs 50 Commented Apr 9, 2018 at 21:03
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5Ideally the pressure gauge should be at the top of the pump, rather than down near the floor. Commented Apr 9, 2018 at 21:37
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Sturdy build can be had with either plastic or metal, but I definitely prefer my metal pump to my sister's plastic one. Commented Apr 10, 2018 at 12:36
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A double-sided chuck for both Presta and Schrader valves, with sturdy lever
"Universal" chucks don't work as well and aren't as durable (IME, so not the most expensive), while the type that involve switching bits inside are one thing for carrying on the bike when space/weight is at a premium but another for workshop use.
When you use the pump to inflate a tire the pump body gets hot.
This heating up results in a temporary expansion of the body itself.
If the cylinder and the base are made of two different materials (cylinder made of metal, base made of plastic) this thermal cycling can lead, in the long run, to loss of air tightness and less efficient pumping. In the worst case the pump can simply break.
So I personally prefer full metal body pumps.
Additionally, it is good if it has:
- versatile head to fit different valves
- pressure gauge with psi and bar reading
- large base to be stable during usage
- fair hose length
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1Check that the head fits the type of wheel. I had to get a new pump when the wife bought a Brompton. The pump-head worked well with a standard 700C-rim and spoke spacing but did not fit into the much narrower space between the Brompton's spokes.– CarelCommented Apr 9, 2018 at 19:39
The ability to shove pressurized air into a tire :-)
Seriously, it is very hard to discern minor quality difference between pumps. Best advice is:
- Look for and read reviews.
- Get one that looks and feels sturdy and relatively heavy.
- Avoid the cheapest 1/3 of the available models.
answered Apr 9, 2018 at 16:38
It may be a long way down the road, but look for a pump who manufacturer offers rebuild kits for their older models.
Park pumps definitely have rebuild / service kits, as do Zefal and Silca.
However the extra cost of the premium brand might be weighed up against the value.
A Stable Base
Floor pumps stand on the floor and you hold your foot on one side for stability. So a base that allows the pump to tip over is less useful.
A falling pump could smash the pressure gauge, or worse, subtly uncalibrate it) This is more likely if the gauge is up the top.
Don't fuss over this. No-one makes a floor pump that only does low or high-pressure tyres. I've never seen one that didn't have adapters for both types of valve, and YOUR bicycle only has one type, so you won't be constantly changing over. Yes, a floor pump is less work than the type you clip to your bike frame, but isn't part of the reason you cycle to get exercise? Sure, treat yourself to a floor pump. No need to go mad though.
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I just saw one low pressure pump. Gauge went only up to 60 psi or so ??? It was an otherwise good looking pump, gauge was up instead of floor, arrow easily seen, sturdy, a tripod base... Commented Apr 11, 2018 at 20:06
It must have a valve between the cylinder and the hose, or else you will never build up a high pressure like 5 bar. The pumps that are also suitable for car tires have such valve, because the valve on the tire is opened by the chuck. Cheap bicycle pumps that depend on the tire's own valve are useless, you are just pumping up the dead volume of the hose. Unless you add a second valve..
