Best bike pumps 2024: Floor pumps and mini pumps for every occasion

With the best bike pump you'll never be left short of air in your tires

Image shows a rider using one of the best bike pumps for cycling
(Image credit: Future)

The best bike pump is an indispensable piece of any bike tool kit. Whether it's getting your tire pressures right at home, critical to having a good ride, or the ability to inflate a flat tire mid-ride, owning a top quality bike pump will be one of the best investments you make as a cyclist. 

Achieving just the right level of air pressure pre-ride will be easy to achieve with a good, quality floor pump (also known as a track pump) while getting you home safely post puncture will be the responsibility of a mini pump you can take with you on your ride. 

Both have important roles to play in a cyclist's life, with the best bike pump forming the very foundation of every safe and enjoyable bike ride. If you are getting lots of punctures, you might find it's also time to invest in a pair of the best road bike tires, or if you're more of an adventure cyclist,  the best gravel bike tires and to think more specifically about tubeless tires.

We've tested a wide range of pumps, both mini and floor, over the years. Putting them through their paces means not only measuring how efficiently they inflate a tire but also the accuracy of the dial, the ease of use and the quality of he build among many others. This list features our favourite pumps for home use and carrying on the bike.

The Quick List

Mini pumps

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Floor pumps

Best bike pumps: Mini pumps

Best for quick inflation

The Specialized Air Tool Road which is one of the best mini bike pumps

Specialized's Air Tool weighs under 100g and inflates tires quickly

(Image credit: Rachel Sokal)
Best for quick inflation

Specifications

Valve type: Presta
Barrel: Aluminium
Weight: 99g (pump), 12g (frame mount) as tested
Max psi : 100 psi
Length: 27cm / 10.5"
Other features: Frame mount included

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight - under 100g
+
High volume per stroke
+
Firm valve fit
+
Sleek looks

Reasons to avoid

-
Needs precise hand position
-
Presta valve only
-
Too long to carry in pocket

The design of the Specialized Air Tool Road centres around maximising the volume of air it delivers relative to its size, to make inflating your tires as quick as possible. 

It's lightweight (99g) but long so you'll need to make use of the frame mount to carry as it won't fit in your pocket. 

We found that the head fits really snuggly over the valve but is limited to Presta valves only. During out testing we also felt that the minimal design does make it a bit more tricky to hold firmly but once you've got your hands in position it's quick and easy to get more than enough air back in your tires. 

Read more: Specialized Air Tool Road mini pump full review

Best all-rounder

Lezyne Carbon Drive Lite which is one of the best mini bike pumps

The Carbon Drive Lite is compact enough to fit easily in a jersey pocket

Best mini bike pump balancing performance Vs weight

Specifications

Valve type: Presta, Schrader
Barrel: Carbon
Weight: 80g
Max PSI: 120psi (claimed)
Length: 170mm
Other features: Hose, bike mount, pressure relief

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight - under 100g
+
Efficient up to 100psi
+
Very pocketable
+
Duel valve compatible
+
Pressure relief button 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not very comfortable holding at higher pressures
-
Need to attach hose to pump before using
-
Screwing onto valve is fiddly

The Lezyne Carbon Drive Lite Mini pump is perfect for anyone wanting to balance the need of carrying an effective pump without a weight penalty. 

Capable of both Presta and Schrader valves, this lightweight carbon bike mini pump comes with a hose extension stored in the barrel to give a slight distance between the wheel and pump for ease of use. 

At 17cm long, it's shorter than others but on test we found that it took 200 strokes to go from flat to 100psi, which is far better than most of a similar size.

The down side is that in order to reach such a high psi, the pump does become uncomfortable to hold, and it is pretty awkward to attach to the valve in the first place. 

Should you over-pump, there's a pressure relief button that allows you to let some air out. This tiny pump is small enough to slot into a pocket, but also comes with a mount that can be attached to a bottle cage.

It's not the cheapest bike pump by any stretch, but if you're wanting functions and performance as well, this is one of the best mini bike pumps out there. 

Read more: Lezyne Carbon Drive Lite bike pump full review

Easiest to stow

Topeak Microrocket AL which is one of the best mini bike pumps

At just 65g Topeak's Microrocket AL is lightweight and easy to store

(Image credit: Topeak)
Best bike mini pump for stowing away

Specifications

Valve type: Presta
Barrel: Aluminium
Weight: 2.29 oz/ 65 g
Max PSI: 160psi (claimed)
Length : 16cm
Other features : Frame mountable

Reasons to buy

+
Very compact
+
Light - just 65g
+
Comfortable to use

Reasons to avoid

-
Low volume means lots of pumping

 A light aluminium construction, this pump is connected directly to the valve, without the need for any assembly or an extra hose.

At just 160mm long and weighing only 65g, it is one of the smallest bike pumps on the market, and easy to fit in a jersey pocket or even a saddle bag. If you are already packed to the rafters, the mini pump even comes with a frame mounting kit for either side of the bottle cage, or an optional extra centreline mount (although check the brackets fit on your tubing shape before investing).

The claimed 160psi seems slightly keen, as on test 200 strokes only got us to just above 60psi on a 23mm tire. It's more than enough to get you home or back to race HQ, but not as impressive as the Lezyne Carbon Drive Lite Mini pump, although to be fair it was comfortable in the hands when using.

Read more: Topeak Microrocket AL bike pump full review

The lightest

iPump Twist which is one of the best mini bike pumps

The iPump weighs just 25g making it one of the lightest mini pumps available

Best bike mini pump for weight-weenies

Specifications

Valve type: Presta
Barrel: Carbon
Weight: 25g
Max PSI: 120 (Claimed)
Length: 13cm
Other features: Hose attachement

Reasons to buy

+
Lightest pump tested - just 25g
+
Will achieve get-you-home pressures

Reasons to avoid

-
Not very efficient
-
Gets hot in use
-
Expensive option

Technically we wouldn't really include a product that hadn't hit high scores on test, but the iPump Twist mini pump will appeal to a lot of riders, so it's good to know what you're getting in the claimed 'world's lightest bike air pump' and where you'll have to decide if the performance compromises are worth it.

Tipping the scales at just 25g, it really will be hard to beat the barely-there mini bike pump on weight. Even the best CO2 inflators will struggle to beat this flyweight, and of course, it's arguably more environmentally friendly in that it's reusable.

A thin, Presta-only hose is pulled out of the handle when it comes time to put it to use, which does increase the usability of the full carbon fibre pump, and helps to keep that weight to the same as most energy gels.

On test however, we found 200 strokes only got us to 60psi, but this alone took quite a lot of effort, and the body of the pump became quite hot.

It's a mixed review, but if you're just looking for an emergency option and saving weight and space are your priorities (and truth be told you're just showing willing that you do carry a pump, but know that you'll borrow the bigger and heavier option that your cycling mate always carries)  then it might suit you just fine.

Read more: iPump Twist mini bike pump full review

Best for accuracy

Lezyne Digital Road Drive which is one of the best mini bike pumps

Lezyne's Digital Road drive features an easy-to-read gauge

Best bike mini pump for accurate pressure readings

Specifications

Valve type : Presta, Schrader
Barrel: Aluminium
Weight: 173g
Max PSI: 90psi
Length: 21.6cm (18cm barrel)
Other features : Digital gauge, air bleed valve

Reasons to buy

+
Accurate inflation pressure
+
High volume leads to quick inflation
+
More than get you home pressure
+
Saves additional press gauge purchase 

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite bulky and heavy
-
Not the best for higher pressure use
-
Can unseat the valve when unscrewing
-
Rubber bungs can get lost easily
-
Pricier option compared to similar pumps

A digital gauge on this mini pump from Lezyne will give you accurate tire pressure measurements to a realistic and achievable maximum inflation capacity of  90psi, out in the middle of nowhere.

On test we found that the hard-wearing aluminium pump was swift and efficient at reaching desired PSI's and, cross checked with a regular gauge, accurate, too.

Its length and weight are heavier than some of the other bike pumps, especially when compared to the likes of the iPump Twist mini pump or Topeak Micro Rocket AL mini pump but it can still easily fit in a jersey pocket - just watch for losing sight of the dust cap.

It's a great bike pump for several reasons. But if the price is putting you off, it's worth bearing in mind that it can potentially save you the additional outlay of having to purchase a pressure gauge.

Read more: Lezyne Digital Alloy Drive mini bike pump full review.

Best bike pumps: Floor pumps

Best for tubeless

Topeak JoeBlow Tubi 2Stage which is one of the best bike pumps

The JoeBlow Tubi has a claimed maximum psi of 160psi

(Image credit: Paul Grele)
Best for hassle-free tubeless set-up

Specifications

Valve type: Presta/schrader
Barrel : Steel/aluminium
Weight: 2.3 kg / 5.07 lb
Max PSI: 160psi, 11Bar
Length: 29" / 74cm
Other features:: Schrader valve adapter, Hose dock

Reasons to buy

+
Knob to remove presta valve core for quick tubeless tire seating
+
Two stage inflation can reach high pressures

Reasons to avoid

-
A bit less efficient than a standard pump
-
Expensive - typically retails for over $100 

The Tubi 2Stage pump incorporates a knurled knob to remove a Presta valve core, so that you can get more air into a tubeless tire more quickly, promoting seating. That's Stage 1. You can then refit the core and flip a switch to get things up to operating pressure using Stage 2. There's an adapter if you want to pump Schrader valved tubes. 

The system works well, but we did find that the overall number of strokes needed to inflate a tire was a bit longer than with a standard pump.

Read more: Topeak JoeBlow Tubi 2Stage bike pump full review

Best gauge

Cannondale Precise Floor Pump which is one of the best bike pumps

Cannondale's Precise Floor Pump boasts a large, easy-to-read gauge

(Image credit: Andy Turner)
Best gauge

Specifications

Valve type: Presta, Schrader
Barrel: Steel
Weight: N/A
Max PSI: 150psi
Length: Not specified
Other features: 130mm gauge

Reasons to buy

+
Sizeable, visible gauge
+
Pumps tires up quickly
+
Can fit different valves
+
Does not need much valve showing to get a grip
+
Bleed valve
+
Good value compared to many similar pumps

Reasons to avoid

-
A bit big and heavy for smaller riders
-
150psi max pressure, so track riders might want more
-
No build-up option for tubeless fitting

Cannondale’s Precise Floor pump is a very effective and powerful floor pump, thanks to its large shaft and long stroke allowing for a large volume of air to be delivered per pump. It can pump 25mm tires up to pressure in 20 pumps, rather than the 30 it took for a competitor pump at a similar price point. We also found enough air was delivered to seat tubeless tires on occasion.

The pump head works with both Presta or Schrader valves, includes a bleed capacity to get pressure to an exact amount, and also doesn’t require too much of the valve to be exposed to get a good grip on it. 

The big selling point of the pump is the large pressure gauge – which is significantly larger than that of competitors. This scale is enlarged for the first 40 PSI, so that you can be very precise with larger volume tires which require lower PSIs. The scale then goes up to 145 PSI, so possibly not enough for track riders, but more than enough for most riders.

Value-wise, the Precise Floor pump comes in at a pretty good level. It performs better than other similarly priced pumps – and as good as or better than more expensive ones. Although not made of any fancy shiny materials as some more expensive options are, it is rugged and effective at its job. Overall, it is a great track pump and well worth the investment. 

Read more: Cannondale Precise Floor Pump full review

Best for 'any tire'

Specialized Air Tool Comp which is one of the best floor bike pumps

The Air Tool Comp's head automatically adapts to the valve type

(Image credit: Future)
Best bike pump for inflating any tire

Specifications

Valve type: Presta / Schrader
Barrel: Aluminum
Weight: N/A
Max PSI: 120 psi
Length: 65 cm
Other features: Spare rubber seal for head

Reasons to buy

+
Stable and easy to use
+
Head automatically adapts to valve type
+
Easy to read dual-scale gauge

Reasons to avoid

-
Not designed for tubeless tyres
-
Gauge reads ~ 5 psi high 

Having a flat or changing tires is one of the more simple but probably most frustrating jobs for the home mechanic. The range of different volume and pressure of tires and more than one valve type can all add in to this. 

The Specialized Air Tool Comp Floor Pump isn't going to inflate your tires for you, but it does do a pretty good job of minimising the fuss of inflating tires regardless of your valve, tire pressure and volume.

The SwitchHitter II head automatically adapts to Presta and Schrader valves taking away any fiddling or even remembering which one is which. The Air Tool has a max pressure of 120 psi which is easy to achieve and the dual-scale gauge makes it easy to get lower pressure in gravel tires too. 

Read more: Specialized Air Tool Comp Floor Pump full review

Best for rapid inflation

Topeak JoeBlow Ace DX which is one of the best bike pumps

Topeak's JoeBlow Ace DX uses twin barrels for rapid inflation 

(Image credit: Wiggle)
Best bike floor pump for rapid inflation

Specifications

Valve type: Presta, Schrader, Dunlop
Barrel : Aluminium
Weight: 2.45 kg / 5.4 lb
Max PSI: 280psi, 19Bar
Length: 29" / 74cm
Other features : Target pressure selector, air bleed

Reasons to buy

+
Enormous twin barrels are super powerful
+
Target pressure selector
+
Heavy-duty metal construction
+
Bleed button

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive option for non-tubeless compatibility 

This does feel a little like a Topeak buyer's guide, but it does show how much we rate the brand's bike pumps, as arguably what Garmin GPSs are to the best cycling computers

The Topeak JoeBlow Ace DX towers over many other pumps not only in height but in capability too. We found that in its '60' setting the Ace DX inflated our test 700x25c tubeless tire to 100psi in 11 monster strokes making it the best bike floor pump for swiftly inflating your tire.

While the lower pressures are easily reached, it's worth noting that on test it took a lot of leaning on to get much more air in per stroke once it got beyond 60psi.

It is an excellent performer and features a bleed valve that lets air out the tire rather than just the hose - which is useful for getting pressure spot on.

The only downsides are that for the price it doesn't offer tubeless tire inflation capabilities and with the benefits that a huge visual gauge brings, it also means a large footprint, making stowing away neatly at home a challenge.

Read more: Topeak JoeBlow Ace DX bike pump full review

Best for stability

Zefal FP60 track pump

Zefal's Profil Max delivers classic track pump looks

(Image credit: Zefal)

5. Zefal Profil Max FP60 Track Pump

Best bike floor pump for stability

Specifications

Valve type: Presta, Schrader
Barrel : Aluminium
Weight: 1.1kg
Max PSI: 174psi, 12Bar (claimed)
Length: 26.4" / 67cm
Other features : Extra long hose

Reasons to buy

+
Large base for stability
+
Magnified gauge for accurate pressure readings 
+
Capable of high pressures
+
Over a metre of hose length

Reasons to avoid

-
Footprint and overall large size requires a lot of storage space 
-
Looks won't be everyone's taste

The follow up to the successful Zefal Profil Max FP50, the semi-classic looking FP60 now features a sophisticated wooden handle to go with its high pressure efficiency, which according to the brand should be around 174psi/ 12Bar.

With its Z-switch system, the French brand says it's easy to change from Presta to Schrader valves. In a break from its traditional looking upper, the bottom half is more functional, featuring a gauge with a magnifying lens, to help make gauge readings significantly easier, although we're unsure what the bright red ring to highlight the gauge in general brings to form or function.

The wide base and sensible chamber height will make this one of the best bike floor pumps for stability, especially when compared to the smaller, single footed Lezyne Steel Travel Drive Track Pump, but will require a lot of storage space when not in use and is far from ideal for travel.

Best for workshop use

Topeak JoeBlow Booster which is one of the best bike pumps

The JoeBlow Booster is a shop quailty pump that's ideally suited to tubeless set-ups

(Image credit: mike prior)
Best bike floor pump for workshop use

Specifications

Valve type: Presta/schrader
Barrel : Steel
Weight: 2.9 kg / 6.4 lb
Max PSI: 160psi, 11Bar
Length: 30" / 75cm
Other features: Pressure gauge

Reasons to buy

+
Will hold a high volume and pressure of air to seat tubeless tires
+
Very solid build
+
Quality Presta/Schraeder valve connector
+
Easy to use and to read pressure gauge

Reasons to avoid

-
Very bulky and heavy
-
A bit spongy when used without the reservoir
-
Expensive for the tubeless amateur, typically costing around $200

We found the Topeak JoeBlow Booster to be as close to a professional floor pump as you can get.

This does make it one of the more expensive options from Topeak, and a fair bit more than the Blackburn Chamber Tubeless floor pump, both of which come with a reservoir tube that holds air in, so it's the perfect option for seating tubeless tires.

Its ease of use and easy to read gauge make tubeless conversions or tire changes a doddle, and well worth investing if you're intending on riding without inner tubes for the foreseeable future, but it might be a bit too much if you're not totally sold on a tubeless set up, or just want to use as a standard pump.

It stands 30in/ 75cm tall and weighs 7.3lbs/ 3.3kg, so it’s not something you’re likely to want to lug around with you, but perfect for leaving in the garage or home workshop. This is certainly a good, reliable option if you're serious about going tubeless.

Read more: JoeBlow Booster reservoir bike pump full review

Best on a budget

Topeak JoeBlow Max II which is one of the best bike pumps

A wallet friendly price tag makes the JoeBlow Max II a reliable choice for cyclists on a budget

(Image credit: Wiggle)
Best bike floor pump on a budget

Specifications

Valve type: Presta, Schrader, Dunlop
Barrel: Steel
Weight: 1.6 kg / 3.53 lb
Max PSI: 120 psi / 8 bar
Length: 26" / 68cm
Other features : Ball and bladder needles are included

Reasons to buy

+
Efficient at gaining lower pressures quickly
+
Stability of pump in use
+
Wallet friendly price tag

Reasons to avoid

-
Pressure limit hard to reach
-
Ergonomics of having to pump hard to reach top pressures 

If you're looking for something a little less pricey than the dual compatible pro-home Topeak Joeblow Booster floor pump, then this is the one. Finished with a steel barrel and a quality gauge, the JoeBlow Max II track pump is a great bike floor pump that meets all your basic needs, but by limiting its extra functionality keeps the cost down.

On test we found that it took just 19 strokes to get a 23mm tire up to 100psi, which makes it a very efficient pump.

The pump comes with a plastic twin-sided head that works with both Presta and Schrader valves and has a lever to lock it onto the valve securely.

There are even replacement parts available should anything stop working, making it a good long term choice too.

Read more: Topeak JoeBlow Max II bike pump full review

Best for durability

SKS Rennkompressor which is one of the best bike pumps

Capable of 230psi the SKS Rennkompressor is as powerful as it is durable - a pump for life if there ever was one

(Image credit: Wiggle)
Best bike floor pump for lifetime use

Specifications

Valve type: Presta, Schrader, Dunlop
Barrel: Steel
Weight: N/A
Max PSI: 230 PSI/ 16 bar
Length: 65cm
Other features : Fold up feet

Reasons to buy

+
Easy push/pull at high pressures
+
Capable of 230psi
+
Longevity - it will probably become a family heirloom 
+
Beautifully handmade
+
Four valve connector options
+
Four hose lengths
+
Spare part availability

Reasons to avoid

-
Small gauge makes it tricky to see pressures
-
No air bleed to get pressures precisely
-
Not the most stable of platforms

The Rennkompressor is a beautiful and timeless bike floor pump with a steel barrel and tactile wooden handle. Although there are more practical modern pumps out there with larger pressure gauges, this icon pump still delivers and is capable of pressures up to 230psi.

Here at Cycling Weekly we've had one of these live for over 25 years, having a very hard life travelling the world as part of a semi-pro bike mechanic's set up for race teams and home use, only meeting its demise once caught in a garage flood.

There are four valve head connectors on offer with this pump: Multi-valve, Thumb lock, EVA Head, and Brass Nipple Connector. In terms of performance, it took 40 pumps of the SKS Rennkompressor track pump to inflate the tire from near flat to 100psi, which is respectable but not class-leading.

More modern pumps with plastic composite feet, such as the Topeak JoeBlow Max II Track Pump, are more stable, and there are pumps with bigger gauges, such as the Blackburn Chamber floor pump, but for life long dedication, you can't get better.

Read more: SKS Rennkompressor bike pump full review

Best for high volume tires

Lezyne Gravel Digital Drive Pro which is one of the best bike pumps

Lezyne's Gravel Digital Drive Pro delivers a high volume per stroke ratio making it well-suited to wide gravel tires

(Image credit: Lezyne)
Best for larger volume tires

Specifications

Valve type : Presta, Schrader
Barrel: Aluminium
Weight: N/A
Max PSI: 100psi, 6.9Bar
Length : 23" / 58.5cm
Other features: Extra long hose

Reasons to buy

+
High volume per stroke
+
Quality, all-alloy build
+
Digital gauge aids precise pressure measurement to 0.5psi accuracy
+
Rebuildable

Reasons to avoid

-
Screw on chuck rather than lever operated
-
On the expensive end of the track pump price range

An Editor's Choice pick, Lezyne's gravel tire pump adds more air per stroke than a more road-oriented pump, so it's good for higher volume tires and may help achieve easier seating of tubeless tires as well. It's made of aluminium and there's even an integrated valve core tool.

The digital pressure gauge means that you can get precisely the pressure you need for off-road riding, where getting it just right, even down to the nearest 0.5psi, is more important than with road bike tires. Although designed for gravel tires, the 100psi maximum rating means that it's more than adequate for road bike tires as well.

Read more: Lezyne Gravel Digital Drive Pro bike pump full review

Buyer's guide to the best bike pumps

How do I choose a bike pump? Mini pumps versus floor pumps

Fundamentally there are three different ways to inflate your bike tires. We have lots of detailed information below, but as a quick summary: 

Mini pump - The best portable bike pump will balance the ability to inflate your rubber and being small enough to carry in your rear pocket or stow on the frame. Your riding priorities will help you focus your decision here as, like all bike pumps, each one will lean towards a specific talent, eg micro size and weight, but not great at achieving much more than getting you home tire pressure, or great PSI capabilities but heavier and frame mounted. 

Floor pump (aka track pump) - In the main, this is a stay home pump and the best way to achieve higher pressures, especially when going from totally flat. Most will include a pressure gauge so you can make sure your tires are properly inflated before heading out for your ride. Some floor pumps include an 'air chamber' which can be pumped to high pressures in order to seat tubeless tires. You may see them called reservoir pumps. 

CO2 Inflator - Technically this isn't a pump as it contains compressed gas, which can reach up to 120psi in seconds. There are pros and cons to this system, more of which is explained in detail on our page dedicated to the best CO2 inflators.  

What is a mini bike pump?

A mini pump is a bicycle pump that is small enough to fit in your back pocket so you can always take it with you on a ride. As a minimum, it needs to pack enough punch that when you get a flat you can get home comfortably without bottoming out your rim on the road if the going gets bumpy – around 40psi minimum.

Ideally, it should allow you to get enough air into your tire that you can continue your ride in comfort and so your tire doesn’t feel overly squishy – which for a 23mm clincher means reaching near 80psi, or 70psi on a 25mm tire.

Ideally pumping up a tire with a mini pump won't leave you so exhausted you need to go lie down before you hit the road again.

Some mini pumps are like shorter traditional pumps with a hose which is screwed into the barrel and onto the valve before use. Others have an integrated adaptor that pushes directly onto the valve and is secured by a locking lever.

Many now have a hose integrated into the pump itself, typically stored in the barrel. This design means that the hose extends from the handle, which is held steady in use, while the pump is operated by pushing and pulling on the barrel. In practice, this arrangement has no real disadvantages.

With any mini pump there is a compromise between compact dimensions and usability, with a longer pump being easier to stroke than a shorter one, as it takes less effort to reach higher pressures and you can pump more air volume for each stroke.

If you have invested in one of the best road bikes already, the price of a decent mini pump will seem like a small outlay in order to ensure you enjoy every ride on it. 

Getting up above 80psi with a short or inefficient pump can become very hard work and you may need to take a rest in the middle before completing the task.

What are the best mini bike pumps?

Buying the best mini pump will depend on what sort of riding you do, indeed you might even find you need a couple of mini bike pumps.

Long barrelled mini pumps will be a heavier option, but best for getting tires back up to a decent pressure swiftly, ideal for long club runs, to save hanging around too long in cold weather, or on more adventurous bike rides when it's further than a short slow scoot back to civilisation. 

An uber lightweight micro pump lends itself to a 'just in case' option; the perfect bike pump for summer racing and events. It won't penalise you weight-wise, or take up vital energy gel space,  but will be limited to providing 'just enough' pressure to your tires in order to get you back to the broom wagon or race HQ without incurring damage to a pair of the best road bike wheels.   

What is a bike floor pump?

Inflating your tires with a mini-pump before you set out is an option, but you'll soon realise that it's hard work and you'll probably tire before reaching a high enough pressure for a road tire. If you intend to use it for a track bike, it will need to reach much higher pressures than a mini pump will ever be capable of.

A floor pump will make things a lot quicker, easier and more comfortable. With a pressure gauge, and often an air bleed button, you'll be accurately able to determine your tire’s pressure to get it perfect for your ride preferences.

For those who ride off-road, either on a mountain bike, a cyclocross or gravel/bikepacking rig, getting the tire pressure just right is even more important because it is critical to ensuring grip in loose conditions and, if you are using inner tubes, avoiding pinch flats.

A bike floor pump will provide versatile inflation options. Most road, gravel and mountain bikes will come with Presta valves (either inner tubes or tubeless valves). But many entry-level and children's bikes come with Schrader rather than Presta valves, and the best bike floor pumps will be compatible with both types. 

The third most common type is a Dunlop valve, which looks like a combination of both, but is not often seen on bikes in the US or UK.

The best bike floor pumps will have a stable base and a metal barrel, which is perfect for longevity and pumping efficiency.  When buying your floor pump, make sure the handle is comfortable and wide enough so that its ends don’t dig into your hands.

It can be helpful to have a long hose on a pump so that you can find somewhere stable to place the pump body without needing to move the bike.

If you use a bike stand, a long hose helps access the valve while the bike is lifted off the ground, without having to fiddle around with the valve’s position.

However, hoses are more elastic than the chamber, so will lose some of the pressure the longer they are - so if extreme pressure is vital for you, select a bike floor pump that doesn't have reams of hoses.

What is the best bike floor pump?

The important thing is to get the right one to meet your needs, whether it's tubeless tire seating capabilities, a large gauge for ease of reading, swift inflation - or even all of these at once.

The key to finding the best bike floor pump for you is listing your non-negotiables, then nice to haves - this will help you work out your priorities.

For example, if tubeless compatibility is vital, you might have to accept that it's not going to be something you can neatly pop on a shelf, and you might have to dig a bit deeper into your wallet.

The above pumps all have their best features highlighted to help you filter out which one is right for you, including tubeless compatibility and maximum PSI / pressure capabilities. 

Word of warning: where a PSI is claimed it's worth erring on the side of caution. Just because technically a pump can reach such dizzying high pressure numbers, doesn't mean that you can, particularly for mini pumps. If you're without upper body strength, you might struggle to actually force the air into a tire once you reach anything above 80psi (5.51 bar).

Do I need a mini bike pump if I have CO2 cartridges?

Everyone needs a pump. A mini pump will still be a lighter and much cheaper option than CO2 cartridges. And even if you take a CO2 inflator to speed up getting back on the road, you may still need a fall-back option to get you home if you get multiple flats.

A mini pump should be pocketable or attachable unobtrusively beside your bottle cage — that way it's always attached to your bike and ready for action when the inevitable happens.

The pump usually clicks into the mount and is secured with a Velcro and/or a rubber strap. It is likely to get mucky if you keep it here though, particularly in the wet or if you're headed towards unpaved roads.

Protection of the valve connector and sealing between barrel and handle are important considerations if you plan to use the frame mount. 

Some are so mini that they will fit into a saddle pack, although pump stroke and efficiency are likely to suffer in such a short pump.

For pre-ride inflation, we would always recommend a good track pump with a gauge.

How we test

We have a dedicated team of testers here at Cycling Weekly, whose job is to review a whole range of cycling products and to write objective reviews of their experience of using them day in day out in a whole range of conditions.

With huge experience, they're really well placed to compare products, identify their strengths and weaknesses and bring you an honest, unbiased assessment of how they perform.

When it comes to cycling pumps we've tested them for an extended period period of time to best assess their performance. For both track pumps and mini pumps we've looked at a number of factors including the stroke volume, the chuck design and the general ease of use. For mini-pumps we've also factored in their weight, how easy they are to carry on a ride and just how efficiently they'll help you get back on the road. 

Hannah Bussey

Hannah is Cycling Weekly’s longest-serving tech writer, having started with the magazine back in 2011. She has covered all things technical for both print and digital over multiple seasons representing CW at spring Classics, and Grand Tours and all races in between.


Hannah was a successful road and track racer herself, competing in UCI races all over Europe as well as in China, Pakistan and New Zealand.


For fun, she's ridden LEJOG unaided, a lap of Majorca in a day, won a 24-hour mountain bike race and tackled famous mountain passes in the French Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites and Himalayas. 


She lives just outside the Peak District National Park near Manchester UK with her partner, daughter and a small but beautifully formed bike collection.