How to Select a Bike Pump
Without the proper pump to fill your tires, you are likely in for a tough ride. Soft tires make you work hard when you really don't have to. When it comes to buying a bike pump, you may be surprised by all the options you have. Choosing just any pump may not work out for you, as a particular pump may not be compatible with your bike, or the pump may just not work the way you would like.
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Instructions
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Decide what type of bike pump will fit your needs. Floor pumps provide high-capacity air power, great for high-pressure pump jobs. Mini pumps are small and portable, and you can bring them on the road. Frame-fit pumps snap directly onto your frame and are slightly heavier than mini pumps. The latter two pumps provide less power, but both are great for a quick flat fix on the road.
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Find pumps within your price range. Pumps start as low as $10 and can run as high as $700, depending on the type of pump. Just remember that more expensive doesn't necessarily mean higher quality.
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Compare the performance of the pumps in your price range. Check the label for indicators such as "stroke force," "stroke to inflation" and "maximum PSI output." Decide what your needs are and choose a pump that meets those needs.
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Check to make sure that the pump is compatible with your bike. Make sure the frame-fit pumps fit the frame of your bike. Most important, check that the pump fits properly over your valves. Most pumps adjust automatically to different-sized valves, but just check to see that the pump you choose does that as well.
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References
- Photo Credit pressure image by Sergey Goruppa from Fotolia.com
