Bicycle Pump
Tuesday, January 31st, 2012If you own a bicycle, you know that one of the most important accessories to own is a bicycle pump. Riding your bike with a tire that is not properly inflated can damage your bike. Because bicycle pumps are not always very expensive, most people just buy the first one they find and keep it on hand without even realizing that there are many different options for bicycle pumps.
The most common type of bicycle pump is the floor pump. These pumps are designed to be left at home, in the garage or in a bike shop. They are heavy duty and allow for the highest capacity of air-filling. They are designed for the high-pressure jobs that smaller pumps are unable to do.
Another type of bicycle pump is the frame-fit pump. These fit right onto your bike frame with an easy snap and require no extra mounting hardware. Though they are larger than mini pumps, they are able to fill up tires at greater speeds.
Mini pumps are nice because they are small and lightweight. This makes them convenient to carry around. However, unlike frame fit pumps they require mounting hardware to keep on the frame of your bike. All of these options have their benefits and their challenges, but each one is worth looking into depending on the type of riding that you do.
Picking the right pump has a lot to do with the type of riding that you do. If you are road riding, the lightest and smallest pump will be the best for you. If you are mountain biking, you will need a more durable pump that can handle the hazards that you may encounter on your bike ride. You also want to make sure that the pump does not get in your way or add lots of additional weight for times when you need to carry your bike, such as across streams.
If you are racing, be it on a road or mountain bike, you will need something that is lightweight but also can inflate your tires as quickly as possible. On the other hand, if you are simply riding your bike for leisure close to home, you may just want to stick to a simple floor pump. It will get the job done well and will serve your purposes easily.
Keep in mind that not all pumps are created equally. Some pumps are simply better than others and perform better than others. Do your research and read reviews. Make sure you know which pumps are made to last.
You may also need to check compatibility. Not all pumps work for every type of tire. Make sure that if you have any sort of specialty situation that you are aware of the type of pump that will work in your situation. The more you know about your bike, the more easily you will be able to maintain it and the longer it will last. Treat your bike with care and always stay prepared.












