Bike Pump: You need to inflate your bike’s tires, no matter what type of bike it is: road bike, mountain bike, hybrid, beach cruiser, hybrid, ebike, unicycle. We have tested 35 floor pumps over the last five years and the Lezyne Classic Floor Drive has been voted the best. Its sturdy construction, simple-to-read dial and extremely reliable screw-on head (which can fit both Presta or Schrader valves) make it the most popular choice for bike commuters. A portable pump is also available to be used while on the bike.

Our pick

The best bike floor pump

This pump made mostly of metal is a good investment, with its large pressure gauge and newly redesigned screw-on head.

A pump should not frustrate you. The Lezyne Classic Floor Drive is our pick. This is due to its pump head design, which you can screw onto your valve rather than wedge.

The L-shaped pump head fits between the spokes and has a removable, reversible chuck. One end fits Schrader tires valves. The other is for Presta valves.

The Classic Floor Drive will not release your valve until you screw it onto the tire’s valve. Its sturdy construction, extra long hose and extra-large pressure gauge make it easy and even pleasant to use.

Budget selection

Although it is not the most expensive pump we tested, the quality difference between this pump and a $30 pump is amazing. Its plastic, wedge-on pumphead and short hose are its drawbacks.

The Planet Bike ALX 2 has more quality parts than any comparable price and is our favorite choice for anyone who doesn’t bike every day.

It comes with a steel barrel and base. The only part made of plastic is the pump head. This can be pushed onto the valve and locked using a lever.

This pump is not our top choice because of its head. The pump’s short hose is another reason. The ALX 2 was faster than any other pump we tested, even the Lezyne Classic Floor Drive or the expensive Specialized Air Tool Pro.

It was also highly rated by our testers for its stability and ease of use. The large wooden handle is a great help.

This pump also comes with a lifetime warranty. That’s a lot better than the industry standard of two years.

Upgrade

This pump is expensive, but it has a comfortable, large handle, an ultra-visible gauge and a very stable base.

Testers loved the Specialized Air Tool Pro. Although it’s twice as expensive, it does not have twice as many features than the Lezyne Classic. That’s why it’s not our top choice.

It’s stable and simple to use, with a large handle and sturdy base. We think anyone who rides a lot or uses a pump often will love it.

Great also

This compact and versatile pump is ideal for commuters on the move.

Lezyne Pressure Drive, a cleverly designed handheld bike pump, can fill all types of tires used by recreational riders. It actually works with all sizes of tires better than any other portable pump we tested.

The pump attaches securely to inner-tube valves via a detachable tube. Its all-aluminum body provides a smooth and efficient stroke.

The pump is small enough to be carried in your jersey pocket, but it also has a bracket you can attach to the frame. It works with both Presta or Schrader valves which are the most common types of bike-tube valves in America.

Everything we recommend

This pump made mostly of metal is a good investment, with its large pressure gauge and newly redesigned screw-on head.

Although it is not the most expensive pump we tested, the quality difference between this pump and a $30 pump is amazing. Its plastic, wedge-on pumphead and short hose are its drawbacks.

This pump is expensive, but it has a comfortable, large handle, an ultra-visible gauge and a very stable base.

The research

Flaws, but not dealbreakers

Lezyne Pressure Drive is another great hand pump

This guide is the result of more than 20 years’ collective experience in researching and testing bike accessories. Eve O’Neill is the senior writer at Wirecutter.

She has been involved in bike commuters since her arrival. Matthew Edwards spent five years in cycling as a mechanic, salesperson and amateur racer.

Dave Yasuda, a road, mountain and commuter cyclist, has more than 30 years of experience.

A floor pump is essential for maintaining your bike’s functionality. It does the basics of inflating your tires’ tubes. You’ll have better performance and fewer pinch flats.

This is where the tube gets stuck between the tire rims and the road surface. You should be topping up your tubes every week, as they can leak air even if your bike isn’t in use.

We also have recommendations for handheld pumps. These are for when you need to add to your mobile repair kit or to use when you have a flat. A floor pump is much easier to use.

Are all bike pumps the same? One pump designer that we spoke with said yes. “They’ll all work similarly,” he stated. The designer did not want his company affiliation or name to be mentioned.

We’ve now reviewed more than 100 models. Our work begins with listening to what other people have to say. We start by looking at online reviews.

This is where we rely on the expertise of Bicycling Weekly, GearLab and BikeRadar to help us find the right model. To help us choose the right pumps, we also check out Amazon and online bike shops such as Competitive Cyclist.

We then talk to experts about the characteristics of a good pump

These include Lennard Zinn (senior tech writer at VeloNews) and Daimeon Shanks (owner of Zinn Cycles), a former pro-race team mechanic; Jason Bauer (Boise’s Bauerhaus Bikes), a Shimano-certified mechanic and longtime wrench for Rebecca Rusch, a 24-hour-sold world-champion mountain biking champion;

Chris Haunold (Idaho Mountain Touring), a bike shop that has been Nicola Cranmer; she is general manager of Team Twenty20, a pro-pro-woman’s-pro-pro-pro-cycle team.

We learned to value the following qualities, regardless of whether we were looking at a pump or a floor.

How secure the chuck on the tire valve is and how simple it is to use. It must be easy to use, attach securely, and remove easily. It must also work with the most popular valves in America, Presta and Schrader.

How durable the pump. Metal barrel pumps, which is the largest part of every pump, will have a longer lifespan. We therefore focused our attention on these.

Pumps with other metal hardware like valve attachment points and levers, are also more durable than equivalent plastic parts.

Chris Haunold advised, “Look at the hardware of a pump.” Is it made of metal or plastic? Metal is more durable and lasts longer.

How sturdy and comfortable the pump is. It is important to feel comfortable and secure with the handle. Three-footed pumps are better than two-footed ones.

It is possible to service the pump. Bike pumps are easy to maintain and will last many years. We searched for pumps that were easy to disassemble and replace O-rings or gaskets by non-technical people.

We considered portability when designing handheld models. Also, how easy it was to fill a tube with 100 psi. This is a significant challenge with such a small device.

We did some things to test these various criteria. To evaluate the durability and longevity of each pump, we compared its construction.

We inspected the dial to ensure legibility and proper placement. We did a lot more tire pumping.

This was the only way we could properly assess the valve seal, the chuck’s performance, the stability of the pump, and, in some cases, whether the pump actually worked.

Our floor pumps were used to inflate three sizes of tires to the recommended pressure (60 lb/square inch, 75 PSI, and 100 PSI).

We did this twice. We used handheld pumps to inflate three tires at different pressure ratings (30 psi, 35 psi, 100 psi), each tire was inflated twice.

Also, we record whether any small pieces fall into the sewer grate when switching between valves. This has happened twice.

This pump made mostly of metal is a good investment, with its large pressure gauge and newly redesigned screw-on head.

The Lezyne Classic Floor Drive pump is our favorite. The valve attachment is unique in all systems. It’s easy to attach and secure. It is as reliable and sturdy as pumps twice its price and its components (hose, gauge, and everything in between) are larger than its rivals.

It is notable for its screw-on head design. The Crankbrothers Klic was the only other pump that we tested. However, it uses a screw-on head. The Lezyne attachment, however, is larger and easier to use.

It also provides a more stable attachment and improves ergonomics. Eric Hansen, a former floor pump designer, said that the head is often what really distinguishes one pump from the other.

Lezyne refers to this head as a flip-chuck head. It features a removable, dual-sided chuck. The one side works with Presta tube valves and the other with Schrader.

 You can change between the two, or vice versa, by unscrewing the red chuck and flipping it over. After you have done this, attach the head to the valve.

This is different from the common push-on-and-flip-a-lever design on most pump heads. The connection is extremely reliable, it will not release until you wish it to, and there have been no air leaks in our testing.

It is also one of the strongest and most stable pumps we tested, making it a favourite among our testers. It is more stable than two-footed pumps, and it has no plastic parts (except the gauge cover).

This is a big difference when you need to pump up a 100 PSI road bike tire and use leverage to get air into the tube. Even the couplings themselves are made of aluminum.

The Specialized Air Tool Pro is twice as expensive and has all-metal couplings.

An extra-long rubber hose (47 inches) is used to attach the valve head. You may have to turn your wheel in order to achieve a seal.

This long hose allows you to place the pump in the middle of your bike, and inflate both tires. Although it may seem small, our testers loved the ease.

The massive 3 1/2-inch gauge of pressure is easily readable from any height, even when pumping. The dial is large and legible with large numbers on a contrast background.

We have seen gauges that despite their enormous size are difficult to read due to a confusing layout or poor choice in font. The gauge is low to the ground and base-mounted so it cannot make a pump top heavy. It can also not break if it tips over.

The Classic Floor Drive’s maximum inflation pressure is 220 psi. This is well above the pressure required by most cyclists and higher than any other model except the Serfas FMP-500 (now discontinued), which is rated at 250 pounds.

While you may find tires rated for velodrome use at pressures higher than 200 psi it is unlikely that most riders will need them. You can attach attachments to other inflatables like basketballs and exercise balls if you have them.

You will need to replace anything on a pump that you have owned for a long time. It will usually be the pump head or hose seals.

The pump head will fail to seal reliably, and you’ll hear air hissing. No matter how much you pray or what religion you believe in, you can tell it is failing. Lezyne offers replacement heads/hose combinations and other parts for a high-quality pump.

Lezyne pumps are covered for defects in workmanship and materials for a period of two years. Although it is not as long-lasting as Planet Bike’s lifetime guarantee, the Classic Floor Drive should last.

Flaws, but not dealbreakers

Although it takes longer to attach the head to the valve than for push-on valves that have a locking lever, most people will appreciate the secure connection. You also gain time by unthreading the chuck, rather than having to pull at a push-on valve head that won’t come off.

The Lezyne Classic Drive was in the middle of the pack when we compared the time it took to fill a tire up to pressure. Although it was not the best performer, we aren’t worried. We’re mostly looking out for outliers, either intoxicatingly efficient designs or ones that are terribly inefficient.

Budget selection

Although it is not the most expensive pump we tested, the quality difference between this pump and a $30 pump is amazing. Its plastic, wedge-on pumphead and short hose are its drawbacks.

Although it wasn’t the cheapest pump we tested, the Planet Bike ALX 2 is our budget pick. The difference in quality between a $35 and $60 pump is huge.

Even for those who don’t intend to ride their bikes often, it’s worth the extra cost. The ALX 2 is made of many sturdy, non-plastic parts and has a stable base. It is easy to use and comfortable. The lifetime warranty makes it the best-priced pump we saw.

The valve on the ALX 2 pump is not very special. However, it is one of the reasons this pump isn’t our top pick. It is a common flip model. To attach it to the tire tube valve, you need to press the handle down and then flip it up.

It is make of plastic and can be used on Presta and Schrader valves. Unlike the Lezyne’s head you don’t have to disassemble it to switch between types of valves.

 If you don’t properly position the head, it could pop off midstroke, just like other heads of this style.

Another area where this pump falls short is the hose. The hose measures 34.5 inches in length, making it the second-shortest in our pool. This pump performed well inflating tires.

It outperformed all other pumps we tested by just a few strokes, including the Air Tool Pro and the Specialized Air Tool Sport.

It is simple to use and the wooden handle was praise by all of our testers. Although it isn’t as stable as the Lezyne pump, the base sits flush with the ground and is more stable than other midrange options.

The gauge measures 3 inches in width, is mount on a base, and can be read with contrast black-on-white text. The pump can deliver 160 psi which is enough to power any type of bike except a track bike.

It also comes with adaptors for sporting balls. Planet Bike also sells replacement parts for the head, hose and O-ring. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This pump was the strongest we tested.

This pump is expensive, but it has a comfortable, large handle, an ultra-visible gauge and a very stable base

Although the Specialized Air Tool Pro is nearly twice as expensive as the Lezyne Classic Floor Drive it does not offer as many features or perform as well.

That’s why it isn’t our top choice. It’s stable with a large handle and sturdy base that makes it a great choice for anyone who uses a pump often, every week or even daily.

The valve attachment is a flip-model made from combine metal and plastic. It has one drawback: it can pop off at any moment. It’s more comfortable than any other model we tested, and it fits better in the hand.

This pump is make for people who will use it often. The handle and base are the best parts of the pump. The handle is wider than the Silca Pista’s, which was too small to fit two hands.

The footprint was the one that received all the tire pumping and provided a more stable base than the Lezyne Classic Drive. There was very little rocking in any direction.

It is also noteworthy for its gauge. It measures three inches in diameter and has white numbers on black backgrounds with a contrast hi-vis yellow needle.

We did not see any pumps with glow-in-the dark markings. This would have been useful for an early morning ride, but this dial was closest.

We expected all the elements to be outstanding for the price. However, some of them were average. This pump’s hose is 42 inches shorter than the Lezyne Classic Drive. The maximum psi (two years) and warranty (two year) are identical to the Lezyne.

This pump is designe for serious cyclists and doesn’t include any adaptors.

This compact and versatile pump is ideal for commuters on the move.

• Lezyne Pressure Drive’s aluminum body, smooth pumping action and removable hose make it a functional and reliable handheld pump. We found no other pump that offered this quality for the same price as the Lezyne Pressure Drive.
• The detachable Hose, which can accommodate both Presta and Schrader Valves, is the standout feature. The hose can be removed from the pump’s storage compartment to make it usable.
•  Every end of the hose has been clearly marked with Presta or Schrader. Attach one end to the body of the pump.
• Instead of using friction or a thumblock (the two most common ways to attach a handheld pump and a valve), you screw the other end onto your valve’s threaded tip.
•  No matter how much we pumped, the seal held firm every time. This hose attachment reduces the chances of the valve breaking or being bent, just like any other hose attachments.
• The Pressure Drive is a low-volume, high pressure pump for road bikes. We were able achieve 100 psi with our 700c tires in just 300 strokes. Although it is a sweaty, intense workout, this pump can reach 100 psi in 300 strokes.
• This is a great goal for any handheld pump. It’s one that none of the other pumps tested could achieve. We were surprised to find that we could fill a lower pressure tire with this pump without much effort.
• To fill a 35-psi hybrid tire, it took 150 strokes and to fill a 30 psi mountain bike tire, it took 290 strokes. Although it may seem like a lot, these are still very respectable numbers considering the pump’s small size.
• This pump attaches to a valve stem by screwing on. It’s possible to remove your pump while you also unscrew the removable core of a valve (a few Presta-style valves have this). In a hurry, all your hard-earned gas is lost.
• The Pressure Drive includes an integrated core tool for valves that have removable cores. This tool is what you will need to repair a leaky stem that could have caused your flat.
• Lezyne also offers a 2-year warranty for manufacturer defects. You can also replace worn O-rings with replacement parts on the Lezyne website.
• This is not a substitute for a hand pump. If you use it to inflate your tires all the time, you will feel tired and frustrated.

A high-volume, low pressure pump is a better option if you are a mountain biker or have tires with very low psi ratings

The Lezyne Alloy Drive, which is equivalent to the Pressure Drive for mountain bikes tires, can be used as an alternative to the Pressure Drive.

All pumps are quite decent, truth be told. Lennard Zinn is the author of one of the most popular US bike-repair manuals. He said, “Anything you buy at a bicycle shop, if it’s not used as a hammer you’ll be fine.

“ These are the reasons why we haven’t included these models in our list

The Lezyne Steel Floor Drive has a very similar build quality to our top choice. However, it was the worst performer in our pump tests, taking 10 to 15 times more strokes at all levels of psi than the best performers.

The illegible dial was the biggest problem with the Specialized Air Tool Sport. This one required a lot of leaning down in order to read. The wooden handle on the budget pick is also a favorite.

Crankbrothers Sapphire was the most efficient pumper, using fewer strokes than other models. Even so, the budget pick was only five to 8 strokes behind and is more stable than any other model. It also doesn’t have plastic handles.

Crankbrothers Klic tries to solve a problem with storage: the floppy tube is store in the handle. The gauge was liked by our testers, but they felt it was fragile and easy to lose since it wasn’t attached to the pump. We noticed less stability in pumps that are designed this way.

Although the Silca Pista is strong (all metal everything), it is small. It’s designed to be portable and easy to transport in a car trunk. The two-footed base was wobbly and the handle was too small for comfort.

Testers were also afraid that they would lose the Presta valve adapter. These issues can be fixed by the Pista Plus, but it costs twice as much as our top pick.

The Bontrager Dual Charger pressure gauge looked defective. The dial read 60 psi, even when attached to an uninflated tire. This is a random phenomenon and not an endemic problem. However, we did find cheaper pumps that were stronger and more durable.

Although the Topeak JoeBlow Sport III has received positive reviews from users, our budget choice is comparable in price and features a wooden handle, not plastic. The gauge is too low on the barrel for easy reading, and high enough that it can tip over occasionally.

The Super Prestige and Pedro’s Prestige pumps both have wobbly two-footed bases which can’t be compare to three-footed alternatives.

For due diligence, we tried the Vibrelli, but it had a shorter height than the other test pools and a shorter hose. It felt like a toy in giant’s hands. The plastic base was also disliked by our testers.

It will work if cost is your main concern. However, as we have said, the quality difference between a $30 and $50 pump is huge.

Park Tools PFP-8 head blew off three times for two testers – a surprising result considering Park Tool’s excellent reputation.

Two pumps from Serfas were also test, the FMP 500 (and the TCPC). The first pump had a maximum pressure rating at 260 psi. It was so complicat to read, and the second pump pumped 30% slower than most other pumps. Both pumps are now obsolete.

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