Most of our test pumps have chucks that push on to the valve, with a locking lever to keep them in place, though a couple of them have screw-on chucks. Some have a single head unit with reversible washers to switch between the different systems, while others have separate heads. Head: All our test pumps are suitable for both Presta and Schrader valves. The latter gives more stability, but there’s little to choose between them. Our test pumps tended to have a pair of feet either side of the barrel or a triangular base. What to look for when buying a track pumpīase: Weight isn’t much an issue for a track pump, though a heavier base with a larger footprint will offer more stability. I keep one in each vehicle, and a few around the house.”įollow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to swap in a new gauge, though most are fairly straightforward you’ll remove the pressure gauge cover by either unscrewing it or prying it off.Looking for a more portable pump? Try our Best mini pumps for road cyclists roundup. I tend to recommend that people get a stand-alone pressure gauge anyway,” Nankman says, which you can use to test the accuracy of your pump’s pressure gauge. “Accuracy is the main, but that is hard to quantify unless you get a new pump and compare it. Over time, your floor pump’s pressure gauge can start to deteriorate, making it less accurate. “If using a liquid silicone lubricant, a good spray on the pump shaft, and then pump up and down a few times to get the lube to get everywhere in the pump.” Pressure Gauge Apply a little bit of grease to the plunger and reassemble,” Nankman says. “If using grease, you need to take the top cap off the pump to expose the plunger. (Also, make sure you’re using the right valve head: Here’s the difference between a Presta valve and a Schrader valve.) “Make sure you put the pump head on the valve straight and make sure it is seated,” Nankman says. Specifically, you need to fit the head properly onto the valve. It might seem obvious that in order to prolong the life of your floor pump, you need to use it correctly. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer to see if replacement parts are available, or visit your local bike shop to see if the mechanics can help you fix it. “Very often parts are cross-compatible,” Nankman says, but you’d either need to know that for sure before buying them or happen to already have those parts on hand to experiment. O-rings in particular, which maintain the air seal throughout the pump, can be readily found in a variety of sizes. If not, you might still be able to fix it. Check with the manufacturer to see if that’s the case for yours. The Best Bike Pumps We've Tested So Farīrands such as Lezyne, Park Tool, Specialized, Bontrager, Silca, Topeak, and more offer replacement parts and rebuild kits for floor pumps.While it might be convenient to always have one at the trailhead or start of the group ride, exposing the pump to a wide range of fluctuating temperatures can damage it over time, especially the pressure gauge. I, too, am guilty of chucking my bike pump in the car and leaving it there, well, indefinitely. Store your floor pump somewhere out of the elements and away from moisture that could potentially damage it. You wouldn’t leave your bike out in the rain (or maybe you would, but here’s why you shouldn’t), and the same goes for your floor pump. Here’s what Nankman recommends: Keep It Dry To start, there are some things you can do to help prevent your floor pump from breaking in the first place-namely, storing it correctly. (Plus, it’s the eco-friendly thing to do, right?)īelow, Nankman offers his tips on how to repair and maintain your bike floor pump. So when you find yourself with a floor pump that’s failing, don’t toss it just yet-you might just be able to return it to its former glory. Many of the repairs and maintenance measures are easy enough for most people to do on their own. When a customer would come into the shop to buy a new bike pump, Nankman says that sometimes he could simply fix their old one instead. “In my time in shops, I have given many pumps a second life,” says Bicycling’s resident mechanic Joël Nankman, who’s wrenched professionally for 13 years. Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play
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