Pumps

Bicycle pumps - so that you do not run out of air

Why the right pressure is so important

With lax tires, cycling costs more power and you feel every bump in the ground much more strongly. So it's clear that you pump up again and again out of your own interest. Until the tire gives under your thumb just so far that it is "about right". Well, nothing against your thumb. But a lot depends on the correct air pressure in the tires - from the driving experience and the risk of accidents to the service life of the casing and rims. "Pi times thumb" is unsuitable as a measurement
An optimally inflated tire keeps you safely on the ground and carries you over bumps without much vibration. If it has too little air, a larger surface lies on top. The rolling resistance increases, you need more power when pedaling and steering. An obstacle such as a large stone can press through to the rim. This puts a strain on the wheel and the casing

But what is the optimum pressure? Unfortunately, there is no clear indication of this. How much air you need depends on your weight and the load, on the weather and the surface, on the type of tire and your riding style. As a rough guide, the range of permissible air pressure for a tire is given on the side of the casing. Further information is available from the ADFC or the tire manufacturer Schwalbe. With a little experience, you yourself will know best which pressure is the right one for you in the current weather and for a particular riding destination

Important: Check the tire pressure regularly, not with your thumb, but with a pressure gauge. You can get it as a handy stand-alone device, or permanently installed in a pump. The hand-held device is practical for measuring on the road. The floor pump with integrated pressure gauge helps you to always refill just as much air as you really need

Basic equipment for all cyclists

A common pump is the utensil that is now really in every bike household. Bike junkies usually even have several pumps in different versions. This makes perfect sense, because no other tool you use so often for your bike, as the air pump. No wonder that manufacturers of bikes and accessories continue to elaborate and refine their range

Muscle power or gas cartridge

If you want to save all your energy for cycling, you can also inflate your tires with gas pressure. Small cartridges filled with carbon dioxide are usually sufficient to refill a completely empty tire. By pressing a button or turning the valve, the CO2 is blown into the tube at high pressure. These devices are particularly suitable for quick and uncomplicated refilling on the road. Since each cartridge can only be used once, you should always have spare cartridges on hand

Special models, such as Topeak, can be operated with gas pressure as well as by hand: If the cartridge is empty, you can still pump manually. So you are now really prepared for all eventualities

The mini pump - fresh air on the road

A flat tire is always annoying, whether in a sporting competition or on a happy family outing. Fortunately, effective air pumps are now so small and light that you can take them with you in your backpack or frame bag at any time. Of course, manual pumping takes longer and is more strenuous than with a large-volume floor pump. But who wants to lug that around with you? The mini pumps, for example, from SKS or RFR, bring your tire at least so up to speed that you can get to the next workshop. Of course, the models that are operated with a gas cartridge are particularly convenient. With the small power packs, a movement with the finger is enough to supply wheels with the necessary pressure. They are therefore ideal for races where every second counts. Those who want to be more comfortable on the road are prepared for possible breakdowns with a hand-operated mini pump in their luggage

The floor pump - convenient and effective

Thanks to a solid base, you can fix such a model well to the ground and use the power from your arms and upper body. How many strokes you need to get a completely flat tire back to four and a half or eight bar depends on the volume of the pistons. In any case, inflation is simple and effective. The hose length of about half a meter to a meter facilitates access to the valve. Many floor pumps are equipped with a pressure gauge, so you can accurately measure the air pressure suitable for your tires. Digital gauges, such as Azonic, even indicate the pressure to two decimal places and stop automatically when you have reached your target value. As a rule, floor pumps with different attachments are compatible with all common bicycle valves

The pedal pump - can also be used on camping trips

By leg power you can not only inflate your tires with it, but also inflatable boat or air mattress. A long, flexible hose facilitates access to valves of all kinds; suitable adapters are usually part of the scope of delivery. A possibly built-in pressure gauge prevents you from blowing too much air into your tires for the sheer fun of pedaling. The pedal pump is a versatile alternative to the floor pump.