Pumps

Mini Pumps

Everyone needs one of these, always carry one with you because when you do not have it is when you will need it. Mini pumps vary in price however a cheaper unit is not the same as a less expensive unit so choose with care. There are different kinds of mini pump with short stroke, long stroke and double piston types, the mechanism of operation can affect the number of cycles that may be required to pump up a larger volume tyre e.g. 100 pushes. The key thing is ease of use.Try it out in the shop and imagine cold fingers, lots of mud and driving rain, if it is fiddly in the shop forget it. Check that the handle is large enough and of the appropriate shape (straight or 'T') to be comfortable to use in your hand, ease of attachment to the valve is also important, we think that a lockable attachment to the valve is far better than having to hold it in place. Some mini pumps come fitted with a small footplate and a flexible hose to the valve connector, as well as a pressure gauge. These are useful but I perfer simplicity. Finally, we recommend buying one that is from an established manufacturer as spare parts are likely to be more widely available. Apart from an occasional clean and re-grease it should provide years of service.

CO2 Inflators

Desirable, small, quick and less effort than a pump make CO2 cartridge systems very popular. There are two types of cartridge (screw on and push on) but some valves cope with both. A word of warning all the cartridges get very cold during use and some cartridges have a rubbery sleeve to prevent frozen fingers in use, go for these if you can find them. Pressure levels can be difficult to judge and if you have one cartridge you do not want a second flat immediately? We think that CO2 inflators are a great addition to your trail bag but only if compliamented by a mini pump in case of multiple punctures. Of the head mechanisms we have tried we much prefer the simple head/sleeve type with a trigger to control inflation. Once they start having handles etc they become too bulky and complicated. Remember to take empty canisters home even if you are sure that they are fully discharged.

Track Pumps

The Track pump is an essential workshop/garage tool, money very well spent and you will never look back. Track pumps give fast inflation that significantly reduces the chore of changing tubes and swapping tyres. Buy one that has a large base and a footplate together with a gauge that is at the top of the barrel, for ease of view and use, in addition a connector that locks onto the valve is essential so that you can get both hands on the pump handle. Plastic units are lighter than the metal ones but are not necessarily less stable. Buy a good one (ie from one of the well known brands) in a sale rather than a cheaper unit and it should last for years. I have had mine for 6 years and it works perfectly only requiring a regrease every couple of years.

Shock Pumps

An essential purchase if your bike has any type of air sprung suspension, the shock pump is used to presurise the air suspension unit. We believe that many bikes have air suspension as the units are very flexible and allow many different rider weights to be covered by the same unit. Basically, the heavier you are the more air pressure is required (don't exceed the manufactures pressure limits!). Shock pumps are used frequently as ride characteristics of a bike can change dramatically with small pressure changes and experimenting with different settings while on the trail is essential, the benefits of an improved set-up are immediately obvious. Improved traction for climbing, reduced bobbing while pedalling, more responsive steering, better bump absorption, less ramp up, increased stability on downhill’s etc. etc. Finally, we believe that shock pumps are the product of badge engineering - same thing, different name. They all seem to work equally well. It is worth carrying a shock pump in your backpack if your bike has air sprung suspension.