→ Swappable:This also has all the parts needed to inflate a presta or Schrader valve. (Left to right) Pump heads can be swappable, twin (aka dual), or adjustable. Most modern pumps are designed to work with both main valve types, and some come with adapters for things like sports balls and pool floats. Join Bicycling All Access for more gear advice and tips Most also have removables core for ease of tire installation and adding or topping off sealant. They are usually identifiable by a rubber grommet bottom of the valve where it meets the rim. → Tubeless: These valves look identical to a Presta valve (except for a few small exceptions). Still, because you never know where your riding will take you, we included a few pumps in our roundup that come with an adapter for this type of valve. It’s usually found on city bikes, but is rarely seen in the U.S. → Dunlop: The less-common Dunlop valve (used on bikes in parts of Asia and Europe), looks like a wider presta valve. Please be cautious when inflating at the gas station as the compressors often push air quickly and can over-inflate bike tires. This type of valve can be inflated using an air pump at a gas station. ![]() It’s wrapped in rubber, threaded at the end, and has a pin in the center that can be depressed to add or release air with a spring to keep it sealed. The Schrader valve is wider than the Presta type and the same circumference from tip to rim. ![]() → Schrader: Think of the valve you see on car tires, mountain bikes, beach cruisers, and most kids’ bikes that is a Schraeder valve. The smaller diameter of this valve compared with a Schrader type reduces the size of the opening in the rim, which makes for a stronger wheel. Presta valves are typically found on road and performance bikes because they can hold higher air pressures. It’s often threaded from tip to rim and has a knurled nut at the end that must be unscrewed (opened) in order to add or release air. This is the long, thin valve that tapers at the top and is made entirely of metal. The presta valve (left) is more common on road bikes and mid- to high-end mountain bikes while the Schrader valve (right) is typically found on hybrid and children’s bikes. Regardless if you carry a CO2 or not, having a mini pump is your best bet! Which Valve Is Which? You'll then marry that to either a CO2 specific adapter or hand pump that will have a nozzle attachment adaptable to your valve type. Whipping out one of these from your utility belt, they come in (typically) either 16g or 20g cartridges. → CO2 Pumps & Inflators: These wonderful problem solving accessories should make you feel like batman. Whether its new or vintage, frame pumps scream sophistication and functionality. Only a handful of these icons remain in production (like Silca’s Impero or the Topeak Masterblaster), but many will last your entire riding life. And many old heads and long distance riders use them for getting home when in a pinch. Serving cyclists for over 70 plus years, there's no better or more reliable tool than the trusty frame pump. → Frame Pump: The ultimate display of elegance and function: the frame pump. Once the rider charges the chamber to the desired psi, flipping or turning a switch allows all air to rapidly inflate the tire, seating the tire onto the rim. ![]() These pumps differ from standard floor pumps, in that the rider “charges” the pump using a two step, two way valve application. The secondary canister of these pumps allows you to build up the pressure and dump it into the tire in a quick burst. Tubeless tires often require a quick burst of air to seat the bead to the rim. While you could get away with setting your wheels up with a conventional floor pump, this is not a foolproof method. ![]() → Tubeless Pump: Tubeless tires are here to stay, and having the right tool for the job infinitely helps. A dual-action mini pump inflates tires much quicker as it moves air both when you push and pull the plunger. Mini pumps typically don’t have pressure gauges, and those that do often have one that is small and difficult to read (besides, your pumping arm will likely get tired before you even reach the ideal psi). Most mini pumps attach directly to your valve, but some come with a short, flexible hose that helps with finding a more comfortable pumping position. Their smaller build means more power and effort to reach your chosen psi (or at least a pressure that’s good enough to get you out of a jam and rolling again). → Mini Pump: These compact inflators are designed to go along for the ride-whether tucked in your pocket, strapped to your frame, or carried in a bag.
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