Dunlop bicycle pump. Which is the best pump for a bicycle? Flashing red signals of this traffic light

A nipple, at its core, is a nut, the essence of which comes down to the ability to inflate the wheels. And, oddly enough, it is he who is the undeniable link between the cyclist and the motorist. Why? The roots of this story go back to the 19th century.

Appearance

Initially, all vehicles had wooden wheels. It was only at the end of the 19th century that a certain John Dunlop came up with the idea that inflatable rubber wheels were much more practical and convenient. Therefore, he developed special protectors for his son’s bicycle, which contained air inside. From time to time the wheels required pumping, which is why the nipple was invented. Thus a new word appeared in the history of transport development.

These parts began to be used not only for bicycle wheels, but also for car wheels. Over time, varieties of these miracle nuts appeared. We'll talk about them.

In some information sources, a bicycle nipple is also called a spool valve. However, these are slightly different concepts. The spool is the part of the nipple that directly supplies air to the tires, moving in a straight line. But for convenience, in this article we will identify these concepts.

Kinds

IN Everyday life A cyclist pays attention to bicycle nipples only when the wheels need to be inflated. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the correct handling of the spool valve and pump.

How to inflate a tire?

If this piece of technical thought is installed on your iron horse, then inflating the tire will not be difficult either in the garage or on the road (if required). The fact is that the valve on such a device is universal and you can use any pump that is at hand.

What are we doing? The tire nipple is equipped with a special cap that maintains tire pressure. It must be unscrewed and placed in a visible place. Now install the pump head and secure it with a clamp (the clamp is parallel to the nipple). Now carefully introduce air into the tire. The wheel rim always indicates what pressure is acceptable for a given bicycle. Try not to go beyond these designations, keep an eye on the pressure gauge on the pump. Ready! Release the clamp, remove the pump and screw the cap into place. That's it, you can move on.

Presta
This spool is installed on all sports bikes. It is slightly smaller in diameter than the auto nipple, but its length is much longer - from 42 to 80 mm versus 40. Main feature The downside is that the valve stem is on the outside and not on the inside. And the cap also comes with a special nut, which additionally retains air in the tires. You should know that to pump air you will need either a bicycle pump or a car pump with a special hole. The standard entrance will no longer work.

How to inflate a tire. We start, as always, by unscrewing the cap and placing it in the tactile area (so as not to lose it). Now you need to unscrew the lock nut. And here we need to make a reservation: there is no need to completely remove it from the rod. It is enough to simply release the rod. This is easy to check - press the valve with your finger and if air comes out of the wheel, then the job is done. Well, then the process is absolutely similar to the previous one, a car nipple: we install the pump, fasten the clamp and, in portions, watching the pressure gauge, supply air to the tire. Made!

Dunlop
Surprisingly, this type of valve looks very similar to a car nipple, but functionally it is similar to Presta. Dunlop is practically not found on modern bicycles, but if you are the happy owner of a retro bike, then you need to inflate the wheel following the instructions for the Presta nipple.

• Try not to lose the cap when inflating your tires. This small part protects the valve from dirt and prevents the tires from going flat.

Motorists are very rarely sympathetic to the appearance of a cyclist on the road. This is caused by many factors: the cyclist’s independence from traffic jams, envy of good sports uniform, understanding that a bike ride is a vacation that in itself brings joy. Only few of the drivers sitting behind the wheel think that the very development of the automotive industry is very closely connected with the bicycle and its components.

This relationship began in 1888, when Englishman John B. Dunlop decided to improve the wooden wheels of his son's bicycle. He installed on them the progenitor of all those tires that now run on the roads, beginning the era of comfortable driving. It is unlikely that modern cars would be as fast and comfortable without one children's bike. Even now, related features can be found among car and bicycle tires. For example, a car nipple. It, like two other types, is used in the bicycle industry

Help: Nipple (from the English Nipple - nipple) is a connecting tube with a check valve.

Types of bicycle nipples

Automotive (AV, Shrader, Shredder,)

It has several names, such as American or Shredder. The name is associated with a patent for this type of nipple received by the American August Schroeder. In cycling, car nipples are installed on entry-level and intermediate-level bicycles, not only on bicycle wheels, but also in forks and even shock absorbers. The diameter of the hole in the rim is from 8 to 8.5 mm.

Dunlop

Rubber tubes, also called nipples, for such valves are still sold in stores, although the bicycle nipple itself is almost impossible to find. Used on all bicycles produced in the USSR. The diameter of the hole in the rim is 8 mm.

Presta (FV, SV – French or Sclaverand Valve)

Bicycle nipples of this type are usually equipped with the most technically advanced models. They are also installed on tubeless tires. Available with both short outlets and long tubes suitable for reinforced rims. Presta is thinner and lighter than other types of nipples. The diameter of the hole in the rim is 6 mm. Length – 42, 60 or 80mm.

Its valve is quite fragile (there is a risk of breaking it in a hurry or when using a low-quality pump), so it is usually replaceable (you can unscrew it).

A little history

The now retired Dunlop was called a bicycle nipple. They used a rubber tube as a check valve, and the thread diameter was much smaller car options. To inflate a chamber with such a nipple, either was needed, or you had to remove the nozzle from the car and hold the tube with your hands. There have been no tubes with bicycle nipples of this type on sale for a long time, so you are unlikely to encounter the problem of Dunlop inflation.

But the increasingly popular Presta version is also smaller than a car nipple, and also noticeably more fragile. With such a valve, a regular car pump will not work. Either an adapter or a bike pump is required. Almost all modern bicycle pumps are made with dual use in mind - both Presta and auto nipple. To do this, the nut in the pump is unscrewed at the place where the nipple tube enters, and the internal plastic bushing is turned over. The lock nut is screwed back in and the pump is ready for use.

The car nipple for bicycles is used in the most popular models in the mid-price category. They are wider than Presta, heavier, but more unpretentious. To inflate the car nipple, you can use a regular car pump and even weak car compressors connected to the car’s on-board power supply.

Tip: You cannot inflate bicycle wheels with stationary compressors powered from the mains. The volume of the chamber in a bicycle is small, and the pressure created by the compressors is very high. The slightest delay and... the bicycle tube may burst.

Why are caps needed?

A few words about an integral component - nipple caps. In Dunlop, plastic caps covered the nipple from dirt and slightly blocked the air passing through the rubber tube. In the automotive version, nipple caps are a little more functional. In addition to protecting against contamination, they also serve as a special key for unscrewing the check valve/spool. Used to replace the spool or in cases where the valve is screwed in too tightly and the pump cannot “push through” it.

Presta caps serve as protection against dirt and mechanical stress. Nipples of this type do not withstand rough influences and, if handled incorrectly, can even be broken by a bicycle pump.

Another direction in the use of caps was the decoration of bicycles. And then the designers turned around, presenting a wide range of, allowing you to choose interesting and decorative solutions. But upon closer examination, the division into two types becomes obvious: Decorative caps, which make the appearance of the bicycle more impressive, and illuminated ones - in addition to the aesthetic component, they also make the bicycle more visible in the dark.

Bicycle tires with Dunlop tubes often create problems for their owners when inflating, due to the lack of suitable pumps. This article examines the design of Dunlop nipples and ways to inflate bicycle tire inner tubes through them using bicycle and car pumps.

Existing types of pneumatic valves for bicycle tire inner tubes

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There are three main types of such valves: Dunlop, Presta and Shrader. Their names differ slightly depending on the manufacturer, so several names are often given on the packages. The prevalence of each type varies depending on the country, manufacturer, and the type of bicycle and its age.

The moving part of the valve is located in a tube connected to the bicycle tire tube, passed through a hole in the wheel rim, the length of which must be the same for a given type. Common tube lengths are around 25mm (for plain steel wheels and Dunlop valves only) and 32mm (for aluminum disc wheels and typically Presta or Schrader valves).

In everyday life (exclusively domestic!), the name of any bicycle pneumatic valve with the term “nipple” has taken root. Actually, in engineering, a nipple is a tube that tightly connects two pipelines, or goes from a pipeline to a fitting. Since the valve body of a bicycle tire inner tube is actually a tube with an external thread, the name “nipple” for this device is quite justified.

Main characteristics of Dunlop nipple

This device is known by the following names:

• DV - Dunlop valve (named after its first inventor JohnBoydDunlop);
• NV - Normal valve;
• Bicycle Valve;
• Blitz valve;
• Alligator valve;
• Wood valve (named after the inventor C.H. Woods);
• German valve;
• English valve;
• Dutch valve.

Basic specifications valve:

• Wheel rim hole ø 8.5 mm;
• Thread according to DIN 7756, external VG 8×32;
• Maximum pressure 6 bar.

The Dunlop nipple is most common in Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. It is used mainly in city and touring bicycles, and until the 1980s this type of valve dominated almost all types of bicycles, including Soviet-made models. It is named after its inventor John Boyd Dunlop, founder of the tire company of the same name.

It is typical that the movable part of the valve is inserted into a stationary tube and secured in it with a union nut. It can be quickly removed for replacement without tools, but can also be easily stolen. The union nut must be loosened to release air.

Valve design

IN original version The Dunlop nipple had a blind, hollow cylindrical tip with a hole on the side to allow air in from the pump. A short rubber tube (nipple) was pulled onto the tip, which closed the inlet hole under the influence of pressure in the wheel chamber, plus the tube’s own tension.

When pumping, the pressure in the chamber, plus the tension of the rubber tube, is overcome by the air pressure from the pump, the tube expands and frees the inlet so that air can enter the chamber (see figure below).

In this process, energy is consumed not only to compress the air to the tire pressure, but also to overcome the tension of the rubber tube. Therefore, the resistance to air flow is significant, the air in the pump heats up noticeably during compression, and the flow rate muscle strength in Dunlop valves is significantly larger than in other types.
An improved design is a plastic or metal ball or cylinder valve with an O-ring seal (see figure below).

This allows you to pump air with significantly less effort. This version of the device is called “automatic”, “patented”, “blitz” or “alligator valve” by different manufacturers. The terms "Dunlop" and "blitz valve" are used synonymously today. Both types are common, the version with a rubber tube as a check valve predominates in the segment of cheap models.

Most Dunlop valves are designed for a maximum of 6 bar pressure.

Since this valve cannot be opened without inflating or deflating air pressure, tire pressure can only be measured at the pump or calculated approximately. An air pump with a built-in pressure gauge only shows the pressure while air is being pumped into the tire and thus the pressures in the pump and the tire are briefly equal.

What kind of bike pumps are needed to inflate Dunlop tubes?

For various types Bicycle tire inner tube valves are equipped with suitable air pumps and pressure gauges. Many air pumps are suitable for several types of valves. The picture below shows such a universal hoseless bicycle pump with two air outlets, suitable for all three types of nipples.

As you can see, the pump outlet, located in the figure on the right, fits both Dunlop and Presta nipples. Thus, the external threads on their bodies are identical. Therefore, to inflate the inner tubes of bicycle tires with a Dunlop nipple, you can always use a Presta nipple pump.

There are also universal hose bicycle pumps for the two main modern nipples - Presta and Schrader. The hose of such a pump is shown in the photo below.

Moreover, all modern hoseless bicycle pumps with one air outlet are available with the ability to pump up chambers with both types of nipples: Presta and Schrader. It’s just that this possibility is not clearly marked on the pump, and therefore is not known to everyone. Under the union nut of such a bicycle pump there is a rubber sealing cylinder with holes of different diameters on both sides, under which there is a bushing with two ends - narrow and wide.

To inflate chambers with a Presta or Dunlop nipple, you need to insert the bushing into the pump head with the narrow end down, and place the rubber cylinder with the large hole down. Next, tighten the union nut and the pump is ready to inflate chambers with Presta and Dunlop nipples

The only thing you need to remember when pumping up cameras with Dunlop nipples with a universal bicycle pump is the need to first remove the union nut, which simply will not allow the pump head to slide onto the camera valve body. In addition, we must not forget that the physical effort when inflating bicycle tubes with Dunlop nipples is obviously greater than on tubes with other types of valves.

Pump-nipple adapters

It is somewhat difficult to inflate a bicycle tube with a Dunlop nipple using a manual car pump or an auto-compressor designed for tubes with a so-called “car nipple” of the Schrader type. This service is often in demand by cyclists when driving on roads (highways), along which there are auto repair shops equipped with compressors.

In principle, any bicycle tire can be inflated from a compressor through a hose with a pressure gauge, supplying air briefly and monitoring the pressure in the chamber. However, if you have bicycle tubes with a Dunlop nipple, then you cannot do without a Schrader-pump - Dunlop-nipple adapter. Such Chinese-made adapters are shown in the photo below.

They are screwed onto the nipple with the union nut removed. The camera can then be operated without it, the adapter itself will play the role of the nut. According to reviews from cyclists who have already used these products, their quality is very good. The material is brass, the walls are thick enough, there are rubber seals. And most importantly, the cost of a set of four adapters for different combinations of pumps and nipples does not exceed one dollar!

Bicycle pumps are used to inflate bicycle and car wheels and shock absorbers. When choosing a model, pay attention to the dimensions and weight of the products, nipple type, material and power of the model.

Design and principle of operation of a bicycle pump

The bicycle pump consists of two heads used to connect to one of two nipples - Schrader or Presta.

Principle of operation:

1. The devices are operated manually using a piston.
2. When the piston goes up, it draws air from the external environment through the holes in the housing.
3. Moving down, it directs air from the pump into the bicycle tube.

The purpose of bicycle pumps is inflation bicycle wheels and shock absorbers.

Bicycle pump functions:

• adjusting the pressure supply using a pressure gauge;
• fastening the device to the frame using a special device;
• convenient inflation of wheels using a long hose and T-shaped handle;
• protection of the pump head from dust and dirt using a boot;
• efficient work in the dark thanks to LED.

How to choose a bicycle pump

• Choose the design type depending on the functionality of the product. Portable and hand-held models will be needed in the field; they are compact, so you can take them with you.

But the disadvantage of such products will be low efficiency tire inflation, fragility. Stationary bicycle pumps are used to inflate tires at home or in the garage, but they are not transportable.

Universal products are used for inflating wheels and shock absorbers; these devices are functional, but compared to specialized devices they have low inflation efficiency.

The advantages of pneumatic models are fast operation, but these types of devices have a high price.

• Pay attention to the type of nipple. For mountain and highway use, choose SV (“Presta”), for racing bikes you will need AV (“Shrander”), DV (“Dunlop”) - a standard bicycle nipple.
• Take into account the maximum pressure of the device, which determines the speed of inflation of the wheels. 100-200 psi (6-8 atmospheres) - characteristics of bicycles for racing and walking. Road models require more power - 120-160 psi (8-11 atmospheres).
• Consider what material the case is made of. A steel casing is typically found on stationary pumps. These products are durable, heavy and do not corrode.

Aluminum-framed structures have anti-corrosion properties, but they are not as durable as steel products. Lightweight and compact plastic housings are used in the manufacture of hand pumps.

• Pay attention to the type of power supply for the electric pump: 12 V – from the battery, 220 V – from the mains.
• Pay attention to the operating mode of the devices.

The one-stroke mode involves inflating the bicycle when moving the handle away from you; the device is inflated in two directions using the two-stroke mode.

• Be sure to consider the technical safety of the models. It is important that the structure is stable and durable. The technical level of the assembly must be high.
• Look at the product package. Buy products from trusted manufacturers. It is important that the model has strict certification and labeling.

• Models should be equipped with a folding T-shaped handle, which makes the device convenient.
• A mandatory attribute is fastening to the frame. It should be convenient and always at hand.
• Buy devices with a pressure gauge that regulate the air pressure in the wheels.
• Choose devices with several attachments that allow you to combine the pump with different types of tires. This bicycle pump can be used to inflate car tires.
• To make it easier to inflate the wheels, you will need a footrest.

1. Choose the color and shape of the pumps depending on your preferences.
2. The dimensions and weight of the products depend on the functionality of the devices. When choosing a bicycle pump, pay attention to its transportability and dimensions.
3. Buy models equipped with a boot that protects the pump head from dirt, dust and moisture.
4. Pay attention to such a device feature as a double inflation system, this will allow you to inflate the wheels in both directions.

Best bike pumps with hose

1. The most efficient bike pump TOPEAK Road Morph G– a highly functional device with a lightweight aluminum tube body with variable wall thickness. The model is equipped with a frame mount. Weight – 2.2 kg.
2. The most powerful pump SKS Rookie XL– the model is compatible with different types of nipples, made of plastic. There is a pump holder with a special rubber strap for additional fixation.
3. Sks Aircompressor– a product with a long steel tube that provides a large volume of air. Model with a built-in pressure gauge, the valve fits all types of nipples. The price corresponds to the quality of the product.

Such designs are equipped with a long, convenient hose for inflating the wheels. The best products should have a T-shaped folding handle with a rubber insert, a linear pressure gauge, and fastening to the frame.

Technical specifications :

• size –19-23 cm (folded);
• weight – 130 grams;
• material (aluminum);
• pressure – 120 psi;
• There is
• products with a pressure gauge.

Advantages:

• efficiency;
• functionality;
• strength, wear resistance;
• made of heat-resistant aluminum;
• equipped with the necessary accessories.

Minuses:

• weightiness of structures;
• difficulty in transportation.

Best bike pumps with pressure gauge

1. The most comfortable BETO with a pressure gauge for a bicycle - a high-quality and powerful product of compact size.
2. The most reliable bicycle pump – Giyo GP-91 with pressure gauge. Product with a high-strength aluminum body. The model is lightweight and equipped with a pressure gauge. The device is used by professional racers.
3. The most functional bicycle pump with pressure gauge SKS Airkompressor 12.0 black– a device with a built-in pressure gauge and valve for all types of nipples.
4. Bicycle pump Bikemate with pressure gauge - a product with a shock-resistant housing and high efficiency. The model is reliable in operation. Guarantee provided.

The models are ideal for inflating wheels. The best products are made of durable and wear-resistant aluminum. The devices are equipped with a T-shaped handle and a lever for securing the device to the nipple.

Using the built-in pressure gauge, you can accurately monitor tire pressure. The operating principle of the pressure gauge is based on balancing the measured pressure by the force of elastic deformation of a tubular spring or a two-plate membrane.

Models must be certified and properly labeled.

Characteristics:

• Size – 20-25 cm;
• weight – 150-160 grams;
• made of aluminum;
• pressure - from 120 to 130 psi;
• bicycle mounting kit;
• equipped with a built-in pressure gauge.

Pros:

1. made of aluminum;
2. built-in pressure gauge (pressure adjustment);
3. convenient equipment (fastening to the frame);
4. high efficiency;
5. reliability, wear resistance.

Minuses:

• expensive designs.

Best Battery Bike Pumps

1. The most durable battery device Berkut Specialist VL-1000– electric bicycle pump, equipped with a camera mount and a high-precision pressure gauge. Equipped with LED flashlight.
2. BestWay– a model that is suitable for different types of valves, the volume of the working chamber is 2 liters.
3. The most durable pump 12 V Intex 66626– a functional device, equipped with 3 adapter attachments. Meets technical quality standards.

Such bicycle pumps are powered by electricity from a built-in battery, which ensures operation of the device for 2-3 hours. The device is equipped with a linear high-precision pressure gauge, which is located along the pump hose.

Characteristics:

• size – from 20 to 25 cm;
• weight –145-150 grams;
• material (aluminum);
• pressure – 120-130 psi;
• nozzles (3-5);
• there is a built-in pressure gauge;
• The battery charges in 2-3 hours.

Pros:

• strength, wear resistance;
• convenient equipment (mounting on the frame);
• functionality;
• efficiency;
• Equipped with a handle and frame mounting.

Minuses:

• dependence on electricity;
• large dimensions of most models.

Best Aluminum Bike Pumps

1. The most reliable BBB Traveler trekking– an excellent combination of a mini pump and a floor pump. The product is equipped with a footrest, a pressure gauge, and bolts for mounting on the frame. The model is functional and durable.
2. The most durable bike pump Giyo GP-09– model made of aluminum, with a standard handle.
3. The most compact pump Green Cycle GCP-76C– the bicycle pump in an aluminum casing is suitable for two types of nipples: bicycle and car. The product is equipped with a frame mount.
4. The most efficient bike pump BBB WindRush L alu– suitable for different types of nipples. The device is equipped with a nozzle with a lock and is made of durable aluminum.

Such pumps are lightweight, durable, and highly resistant to environmental influences. Aluminum with high anti-corrosion properties retains technical properties under temperature changes.

The models are equipped with a comfortable T-shaped handle and a folding foot rest. Accessories: frame mount and stainless steel bolts.

The devices are equipped with comfortable folding legs and have a stable stop. Compatible with different types nipples.

Characteristics:

• dimensions – from 17-20 cm;
• weigh about 200 grams;
• pressure – 115-120 psi;
• type – telescopic;
• material (aluminum);
• equipped with a bicycle mounting kit;
• there is a built-in pressure gauge;
• T-handle;
• folding leg rest;
• accessories: bolts, frame mounting.

Pros:

1) functionality;

2) high power;

3) quick tire inflation;

4) equipped with a comfortable handle and a folding footrest;

5) there is a built-in pressure gauge;

6) stability of structures;

7) strength and anti-corrosion properties;

8) resistance to temperature changes;

9) many accessories.

Minuses:

• powerful products made from high-quality aluminum are expensive;
• There are large models that are difficult to transport.

The best high pressure bike pumps

• The most reliable high pressure pump TOPEAK Shock n Roll– universal pump for shock absorbers and wheels with a special switch.

The valve is compatible with bicycle nipples and cars. The product is made of aluminum, there is a pressure gauge, a pressure release button.

• The most comfortable Cycledesign for air shock absorbers – model compatible with the Schrader valve, equipped with a pressure control valve. Pressure indicator – 300 psi.
• The most functional bike pump Giyo GS-02D– High pressure product, suitable for air forks and rear shock absorbers.

The model is made of high-strength aluminum. Pressure – up to 300 psi. Technical parameters correspond to the quality of the product.

This type of pump is used to inflate air forks that cannot be inflated with a conventional pump. Products with a small chamber volume, therefore bicycle wheels will take longer to inflate than with a conventional pump.

The best devices are equipped with a pressure indicator and an adjustable tilt valve. A distinctive feature of the models is high pressure.

Characteristics:

• size (folded) – 23-25 ​​cm;
• weight – 140-150 grams;
• pressure – 250-300 psi;
• with pressure indicator;
• number of nozzles (3-5);
• compatible with Schrader valve;
• equipped with a pressure gauge;
• with tilt adjustment valve.

Advantages:

• the body is made of durable and wear-resistant aluminum;
• quick inflation of bicycle air forks;
• equipped with a pressure gauge;
• with valve and tilt adjustment;
• with pressure indicator;
• Suitable for inflating bicycle wheels.

Minuses:

• large-sized devices;
• structures are difficult to transport;
• low functionality, used as a bicycle accessory.

Best Gas Bike Pumps

• The most functional gas pump Pedros EGO SPORT– a compressed gas mini-pump, which comes with a frame mount. Product weight – 170 grams. The product is durable and not subject to mechanical damage.
• The most compact device Most of the inflators– pump with regulated gas supply. The valve is compatible with bicycle and car nipples.

The device comes with a neoprene cover for the gas cartridge, which protects your fingers from frostbite.

• The most functional bicycle pump with a gas cylinder in the pedal axle CrankPump CO2– functional model with high power. A device with high operating efficiency and ergonomic design.

This type of pump is also called pneumatic.

The operating principle of the devices: the wheel is inflated using a gas cylinder. The models are equipped with a built-in pressure gauge, a function for adjusting the gas volume supply, a T-shaped handle, and a bicycle mount.

The price of such products is high; to operate the devices you need to buy gas cylinders. The use of one cylinder is limited: it is designed for 1-2 tire inflations.

Characteristics:

• dimensions – from 17 to 20 cm (folded);
• weight – 125 grams;
• material (plastic);
• pressure – 120 psi;
• adjusting the gas volume supply;
• valve compatibility with bicycle and car nipples;
• with built-in pressure gauge;
• equipped with a double inflation system.

Pros:

• reliability;
• functionality;
• ergonomics;
• effective work.

Minuses:

• high cost and expensive maintenance;
• limited use of one cylinder.

Best small bike pumps

1. The most functional device GIUO GP-040S– a hand pump with a linear pressure gauge, with which you can inflate wheels of different diameters. The body is made of aluminum.
2. The most durable AAP FATTY SM AUTHOR– a telescopic pump with a valve that protects the holes from contamination.
3. The most wear-resistant BBB WindGun S alu 250mm (BMP-57)– a product with a lightweight aluminum body and a built-in pressure gauge.

Aluminum compact bicycle pumps with a plastic housing are reliable and wear-resistant. Best models equipped with a double pumping system, which speeds up the process twice.

Telescopic pumps are considered the most compact. The disadvantage of the structures is the accumulation of dust, moisture and dirt.

Most products do not have a hose; inflation of the wheel occurs slowly.

Characteristics:

• size – 17-20 cm;
• weight – 125-130 grams;
• pressure – 120 psi;
• number of nozzles (2-3);
• material (aluminum with plastic);
• bicycle mounting kit;
• with pressure gauge.

Advantages:

• compactness;
• light products;
• easy to carry, transportable;
• reliability, strength.

Minuses:

• when inflating, the wheel must be kept suspended;
• small working chamber;
• as pressure increases, the wheel becomes difficult to pump;
• fragility.

Best Floor Bike Pumps

• Most functional Toppeak Joeblow Max HP Floor Pump– floor-mounted type of construction, which is made of durable steel and plastic. Pressure – 150 psi. Dimensions of the device: 12.7 by 24 by 67.5 cm. Weight – 1.39 kg.
• The most wear-resistant Giyo GF-32– floor pump made of aluminum with a durable plastic base. Built-in pressure gauge, universal valve, ergonomic handle. Operates at pressures up to 160 psi.
• The most compact Cannondale AIRPORT NITRO– floor type of construction. The model is equipped with a comfortable handle and pressure gauge.

The devices operate on the principle of car pumps; with their help, you can easily inflate a tire. Models with large dimensions, so you can’t take them with you. Best designs equipped with a pressure gauge and a long hose.

The bicycle pump pumps air quickly, with a large chamber. The devices are stable because they provide a fixed support to the ground, they are reliable and functional. Suitable for use in the garage.

Characteristics:

• Size – 20-25 cm;
• weighs from 130 to 140 grams;
• pressure – 150-160 psi;
• pressure gauge type – pointer;
• number of nozzles (3-5);
• steel, plastic products;
• with a wide handle;
• equipped with a bicycle mounting kit;
• with pressure gauge.

Pros:

• ease of use and transportation;
• structural stability;
• equipped with a pressure gauge;
• large chamber, which allows you to quickly inflate the wheels;
• functionality (suitable for home and garage);
• high pressure, no problems when inflating the wheel;
• durability and reliability.

Minuses:

• non-compact dimensions, heavy construction;
• non-transportability.

The product is made of durable steel. The connection head fits different valves. Large working chamber, comfortable handle, leg locking function.

The best plug-in bike pumps

1. Most functional BERKUT Specialist VL-1000– model with extension hose, pressure gauge and adapter tip. There is a special holder for bicycle frame. Continuous operation time – 7-8 minutes.
2. The most reliable electric pump 220/12 V BestWay– functional and powerful device, convenient configuration.
3. The most durable electric pump 12 V Intex 66626– ergonomic model with stylish design. Affordable price and stylish design. Compliance between pricing policy and quality of goods is guaranteed.

Models of electric bicycle pumps are powered by a battery, which is charged within two to three hours, and are equipped with a large working chamber and an extension hose with a pressure gauge.

The portable bicycle compressor is equipped with a reliable frame mount. Designs with a built-in LED light ensure the device is inflated in the dark.

Characteristics:

• size – 18-22 cm;
• weight – 130-135 grams;
• pressure – 120-130 psi;
• number of nozzles (3-4);
• Battery charging time – 2-3 hours;
• material (plastic, aluminum);
• with pressure gauge.

Pros:

• reliability, durability;
• made of wear-resistant materials;
• with a convenient pressure gauge;
• equipped with a long hose;
• fast tire inflation;
• continuous operation for 7-8 minutes;
• equipped with a bike frame holder.

Minuses:

• will not work without recharging;
• are expensive.

Best Portable Bike Pumps

1. The most functional miniature pump Crank Brothers– a compact device with an aluminum body and a universal valve.
2. The easiest Neko NK-46L– aluminum bicycle pump with a durable housing. Suitable for urban and mountain bikes. The product is equipped with a comfortable handle.
3. The most convenient bike pump Giyo GP-77– the body is made of high quality plastic. The material is equipped with an ergonomic T-shaped handle, attached to the frame. The product is compatible with different types of valves.

Such products are made of aluminum and plastic. Models with a small working chamber, but easy to use, lightweight and transportable.

The downside is that it takes a long time to inflate the wheels due to low power and low pressure. The products are made of high quality materials: aluminum, plastic.

Characteristics:

• folded size – 17-19 cm;
• weight – 115-120 grams;
• pressure – up to 120 psi;
• number of nozzles (3-5);
• material (aluminum, plastic);
• with pressure gauge.

Pros:

• portability, compactness;
• ease;
• transportability;
• suitable for household use;
• equipped with a pressure gauge;
• made of wear-resistant materials.

Minuses:

• low power;
• slow pumping of bicycle pumps.

The best telescopic bike pumps

1. Most portable device Bianchi– a product that can be taken on tourist trips and cycling trips. Compact device made of aluminum.
2. The most reliable bike pump SKS Mountain Ranger Pro Tele– a telescopic pump with a classic hose, connected to any type of hard-to-reach nipple. Ergonomic product design. The price is affordable and a guarantee is provided.
3. The easiest SKS BANDIT with dust protection – ultra-light plastic pump with a telescopic operating principle. Double head for different types of valves. Combination of technical parameters and cost of the model.

This pump differs from the usual compact one in its large working chamber; more air is forced into the wheel at a time. The fewer movements we make, the higher the efficiency.

Characteristics:

• folded size – 20-22 cm;
• weight – 125-135 grams;
• model type – telescopic;
• pressure – 120-125 psi;
• number of nozzles (2-5);
• material (aluminum);
• frame mounting;
• with pressure gauge.

Pros:

• large working chamber;
• efficiency;
• compactness and lightness;
• transportability;
• functionality;
• The design is easy to unfold.

Minuses:

• expensive devices.

The Best All-Purpose Bike Pumps

1. The most convenient bike pump Beto universal – a model with high operating efficiency, equipped with a durable mount and convenient accessories.
2. The most durable pump COMPACT 59/63 cm universal – a model with an ergonomic design, convenient equipment and good performance.
3. The most compact bicycle pump X-Alpine SKS– durable silver pump with an ergonomic and comfortable handle. Pressure – 8 atmospheres, weight – 152 grams.

Consider the type of devices you purchase. Large floor-standing models are suitable for stationary use, for cycling and tourist travel, it is better to save compact devices.

The products are equipped with two heads for bicycle and car nipples, with two operating modes - for high pressure and large volume. The designs are equipped with a pressure release button and switch.

Characteristics:

• folded size – 20-25 cm;
• weight – 2-3 kilograms;
• pressure – 200 psi;
• type – telescopic;
• two operating modes;
• two heads for bicycle and car nipples;
• material (aluminum body);
• pressure release button;
• with pressure gauge.

Pros:

• suitable for wheels, rear and front shock absorbers;
• made of wear-resistant aluminum;
• functionality (several operating modes);
• durability, reliability;
• easy to use.

Minuses:

• large dimensions;
• high price.

The expression “reinventing the wheel” has a negative connotation in Russian and means doing something unnecessary that complicates life. A modern bike is a complex high-tech product; its design contains many details that honor human imagination and engineering talent.

The bicycle nipple is a device from which part of automotive history began. The first vehicle on rubber wheels was the bicycle.

First tire

The Dunlop valve, sometimes called the English valve, or Woods valve, after the inventor who made his improvements, is a design that has been used on bicycles for a very long time, especially on bikes for everyday use and the lower price category. Today tires with such a valve are a rarity. More modern models have long been equipped with an automobile valve named after its inventor, August Schröder. Later, a special bicycle nipple for racing and road cars appeared, lighter than for cars, called the Presta valve.

Dunlop nipple

The inlet hole in the rim, where this outdated valve is glued into the chamber, has a diameter of 8 mm. By design, it is a metal tube with an external thread and a diameter slightly smaller than the hole in the rim, into which a thinner metal fitting is inserted - a spool with two holes. At the top is the inlet through which air enters from the pump. It is protected from dirt by a special cap on the thread. Another hole in the fitting, the outlet, is located on the side and is closed with a piece of thin rubber tube - the nipple itself, which plays the role of a one-way valve. The fitting is secured to the inlet tube with a round nut.

In order to inflate such a tire, you need an adapter for a bicycle nipple with an outlet diameter of 3 mm, or a standard retro-hose that is screwed onto the spool. A modern pump with an adapter for the Presta nipple will also work.

Schrader valve

This invention of the American August Schroeder (there are variant readings: Schrader or Schrader) was patented in 1893 in the USA. Therefore, this valve is otherwise called American, but more often it is simply called automobile - the vast majority of wheels of modern cars and motorcycles are equipped with a similar device.

It is also used in many refrigeration and air conditioning units where recharging with refrigerant is required and in other systems as a unit for releasing excess air pressure or process fluids.

The design of the Schrader nipple consists of a tube into which a working unit is screwed - the core, which is a poppet valve that closes the air outlet from the chamber under the influence of a spring. By adjusting the height of the protruding spool rod, you can control the air pressure in the chamber. The spool is screwed in with a special tool, which is often used as a protective cap - a metal cover with a plastic seal inside. A new word in such a system is built-in pressure control sensors.

Presta valve

This pneumatic device is sometimes called French. Presta valve tires are more commonly used on narrower rim wheels found on racing, road or hybrid bikes. The diameter of the hole in the rim of this type of wheel is 6 mm, which avoids a critical weakening of strength. Therefore, you should not adapt tubes with a car valve for sports bicycle wheels. This is technically possible, but will require increasing the hole to 8 mm.

The design of the Presta type bicycle nipple differs from the American Schrader valve in the presence of a lock nut that secures the spool and the absence of a spring that locks the valve. In order to bleed air, you need to unscrew the protective cap and simply press top part valve - there is no need to unscrew the middle working element, like a car nipple. The valve is closed by air pressure from the tire. This makes it easy to fill the chamber with air, even with a small displacement hand pump.

Using a hand pump

How to inflate a bicycle nipple using a hand pump? The main thing is to decide on the type of connection. Most modern hand or foot pumps are equipped with heads designed for two main types - American and French, Schreder or Presta. Most often, you just need to turn the head to the desired position, open the locking lever if necessary, slide the adapter onto the nipple and lower the lever, locking the pump on the wheel.

It is important not to lose the protective cap of the valve, which protects the working part of the connector from dirt and dust. The Presta valve is especially susceptible to contamination and can easily fail due to the smaller diameter of the air passage and the absence of a spring.

Download using a compressor

Is it possible to use a compressor rather than a hand pump for two-wheeled transport? How to inflate a bicycle nipple with a car pump? In the case of this, it is very simple: all design components and adapters are unified and suitable for any vehicle, regardless of the number of wheels. For other types of nipples, adapters of the required size will be required.

In countries where the development of cycling is encouraged great importance, - in Germany, Holland, and Scandinavia - there are public points for inflating bicycle wheels, equipped with compressors of lower power than automobile ones. The main thing is to take into account the small volume of the bicycle tubes and the recommended air pressure, so as not to overdo it and damage the wheel.

Reliability and comfort

The environmental friendliness of two-wheeled transport and the health-improving nature of traveling on a bike make cycling increasingly popular not only in rural areas, but also among residents of megacities. The use of new materials and more advanced technologies in modern models makes cycling a real pleasure.

All types of bicycle nipples used today do not reduce comfort either. In any situation, preparing two wheels for movement will not require a long time or extra effort.