The 10 Best Mini Bike Pumps
Special Honors
Silca Pocket Impero With a length barely longer than that of a new pencil and a weight of just 5.3 ounces, this one is almost as unobtrusive as it gets. Testing has demonstrated that it is ultra-efficient, suffering minimal air losses at high pressures compared to its competitors. Naturally, this means you put in less effort and your tires fill more rapidly. Once you hold the Pocket Impero in your hand, you'll begin to understand why it costs as much as it does. Its sleekness demonstrates an attention to detail that serious cyclists will appreciate — especially once they're faced with a flat tire on the go. Of course, a pump isn't meant to just be held in your hand. Its performance is what counts. It isn't going to be a night-and-day difference between similar, more affordable options — after all, there is an obvious ceiling when it comes to the capabilities of a mini pump. Still, between its aforementioned efficiency, high-quality alloy construction, premium leather piston gasket, brass check-valve, and slide-locking silicone sleeve, it's an effective model that promises longevity, simplicity, and reliability. Included with your purchase is a 25-year hard parts warranty. silca.cc
Editor's Notes
December 09, 2020:
This time around we didn't find it necessary to replace much since all of our previous picks were still viable high-quality options. Only one selection was experiencing stock issues, and in its place we've added the Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator in order to add some variety. While it's not a traditional choice it's worth considering if you're looking for something explicitly for emergency situations, since it beats out most hand-operated mini pumps when it comes to compactness and ease of use. However, if you want something that will serve as your only pump it's definitely not the best choice, and in fact you might be better off avoiding mini pumps altogether in favor of a full-sized bike pump.
If your interest is piqued by this addition you may want to check out our article that's specifically dedicated to CO2 inflators, and if you're in the market for other cycling accessories you should check out our various articles on things like bottle cages, panniers, and fenders.
July 09, 2019:
On this update, we brought in three new top-tier models, all of which have usurped pumps previously on our list that — while also good options — are inferior to the models we've recently become aware of. These newcomers are as follows: the Topeak Micro Rocket at #4; the Silca Tattico at #3; and the Lezyne Micro Floor Drive at #1. We chose the Topeak for its fantastic cost-value and tiny size, whereas the Silca and Lezyne, both similarly priced, shine for their efficiency and high-quality builds which promise years of use, if treated well.
If you're a professional, you'll want to focus your attention on the top 4 units we've chosen. At #2, the Topeak Road Morph has similar features to its smaller sibling, the aforementioned Micro Rocket, with a few advantages, such as its foot-pad that allows for on-the-ground use.
Hobbyists and newbies might consider some of our cheaper options, like the Lezyne Sport Drive (#8), although, as mentioned, the Topeak Micro Rocket sits in a similar price range as even our cheapest models and simply does the job better.
When Smaller Is Indeed Better
Frame pumps, which are about twice the size of a standard mini pump, offer superior pumping power and efficiency, but they’re bulky and won’t fit on all types of bikes.
Any avid biker knows the feeling — slogging laboriously up a mild incline, not fully comprehending why this stretch of road you usually whiz across is currently putting up such a fight. Finally, you pull your bike to the curb, pinch your tires, and feel your heart sink. The air pressure is alarmingly low, and you’re five miles from home with no bike pump.
Don’t risk finding yourself in this dreaded situation again; get yourself a quality mini bike pump.
The regular stand pump, a must-have for every bicycle owner, is great for ensuring that your tires are properly maintained at the ideal air pressure. Frame pumps, which are about twice the size of a standard mini pump, offer superior pumping power and efficiency, but they’re bulky and won’t fit on all types of bikes. For emergencies and occasional use while in the midst of traveling, a mini pump is the way to go.
It requires a bit more time and effort to pump up a tire with a mini pump, but you’re getting this for portability and convenience, not power and efficiency. It’s a quick fix, not a long-term solution. Operation is easy, with no set-up required – just a bit of elbow grease, and you’re good to go.
It’s simple to mount most of these small, lightweight pumps to various places on your frame, putting it out of the way and out of mind when you don't need it. Many of today’s models will even fit in your pocket. Some offer the ability to switch between valve types, which gives you a versatile option for use on both roads and trails.
This item should become an essential part of every significant bike ride. Just as you wouldn’t head out for the night without your phone, wallet, and keys, you shouldn’t take the bike out for a spin without your helmet, mini bike pump, and bike lights.
Which Type Is Best For You?
When selecting a mini pump, you have two main styles to choose from: mountain bike or road bike.
The key issue when it comes to a mountain bike pump is volume. If you plan on using it exclusively for mountain biking with high-volume tires, these pumps will deliver more air per stroke than the alternatives.
If you plan on using it exclusively for mountain biking with high-volume tires, these pumps will deliver more air per stroke than the alternatives.
The road bike pump, on the other hand, focuses on pressure. This is ideal for a commuter, as it will pump efficiently at high pressure with tires that are designed for road use. However, for larger tires with higher volumes, you can anticipate a slow, tedious process with this style of pump.
What if you have multiple bikes for different riding disciplines? Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about you overachievers. Combination pumps are a nice solution in this case, though you may need to spend a little more for a pump that can adequately handle both volume and pressure applications. If you ride a lot, it’s worth it.
Once you determine which type you need, consider some other elements. Many of today’s mini pumps come with a built-in hose. This helps reduce stress on the valve stem, which can break off from overuse or too much force. If you typically manhandle your equipment, this is a useful feature.
Plenty of models also come equipped with pressure gauges. Particularly for serious mountain bikers, where psi accuracy is very important, pumps with integrated pressure gauges are a major asset.
Before you make a selection, know how you’d prefer to mount the pump to your bike, and have an idea about the size and weight you prefer. Keep in mind, the smaller and lighter the pump, the harder it is to fully pump up a tire.
Tips To Keep Things Cycling Smoothly
Every minute spent pumping is a minute not spent biking, so make sure you know how to use your mini pump before you head out on your first trek. If you don’t, it can be a frustrating, muscle-fatiguing experience.
To start, you will want to place the pump so that it's perpendicular with the tire valve, then close the head on the valve. Once you pull the piston out and begin to pump, make sure to establish a comfortable rhythm. If you’re using a light, compact model, this could take a while. Once the tire feels firm enough to ride on, pull the pump off and remember to cap the tube.
If you find anything, remove the debris with your fingernail or a small tool before it causes a problem.
You should try to keep your tires at optimal air pressure as often as possible to conform to bumps and absorb shocks. Under-inflated tires are at risk of pinch flats, which occur when you hit a bump and the tire compresses all the way to the rim. Over-inflated tires negatively impact comfort and speed, so don’t go over the ideal psi for your style of tires. As a general rule, mountain bikes tires want to sit between 30 and 50 psi, road tires between 100 and 140 psi, and casual tires between 60 and 80 psi.
If you have room, additional accessories can make cycling safer and more fun. A mirror attached to your handlebars or even your helmet provides another element of safety. You can utilize an attached bike horn in a similar fashion to a car horn. Music and podcast lovers can attach a bike speaker to the handlebars to jam out while they ride.
Try to avoid glass and other objects that may litter the road. After you ride, check your tires for sharp objects or anything else that could have gotten stuck. If you find anything, remove the debris with your fingernail or a small tool before it causes a problem. If you’re riding your bike extensively, try to have a professional bike mechanic service it every six months or so. Or, better yet, take some courses and learn how to properly maintain your bike yourself.