Adding up to your list of collectables-owning a bicycle seems a cool option for transportation but your bicycle will remain vulnerable if there are no mini bicycle pumps to support your journey.
Mini Bicycle Pumps are a type of hand-held positive displacement air pump, usually portable enough that they can fit into a pocket with the sole intent of inflating bicycle tyres.
Mini Bike Pumps usually have a fixed concentration of air trapped into them. This fixed concentration is usually forced out as pressure is applied to the pump.
The output of air from the pump’s pipe remains the same at a given speed(RPM).
They are usually constructed to be small and light for easy carriage, especially for emergency cases.
Mini Bike Pumps have been a trip-saver and has been gaining wide recognition and preference to the bicycle floor pump.
From taking long road trips, riding through rough and rocky paths, a mini bike pump always comes in handy when your tyre loses air and need refilling.
It is of huge essence to have a mini bike pump as you plan your cycling, either for leisure, sport or a trip.
However, knowing how a bicycle pump functions and what it really is, has huge benefits as to owning one.
Mini Bike Pumps works on all bicycle tyres valves but on a different basis.
There are basically two major types of bicycle valves: The Schrader Valve and Presta Valve.
Schrader Valves were the most common type in circulation before bicycles evolved. They are found in cars tyre and majorly found in a kids bike.
Schrader Valves are known for their easy to handle the process. All you need to do is to remove the rubber cap that covers the tip of the valve. The outer wall of the valve is usually threaded to an extent, so as to accept the rubber cap and keep the pump intact from losing air.
Prestel Valves are found in higher-end bicycle tyres. These high-end tyres are types with strong thread caps with huge abrasion-resistant, airtight synthetic, high-grip rubber compound which enables them to run for at least 2,500 miles without wearing off.
Presta Valves are usually fitted to every high-end tyre. In Presta valves, you will need to remove the cap and loosen the textured but that comes right after the cap. A little pressure on the unscrewed valve lets out air.
The interaction of mini bicycle pumps with these different types of valves is slightly different as both are constructed differently.
Before setting out to purchase a mini bicycle pump, it is necessary you confirm which type of valve is fitted into your tyres. This also includes tubeless tyres.
Mini Bike Pumps serve a dual purpose for cyclists and all to your bicycle. Aside from the fact that they are used to inflate your bicycle tyres, they could be used to force out air from your bike’s tyres valves so as to attain the expected pressure level on your tyre.
Most mini bicycle pumps come with different features that could suit your specification.
Some are designed with a CO² Cartridge. This enhancement on a mini bicycle pump is to ensure rapid inflation and not keep you waiting when you are in the middle of the road and on a flat tyre.
Some bicycle pumps are designed with dual heads. The twin head feature on mini bike Pumps is to fit in for both Presta and Schrader Valves.
Quite a number of mini Bike Pumps come along with a pressure gauge. This helps you checkmate the amount of air pressure going in or out of your bike.
This should give you clues to what to look out for when choosing a bicycle pump.
These features include; The handle for gripping, a fitting hose and a robust piston.
Major Features to look out for in a Mini Bicycle Pump
Quick Navigation
Handle
The handle of a mini bike pump is a major feature you should consider when purchasing one.
Some mini bike Pumps come in metallic handles, Plastic handles or most times aluminium alloys or carbon fibres.
The materials used in its handle carefully sort out for, to enable a firm grip on the pump.
The shape of the handle could be a factor to consider. Some may have a T shape, others a ballpoint shape, but all these shapes are geared to spread pressure evenly across your palm.
Hose
This feature is actually exceptional to some pumps as not all mini bicycle pumps have a hose. A hose fits in perfectly at the end of the barrel which runs through the bike pump’s piston.
The function of the hose on the bike pump is to ensure a safe grip on the valve, to ensure easy pumping and avoid damage on the valve stem.
Piston
This Piston places a huge role in a bike pump as its position, robustness should be considered. Some mini bicycle pump is enhanced to have a twin-piston while some have just a single-piston.
The piston is responsible for two functions; the upstroke and downstroke.
For drawing air from the external environment of the mini-bicycle pump into the pump. This process is known as Upstroke.
During the downstroke, the piston discharges air from the pump into the bicycle tyres for inflation.
Gauge
A gauge acts as a meter to checkmate pressure going in and out of your bicycle tyre through your pump.
Given to the fact that the output of air from the bike Pump’s pipe remains the same at a given speed, the gauge helps you measure the concentration of air leaving the Pump’s pipe.
CO² Cartridge
The idea of inflating bicycle tyres with CO² seems to be birthed in the first and second world wars, as these were the first occurrence in the globe.
The use of CO² for inflation helps for faster inflation, as CO² is larger in molecular size than oxygen or Nitrogen.
An average canister or cartridge for a CO² enabled mini bike pump takes up to 16g of CO².
There are different types of mini Bike Pumps scattered and littered through all global market.
Some are peculiar to a brand, but all could be accessible either for Personal, commercial or sports use.
The cluster in the mini bike pump market raises huge concerns for buyers. As every buyer deserves an extensive review, so as to purchase the best bike pump at the best price.
Check out some of the Cheapest Bike Pumps 2021 available on Amazon. These mini bicycle pumps have been reviewed by our bike pump expert