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The most important facts in brief
The tyre pressure must be correct. If it is too high, traction and riding comfort suffer; if it is too low, there is a risk of punctures. Modern racing bikes, which are usually fitted with 25 or 28 millimetre wide tyres, roll over the asphalt at five to six bar, depending on the rider's weight; the wider the tyres, the lower the pressure they can be ridden at, while gravel bike tyres can be optimally inflated at two bar. These are comparatively low values that - from a mechanical point of view - do not demand maximum performance from a floor pump, unlike in the past when some people used to press ten bar and more into finger-thin tyres.
Unlike in the past, however, today even tenths of a bar make a difference, especially with wide tyres that can be ridden at lower pressures. The criteria for a good floor pump can be clearly outlined: it should have a stable stand, not wobble, be equipped with an ergonomic handle, have an easy-to-read and precise pressure gauge as well as a pump head that sits firmly on the valve and holds the air securely. It is also important that the pump piston slides through the cylinder with as little play and friction as possible and that inflation requires little force. Remember: The smaller the piston diameter with the same stroke, the less force is required for pumping.
In a nutshell: The cheapest and fastest bicycle floor pump
In the test of affordable floor pumps priced between 30 and 60 euros, the Druckmacher BL from Rose came out on top. The Airmotion 12.0 pump from SKS and Topeak's Joeblow Sport III came in a close second and third. The trio scored highly in all categories. Of course, all road and gravel tyres can also be inflated with the other seven products, but not as easily, precisely and comfortably as with the test winners.
- The most favourable floor pump: NG Sports Cassea
- The fastest floor pump: Pro Competition
Big pumps for big people only
The length of the pump and the pump stroke should roughly match your height, which is why short people should choose shorter pumps and tall people should choose correspondingly longer pumps that fit their own arm levers. In our experience, the pump handle should ideally reach about a hand's width above the knee and just below the sternum when extended. A floor pump can be easily operated in this area. If the handle reaches any higher, pumping becomes strenuous at higher pressures or you don't pull it out all the way, but then give away pump volume with every stroke.
The pump's stability primarily depends on you stepping on the feet and using your own weight as a stabiliser. However, the shape and size of the pump feet also play a role; if they are very narrow or angular, they can wobble under the soles of your (cycling) shoes, which is then transferred to the entire pump, for example with the models from NG-Sports and Pedros in the test. An insufficiently rigid connection between the pump cylinder and the base also has a negative effect on stability, as is the case with the otherwise very solid model from SKS. With the Pump heads there are different designs: Simple push-on heads and those with safety levers. The latter often require the use of both hands or a lot of force to open and close.
Pressure gauge for bicycle floor pumps
Rare are screw-on heads, which are particularly useful for short valves, but are more cumbersome to handle. Most heads are designed for Sclaverand or Presta valves and Schrader (auto) valves. The decisive factor is whether the valve head automatically activates the valve tappet and thus displays the pressure directly on the pressure gauge; this enables continuous pressure adjustment. Without activation, the pressure gauge only shows the pressure during pumping. An activating valve head is advantageous, but the rubber seal must also seal reliably. These valve head inserts can wear out relatively quickly, which is why you should always have replacements in stock or be able to procure them quickly, otherwise the pump will stand around uselessly.
A good pressure gauge must fulfil two characteristics: be easy to read and display the tyre pressure precisely. The closer the display is to your eyes, the easier it is to read, which is why floor pumps with a pressure gauge mounted halfway up or at the top of the shaft have an advantage over models with a pressure display at the base of the pump. Mounted there, the display should at least be large enough and scaled so that tenths of a bar can still be recognised.
LCD displays are the easiest to read, but are rarely found on inexpensive pumps. A display or measurement tolerance of up to a maximum of one tenth of a bar is acceptable, but there should be no more deviation. In our test of ten floor pumps up to 60 euros, all air compressors did a decent job. The models from NG Sports and Pedros are suitable for smaller cyclists, although both models require considerable arm strength from five bar upwards. The models from Rose, SKS or Topeak push the air into the tyres much more smoothly and offer the best overall performance in all test criteria.
Tips for fitting tubeless tyres
As easy and comfortable as tubeless tyres, i.e. tyres without inner tubes, roll and as much as they can score points for puncture resistance, they can be a pain to fit. The dilemma of tubeless tyres is that their bead has to pop into the rim shoulder quickly and positively, otherwise the freshly compressed air will whistle into the atmosphere. In this case, the only thing that helps is a compressor that produces a powerful blast of air so that the tyre bead seals all around immediately.
If you don't have an electric compressor to hand, an air chamber that can be charged with the floor pump is an option; for example, the Tire Booster from tyre manufacturer Schwalbe. This can store up to eleven bar of pressure, is equipped with a hose and can be easily released using a lever. Although the Schwalbe booster costs 60 euros, in our practical experience it is one of the few pressurisation bottles that have proven themselves in practice.
The 10 bicycle floor pumps from the test with grades
Crankbrothers Sapphire floor pump
The most important information about the floor pump
- Price: 60 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
- Weight / hose length: 1440 gram / 1180 mm
- Height / maximum extension / stroke: 665 / 1200 / 535 mm
- Number of strokes*: 25
- Extras, spare parts: Valve needle in the handle; end cap and needle set or pump head with hose are available from specialist dealers
TOUR rating
- Pump function (40 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 2.0)
- Pressure gauge (20 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.3)
- Pump head (20 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 2.0)
- Handle (10 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 2.0)
- Stand (10 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 2.0)
Overall grade (100%): 2.1
Conclusion on the Crankbrothers Sapphire floor pump
The base, pressure gauge and cylinder are almost identical to the Pro, but the dial is slightly more difficult to read; ergonomically well suited for tall people, pumps effectively.
NG Sports Cassea floor pump
The most important information about the floor pump
- Price: 30 Euro
- Weight / hose length: 1165 gram / 870 mm
- Height / maximum extension / stroke: 610 / 1025 / 415 mm
- Number of strokes*: 28
- Extras, spare parts: The pump head is available from specialised dealers as a spare part
TOUR rating
- Pump function (40 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.5)
- Pressure gauge (20 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.5)
- Pump head (20 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.7)
- Handle (10 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.7)
- Stand (10 %): 4 from 8 (Grade: 3.0)
Overall grade (100%): 2.5
Conclusion on the NG Sports Cassea floor pump
Very favourable, similar to Pedros, but has a different pump head; the base is narrow and tippy; precise pressure gauge; relatively sluggish, for small people with strength.
Lezyne Macro Flor Drive ABS
The most important information about the floor pump
- Price: 55 Euro >> available here
- Weight / hose length: 1225 gram / 1260 mm
- Height / maximum extension / stroke: 650 / 1100 / 450 mm
- Number of strokes*: 38
- Extras, spare parts: Drain valve, all spare parts can be ordered from online and specialist dealers
TOUR rating
- Pump function (40 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.3)
- Pressure gauge (20 %): 8 from 8 (Grade: 1.0)
- Pump head (20 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.3)
- Handle (10 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.7)
- Stand (10 %): 8 from 8 (Grade: 1.0)
Overall grade (100%): 1.7
Conclusion on the Lezyne Macro Flor Drive ABS
The digital display is very easy to read and shows precise information; high-quality screw-on pump head with drain valve, pumps smoothly, but not without play.
Pedros Domestique floor pump
The most important information about the floor pump
- Price: 54 Euro
- Weight / hose length: 1210 gram / 890 mm
- Height / maximum extension / stroke: 610 / 1025 / 415 mm
- Number of strokes*: 27
- Extras, spare parts: Double head with changeover switch, a selection of spare parts can be ordered via the website and specialist dealers
TOUR rating
- Pump function (40 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.5)
- Pressure gauge (20 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.5)
- Pump head (20 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.3)
- Handle (10 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.7)
- Stand (10 %): 4 from 8 (Grade: 3.0)
Overall grade (100%): 2.4
Conclusion on the Pedros Domestique floor pump
Looks like NG Sports with a different pump head; the foot is tippy; pumps quickly, but sluggish and requires force; good for small people due to low height.
Pro floor pump Competition
The most important information about the floor pump
- Price: 45 Euro
- Weight / hose length: 1550 gram / 1270 mm
- Height / maximum extension / stroke: 750 / 1350 / 600 mm
- Number of strokes*: 22
- Extras, spare parts: The pump head is available online from Paul Lange and from specialist dealers
TOUR rating
- Pump function (40 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 2.0)
- Pressure gauge (20 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 2.0)
- Pump head (20 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 2.0)
- Handle (10 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 1.7)
- Stand (10 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.5)
Overall grade (100%): 2.0
Conclusion on the Pro floor pump Competition
Stand, pressure gauge and cylinder almost identical to Crankbrothers, but the dial is easier to read; fits ergonomically well for tall people, pumps effectively.
Rose Druckmacher BL
The most important information about the floor pump
- Price: 50 Euro >> available here
- Weight / hose length: 1305 gram / 1265 mm
- Height / maximum extension / stroke: 675 / 1200 /525 mm
- Number of strokes*: 34
- Extras, spare parts: Drain valve, spare parts are not available individually
TOUR rating
- Pump function (40 %): 8 from 8 (Grade: 1.0)
- Pressure gauge (20 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.5)
- Pump head (20 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.3)
- Handle (10 %): 8 from 8 (Grade: 1.0)
- Stand (10 %): 8 from 8 (Grade: 1.0)
Overall score (100%): 1.4 (TOUR test winner)
Conclusion on the Rose Druckmacher BL
Test winner: high-quality workmanship, pumps smoothly, great wooden handle, stable with solid pump head; minor weaknesses in readability and spare parts supply.
SKS Airmotion 12.0
The most important information about the floor pump
- Price: 55 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
- Weight / hose length: 2160 gram / 1280 mm
- Height / maximum extension / stroke: 720 / 1245 / 525 mm
- Number of strokes*: 36
- Extras, spare parts: Double valve, almost all spare parts are available from specialist dealers or online shops
TOUR rating
- Pump function (40 %): 8 from 8 (Grade: 1.0)
- Pressure gauge (20 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.5)
- Pump head (20 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 2.0)
- Handle (10 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.7)
- Stand (10 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.5)
Overall grade (100%): 1.5
Conclusion on the SKS Airmotion 12.0
For tall people, pumps easily throughout, the pressure gauge is easy to read and measures precisely; the somewhat wobbly cylinder in the metal stand is annoying; long hose.
Specialised Air Tool Sport
The most important information about the floor pump
- Price: 40 Euro >> available here
- Weight / hose length: 1455 gram / 1180 mm
- Height / maximum extension / stroke: 630 / 1110 / 480 mm
- Number of strokes*: 34
- Extras, spare parts: The pump head and tube can be ordered online on the Specialized website
TOUR rating
- Pump function (40 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.5)
- Pressure gauge (20 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.5)
- Pump head (20 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.7)
- Handle (10 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 2.0)
- Stand (10 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 2.0)
Overall grade (100%): 1.8
Conclusion on the Specialized Air Tool Sport
Convinces with high-quality workmanship, the pump head is very solid, pumps smoothly; ergonomically ideal for medium-sized people, pressure gauge difficult to read.
Topeak Joeblow Sport III
The most important information about the floor pump
- Price: 50 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
- Weight / hose length: 1600 gram / 780 mm
- Height / maximum extension / stroke: 685 / 1150 /465 mm
- Number of strokes*: 35
- Extras, spare parts: Valve adapter for balls etc., on the Topeak website you will find many spare parts, which are also available from specialist dealers
TOUR rating
- Pump function (40 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.5)
- Pressure gauge (20 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.5)
- Pump head (20 %): 5 from 8 (Grade: 2.7)
- Handle (10 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.7)
- Stand (10 %): 8 from 8 (Grade: 1.0)
Overall grade (100%): 1.6
Conclusion on the Topeak Joeblow Sport III
Top pump, beautifully smooth-running and high-quality workmanship; shortest hose in the test, which can make handling difficult in confined spaces.
Zefal Profile Max FP30
The most important information about the floor pump
- Price: 37 Euro >> available here at a reduced price
- Weight / hose length: 1235 gram / 1035 mm
- Height / maximum extension / stroke: 670 / 1145 / 475 mm
- Number of strokes*: 33
- Extras, spare parts: The pump head and hose are available online from Paul Lange and from specialist dealers
TOUR rating
- Pump function (40 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.5)
- Pressure gauge (20 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 2.0)
- Pump head (20 %): 4 from 8 (Grade: 3.0)
- Handle (10 %): 7 from 8 (Grade: 1.7)
- Stand (10 %): 6 from 8 (Grade: 2.0)
Overall grade (100%): 2.0
Conclusion on the Zefal Profil Max FP30
Favourable, large base, but tends to tilt; clever switch on the pump head; somewhat flexible construction overall.
How TOUR tests bicycle floor pumps
- The pumping function (40%): The pressure piston should slide up and down in the cylinder as smoothly as possible without jamming and be buffered by springs at the stops. Good ergonomics are characterised by the fact that the stroke length must match the overall height. In our experience, pumps with a height of 65 centimetres and the same stroke length fit very well for people between 1.75 and 1.80 metres tall.
- The pressure gauge (20%): An easy-to-read display paired with precision are crucial. The best pressure gauges deviate by less than 0.1 bar. The LCD display from Lezyne is the easiest to read, but only works with a battery.
- The pump head (20%): It must be easy to attach and detach from the valve and seal well; a stable and flat-shaped clamping lever improves ergonomics. The Lezyne screw head seals very well and its drain valve is practical.
- The handle (10%): The round wooden handle works best with the Rose pump. It has a good grip, sits comfortably in the hand and has no annoying ridges that could pinch.
- The stand (10%): A foot based on the three-point principle offers the best stability, as with the Rose pump with the pressure gauge as an additional support. The feet from NG-Sports and Pedros are narrow and tend to tip over.
*6 bar, 25 mm tyre width
Matthias Borchers
Editor
