Choosing the Best Bike Floor Pump for your Riding Style

Floor pumps have been a forgotten bit of kit for years and it has allowed companies to sell cheaper and cheaper disposable items.  They put air in your tires but they don't last, aren't accurate, can't be repaired, and are a constant annoyance before your daily ride.  Cycling is supposed to be a hobby for 99% of us and starting your hobby with an annoyance every time is a bit of a bummer if you ask us.  

Getting a high quality pump like a SILCA floor pump, gets you essentially the opposite of what was described above.  You get a high accuracy gauge, metal chucks that just work, wooden handles that last, and an overall product that is repairable and built to last.  This leads to something that is a pleasure to use and starts your ride with a smile rather than frustration and the occasional expletive.

The number one thing that can help distinguish a good pump from a bad pump is one that has an accuracy claim.  This is often overlooked and many brands put a gauge on the pump, but the accuracy is only +/- 5% out of the box.  With the lower quality materials that can drift fairly quickly.  SILCA pumps are +/- 1 or 2% depending on the model.  This can give you confidence that whatever pressure you put in your tire, is actually what is in the tire and it will be the same this week as it will be next month.

The next thing we look for in a floor pump is a quality chuck.  One that doesn't unthread your valve core, one that doesn't leak, and one that you can find replacement gaskets for when it inevitably wears out over time.  

Once those criteria are taken into account, you want to look at the pressure range that you might be riding.  If you are only riding on the road and velodrome, then a higher pressure pump might be perfect.  If you are riding Mountain bike, gravel, road, etc then you might want to consider two pumps that can handle the different ranges, or one pump that has a gauge that can be accurate across that range.

Finally we would recommend looking for a pump that will last the test of time.  We are big fans of rebuildable, quality products, rather than the cheap throw-away models.  A good way to evaluate this is the warranty placed on the product.  SILCA covers all pumps for a minimum of 7 years and up to 25 years.  Given we see SILCA pumps still going strong that are 40+ years old, we think it is an important attribute to make it quality.

Tire pressure is important across the board in cycling and it seems as though the vast majority of people agree.  A pump with an accurate gauge is a given, but how do you decide which gauge to get.  The style of riding you are going to do is the answer.  

The accuracy of an analogue gauge can vary depending on the style and quality of the gauge.  One thing to keep in mind is that all analogue gauges are most accurate in the middle third of their range.  If you pump goes to 100psi, don't expect the best accuracy at 90psi or 15psi.  

Another piece to consider is that by the very nature of how a bicycle floor pump works you need to leave room for the gauge to be over inflated.  The air from the pump is compressed and pushed through the hose and is higher that what is inside the tire itself.  That pressure difference is what actually opens up the presta valve.  The air pressure then equalizes and allows the valve to shut.  This is why you see a pressure spike then settling in your gauge.  

You want to be careful that you don't get a pump with a gauge that maxes out near where you plan to inflate your tires because going over that max pressure can permanently damage the gauge.  For example if your pump gauge maxes out at 80psi and you think that is great because you never inflate past 70psi, you are likely flirting with damaging your gauge with each pump stroke that might end up getting over that 80psi mark.  

For your road riding, a pump that meets all of our other criteria is important but then a gauge that goes up to a minimum of 120psi is needed.  This will give you that middle third range of 40-80psi.  This is where most of us are riding now and will keep you away from the max.  Another key factor here is to choose a pump with a chuck that could fit a disc wheel if that is something that you might need for a setup you are running. 

For over 100 years SILCA has been the most trusted name in all types of inflation, but floor pumps are at the top of that list.  Pumps that are built to last, customer service that is there to support, and spare parts available for years to come.  We hear every week from somebody who is looking to get a new gasket for their Pista pump from the 70's or 80's and they are always thrilled that we still have it.  

They also look to SILCA as the company with a history of innovation.  From developing the first pump with a gauge, the first CO2 cartidge that you could control the airflow, to modern day pumps like the SuperPista Ultimate, SuperPista Digital, or Terra Floor Pump.  SILCA Pumps are made for the customer that wants to buy the pump once and enjoy using it.  

Check out our floor pumps here or if you have any questions about which might be the best option for you, please reach out to sales@silca.cc and we would be happy to help!