Tire Inflation: The Most Important Adjustment

No Single Adjustment To a Bicycle Has as Great an Affect as Tire Pressure
The Secret is Out... Optimal Tire Pressure Makes You Faster
Why do pumps fail and how do I guarantee success?
Why is tire pressure important on rough roads?
Feeling all the bumps with higher tire pressure?

Proper inflation provides the foundation to your connection to the surface you ride and contributes to greater efficiency

SILCA pump diagram

The Pista Plus Floor Pump Quality

We say, “It’s the last pump you will ever own!” At the core of any SILCA pump is a brand heritage of the finest materials with a focus on durability, longevity and beauty. Each pump is hand-assembled, tested, packaged, and distributed from Indianapolis, IN. These heirloom-quality pumps are backed by cycling’s best warranty to provide a lifetime of enjoyment. Click on image to enlarge.
SILCA Pista Pump

What is hysteresis and why is it so important?

We have collected and studied how rolling resistance contributes to a rider's performance, and not just the tire. Hysteresis helps to identify the exchange of energy through each contact made whether it's the rider and bicycle or bicycle with the road. We explore which aspects have greater impact on the outcome of the race versus those that are secondary.
Watch the V-Cast
peter sagan with a SILCA pump

What is the correct tire pressure?

Obvious variables will feed into finding the optimal tire pressure for a specific race course. We've done all the research using pro athlete data. We invite you to plug your information using the SILCA Pro Pressure Calculator below and learn more about your optimal tire pressure options.

You might be surprised by the results or the calculator will confirm where tire pressure is best for your individual ride. Varying surfaces or heavier terrain will affect how your bicycle performs and being prepared can be that "game-changer" to achieve greater control, speed with less wattage/output.

Why is heirloom-quality important?

Sentimental attachment to the our pumps has always been part of our legacy in cycling. Our pumps were the first product we offered and generations of SILCA fans continue to use their original air pumps. Not only are the pump components sourced from reputable partners, we believe in maintaining the standard of quality that sets the bar for all other brands. Modern SILCA infuses greater technology, like BlueTooth®, to elevate the experience. Our goal is simple: produce the best air pump.

SILCA Professional Tire Pressure Calculator

Find out the optimal tire pressure for your exact set up. All you need is your total system weight, the measured width of your tires, the tires you are riding, and where you want to ride. Check it out below:
Tire Pressure Calculator

Pick Your Pump

Determine the best option(s) for your cycling needs

Optimal tire pressure can be the key to greater speed, reducing injury risk and protecting your investment. Not all air pumps are created equal and below you can pick a pump for life.

 

 

Super Pista Ultimate

Super Pista Digital

Terra

Pista Plus

Pista

Viaggio

Impero
Ultimate

Pocket
Impero

Tattico

Gravelero

Chuck

Hiro/
Schrader

Hiro/
Schrader

Presta/
Schrader

Presta/
Schrader

Hiro/
Schrader

Presta

Presta

Presta

Presta/
Schrader

Presta/
Schrader

Accuracy Rating

1%

1%

2%

3%

3%

1%

-

-

-

-

Gauge

High/Low

Digital

Bourdon Tube

Bourdon Tube

Bourdon Tube

BlueTooth®

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

psi

160/60

220

220

220

220

220

120

120

100

80

Style

Floor

Floor

Floor

Floor

Travel

Frame

Portable

Portable

Portable

Portable

Where do you use the pump?

Home

X

X

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

Car

 

 

 

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

Plane / Travel

 

 

 

 

X

X

X

X

X

X

Bicycle

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

X

X

X

bicycle pump gauge

How many pumps will you use and discard in your lifetime?

With sustainability and eco-friendly products on the market...you have to ask yourself "how much plastic is in my pump"? Then think about how many pumps or pump related products will you consumer over your lifetime. Repurposed materials actually make each SILCA pump better than those made with rubber or plastic guts. The leather gaskets, that create the durability for pumps, also reduces waste from the fashion industry in Milan, Italy. Before you purchase an other pump, ask what's inside and determine if that is going to last a season, a year, 10 years or more. We know our pump will.

Know the Truth.

When tire pressure matters, the Truth is your answer. Accurate to 0.2% and compensating for temperature, humidity, and elevation this is anything but just another gauge.

Produced on Demand and shipped within 5 Days
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Inflation Resources

Check our videos page for quick insights to many of the most popular questions regarding: inflation, pumps and more!
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