HerrKaLeun

I have a cheap Bell mini-pump. Problem is it doesn't connect well to the valve. I either have the problem of it just blowing next to the valve, or it releasing air from the tire. I noticed that little piece that pushes the Schrader valve core down is just made of plastic. I assume this is responsible for part of my problem since it is not stirdy enough. I also have a foot pump that has the same flaw.

At home I just use a compressor and have a good attachment that clips reliably to the valve. that one has that little pin that pushes on the valve core of metal. Obviously this doesn't help me on the road.

What is a good mini pump that attaches reliably and tightly to a Schrader valve?

No I don't want to use a CO2 cartridge to fix flats.

2cam16

My Blackburn mini-pump from almost 10 years ago has never failed me. It's my main pump and does both schrader and presta without adjusting anything. It's attached to my main bike,mt, and has gone through a lot of mud,dirt,etc. with no fail. Check out the Blackburns.

canklecat

Topeak RaceRocket. Great little pump, used it often. The hose and threaded connector work great.

The hose minimizes the risk of strain on the valve. I've used frame pumps that lacked a hose, including a classic Zefal, and wouldn't want to go back.

The threaded connector is *mostly* foolproof. Easy to use with cold, wet hands. Minimizes air loss and wasted energy. But as Topeak notes removing the threaded chuck may loosen the valve core. Best practice is to snug up the valve core on an empty tube first. I forgot to do that with my last flat. Kept developing a slow leak all day. Brand new tube, couldn't find a flat. Happened to be near a bike shop. The mechanic spotted the problem immediately. So, remember to snug up that valve core first.

Topeak makes a few variations of the little Race Rocket pumps, optimized either for high pressure, low volume road tires or high volume, low pressure mountain bike tires. I got the HP version, not ideal for my hybrid bike tires but it still works fine. No problems pumping up to my usual 50 psi. Takes about 200 strokes, but it's not physically hard, just time consuming. I have arthritic hands and wrists so if it were physically painful I'd look for another pump. These work just fine.

Great value for only $25. The Lezyne mini-pumps look good too -- I've handled 'em at REI. They're a bit fussy and need to be assembled for each use, then disassembled for storage. They feel really sturdy though. But the Topeak RaceRocket has been good enough so I haven't felt any need to get the Lezyne.

jefnvk

Dunno how small qualifies as mini, but I like my Topeak Road Morph G. Got a couple of them, but not something you're sticking in a jersey pocket.

HerrKaLeun

I just ordered the Racerocket. Yes it was a bit more expensive, but I intend to have a little bag with spare tube, tools and pump and the smallness of that pump is valuable. it also has a very convincing way to reliably hook onto my valve (which was the original reason to replace my old cheap pump)
If I have it all in one bag I can take it with me when I park my bike somewhere. An extra frame pump would be another hassle to take with me. Other pumps also were a bit heavier. I only want to use the pump for the road if I have a flat, so the advantage of the other pumps with more pump capacity didn't help me much.

Thanks to everyone for all your advice.

rumrunn6

I also carry an old Blackburn mini-pump. I've used it & it works fine



this newer version looks decent
BLACKBURN Mammoth Anyvalve Mini-Pump
https://www.amazon.com/Blackburn-Mam...burn+mini-pump

If you ever change your mind about the Co2 thing, I recommend this one. I used to be opposed to them, for no good reason. This year I got one cuz I read they were easy to use. I got to try it several times. & it is wicked easy, screw the cartridge on, press the head on the valve, done. used it a cpl times just to boost pressure while riding & a cpl times for flats. Still have the hand pump in my bag tho. I also use a compressor at home

GENUINE INNOVATIONS Air Chuck Inflator CO2
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

SkyDog75

What size tire?

Some pumps are suited for high-pressure, low volume tires like you'd find on road bikes. Others are designed for high-volume, low-pressure tires. If you use a high-volume pump on a high-pressure tire, you'll never get it to an acceptable pressure. It'll get too hard to pump. If you use a high-pressure pump in a high-volume tire, it'll take a lot of strokes to get the tire inflated.

Gresp15C

Topeak Pocket Rocket has worked for me, the only drawback being that it's a skinny piston, so it takes a lot of pumping with fatter tires. I'd carry a fatter pump if I actually expected a lot of flats, but puncture resistant tires have made flats a thing of the past for my riding.

ClydeTim

Racerrocket seems to be about $25 doing a search. More "expensive"? Must be new to cycling!

therealjoeblow

I use a Crank Brothers Gem - connects securely, is nice and compact, and has both a high volume setting for quick fill to 40-50 lbs, and a high pressure setting to get up to 100+ psi without breaking a sweat:


https://www.crankbrothers.com/pumps_gem-s

Cheers
TRJB

MAK

I like Luzyne mini pumps because they have a built in hose so damage to the tire valve is less likely when pumping. They only come in presta (I'm pretty sure) but you can get a presta to schrader converter for a dollar at most bike shops.

ClydeTim

I have a couple on my roadies. Though I have only been able to get them up to about 90 psi, that's enough to get you to safety. Look cool though, nice chrome finish. $50 a pop, kind of expensive but I like the bling.

therealjoeblow

Here's a neat $0.99 solution if you have a direct-attach minipump and don't like the movement of the valve while pumping:



Bike Inflate Pump Hose Adapter Needle Valve Football Basketball Air Bed Tyre New | eBay

Cheers
TRJB

kickstart

That's a reasonable make due solution I've used, but it's still taking the long way around the barn. The best solution is simply getting the type of pump one desires in the first place.

Don Buska

I use the Lezyne Tech Drive HP. Available in two sizes. I carry the small one with me on all rides and it works with both the Presta and Shrader valves. Uses a hose so it also provides for comfortable positioning. The hose stores inside the pump, as it is in the picture below, for easy storage in my carry along tool bag. I've used it for two years now without issue. Supporting both valve types is important to me as I ride bikes that use both, plus I'm also able to help those I come across on my rides.




Lezyne - Engineered Design - Products - Hand Pumps - High Pressure - Tech Drive HP

ranukic

I picked this up at Wheel and Sprocket for $25.00. It came with a patch kit, free tube coupon plus what is shown.
Bontrager Flat Pack - Brands Cycle and Fitness

Korina

I swear by my Lezayne Pressure Drive. Light, compact, and the hose supports both Schrader and Presta valves.

FrontRanger

Lezyne, Crank Brothers Klic, or Wren Sports all work well with Schrader valves.

gsindela

+1 Lezyne is fantastic.

SylvainG

That's the pump I got https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01...?ie=UTF8&psc=1


It's a dual low pressure high volume and high pressure low volume pump. Useful to inflate fast a tire to a usable pressure then switch to high pressure mode to pump to 120 psi. Comes with a 5 years warranty.

ClydeTim

I have a couple of Lezyne mini pumps. Not real small but I have no problem attaching them along the side of my water bottles. I like the hiding hose and screw in hose feature. As mentioned before by another, you would need that 50 cent adapter for a schraeder valve.