Mini bike pumps are lifesavers. Any mountain bike rider would know. Especially when you are out on the trails the whole day, even if the bike park has bike shops that cater to emergencies and bike needs, it is never a bad idea to carry around a mini pump.
These pumps, either your trusty floor pump or your mini pump, only serve one purpose: inflating your mountain bike’s tires. The only difference is that you can carry the pump around with you.
It is an essential part of your biking journey, whether you are doing road biking or out on the trails. But there is one aspect we need to keep in mind when choosing the right pump, and this is that not all pumps are built with equal quality.
Pumps with higher price points are most often than not, built with more durable and better components. While cheaper pumps may perform as well, they may not be as durable as those of premium quality.
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | OneUp Components EDC Pump Black/Green, 100cc | PrimeEligible | Add to Cart | |
 | Topeak Race Rocket MT Bike Pump, Black | Prime | Add to Cart | |
 | Birzman Macht (1 Inch Gauge) | Prime | Add to Cart | |
 | LEZYNE Alloy Drive Hand Pump, Medium - Black | Prime | Add to Cart | |
 | Marque Portable Mini Bike Pump - 120 PSI with Universal Presta and Schrader Valve, High Volume and High Pressure Setting for Road and Mountain Bike Tires (Gray with Hose) | PrimeEligible | Add to Cart | |
 | Mini Mountain DA | PrimeEligible | Add to Cart | |
 | Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit - Presta & Schrader Bicycle Pump - 120 PSI Tire Pump for Road & MTB - No Valve Changing Needed | PrimeEligible | Add to Cart |
Table of Contents
OneUP EDC Mini Pump
OneUP is a trusted brand when it comes to mountain biking accessories, and it does reflect this pump.
This pump is made of machined aluminum, giving it a more premium feel. You do not also need to worry about breaking this pump if you crash with all of your gear with you.
This pump is a Presta valve-specific pump and is good at pumping up chunky tires. It also comes with a press-fit head that ensures maximum engagement.
Pros
- Well-sealed casing – The pump can pump out high volumes of air and is well-sealed with solid construction.
Cons
- Small handle – The handle may be too small for some, so be careful not to pinch your fingers.
Or get it from OneUp Components
Topeak Race Rocket
The Topeak Race Rocket is another solid mini-pump that you should consider. This pump can cater to both Presta and Schrader valves and also comes with a hose attachment.
The casing is made from aluminum, and it also comes with a rubber grip making it very comfortable to use. While this is a high-volume pump, it is still capable of pumping up road bikes that require higher air pressure.
Pros
- Well sealed with good Dual-action – The casing is made out of machined aluminum also, some of its internal components make it highly durable.
- Comes with hose and adaptors – The good thing about this pump is that it comes with a hose with different attachments. This is a plus if you are dealing with different kinds of valves.
Cons
- Flimsy frame mounting – The frame mounting of this mini pump is its downside. If you would opt to purchase this product, it is best to keep it in your bag rather than mounting it on the bike.
Birzman Zacoo
The main difference between the Birzman Zacoo from other minipumps is that it comes with a pressure gauge. This is important, especially if you are entering mountain bike races.
The Zacoo also comes with a hose, and the valve can engage onto both Presta and Shrader valves. This pump also comes with a bottle cage mount making it easier to latch onto your bike rather than keeping it in a bag.
Pros
- Quality valve head – The valve head this product is installed with is of premium quality that assures you that you do not lose air pressure or experience leaks while pumping up your tire.
Cons
- Road bike pressure scale – The only downside of this pump is that the scale of its gauge is for higher PSI. Mountain bikes normally use the lower end of the spectrum.
Lezyne Alloy Drive
This is quite comparable to ToPeak’s Race Rocket. It offers the same high-quality aluminum casing and has great output volume efficiency. It also comes with a detachable hose that has a valve attachment that can cater to both Schrader and Presta valves.
Pros
- Great sealed casing – The alloy construction of the pump adds greatly to its durability, therefore, increasing its quality. It is also sealed very well, so it can pump out a very efficient volume of air for a pump of its size.
- Easy maintenance – The replacement parts can easily be sourced as well. Repair kits are sold online, so you do not need to purchase a new pump if this ever breaks.
Cons
- Flexible frame mount – The only downside of this pump is that it has a flexible frame mount. Although it is not loose, it is flexible enough to rattle the frame.
Venzo High-Pressure Pump
If you are looking for a high-pressure pump that you can use for your high-performance mountain bike forks, then this pump is for you. Although this cannot be used for tires, it may come in handy when tuning runs for your fork.
Experience riders are aware that you will experience pressure loss when disconnecting the shock pump from the valve. This is not the case for Venzo’s shock pump. This way, you are assured that the pressure does not change once you remove the pump from the valve.
Pros
- Capable of very high pressure – This high-pressure pump can pump out up to 300 PSI of pressure. This is an important aspect, especially when dealing with downhill forks and rear suspension. This also comes with a dual face gauge, 1 for higher pressure settings and 1 for the lower pressure range.
- Accurate bleed button – The bleed button is not flimsy and works efficiently as intended, unlike in other brands wherein it is hit or miss.
Cons
- For shock pump use only – Although you can use this to pump skinnier road bike tires, it is not recommended for mountain bike use aside from its shocks.
Marque Bike Pump
This mini bike pump from Marque comes from the lower end of the price spectrum. But this does not mean that it is compromised in terms of quality.
This has an aluminum casing pump body and is well-sealed. It also comes with a house that can attach to both Schrader and Presta valves. What’s great about this pump is that it has 2 modes.
It can cater to your high volume, and high pressure needs just like a floor pump as long as it is up to 120 PSI. You can easily switch between modes as well. And you can switch to high-pressure operation once the tires are already inflated.
Pros
- Adaptability – What’s great about this pump is that it can be used for different purposes. Aside from interchangeable valves, its high volume and high-pressure modes are also very useful when riding.
- Economical and durable – Another great feature of this is that it is not as expensive as the other brands and is feature-packed. It has the same aluminum construction but is available at a lesser price.
Cons
- Flimsy hose – Although it does its job very well, it is somewhat flimsy and may experience tears and leaks in the long run.
PRO BIKE TOOL Mini Pump
This pump from PRO BIKE TOOL is one of the most highly rated and is featured by Amazon. It comes from the mid-range price spectrum but can easily pass off as a premium product.
This pump boasts higher volume output with a guaranteed 30% lesser strokes when pumping a tire to 30 PSI. The pump is constructed from CNC-machined aluminum and is composed of high-quality and precise internals built to last.
It comes with a hose that is both Presta and Schrader compatible, and it also features a thread-on valve connection that ensures that no leaks will be experienced by its users.
Pros
- Premium build quality – The PRO BIKE TOOL mini pump is made from high-quality aluminum that ensures high durability. This is also true for its internals to ensure 100% quality output.
- Secure frame mount – The pump comes with a frame mount that secures it in place without any rattle. A security strap is also added to keep the pump in place during rough rides.
Cons
- Can only be used as a tire pump – Although it boasts higher volume output and also has a higher pressure range, it can only be used for lower PSI tires like a floor pump. This tool is not recommended for shock pump use.
Topeak DA Pump
If you are on a budget and are looking for a quality compact pump, then this pump from Topeak is perfect for you. This is a no-fuss dual-action pump that can inflate high-volume tires like how a floor pump does in a very short amount of time.
It delivers on both strokes and has a high-volume output design. This pump is compact, well-sealed, and constructed out of high-grade aluminum.
Pros
- Dual-action – This feature lets you pump air even if you are on the outer stroke, thus significantly lessening the time it takes to pump a tire.
- Highly compatible – One of its main features is that it is compatible with all air valves. And this includes Schrader, Presta, and Dunlop valves.
Cons
- No hose – The only downside of this budget pump is that it does not come with a hose. Pumping is a bit more challenging, and you would need to swap out parts on the pump head to adapt to different valves.
Vibrelli Mini Pump
Another great pump from the budget range is this product from VIbrelly. It is comparable to Topeak’s DA pump but has a slightly better design.
It comes with a clever valve that you do not need to swap out to adapt to Schrader and Presta valves. It also has a telescopic design which allows you to switch from high-volume operations to a high-pressure pump.
Pros
- Highly convenient – Since you do not need to swap out parts to adapt to different valve types, it makes the product appeal to many riders. This also means leaks are avoided due to swapping out internal parts for different operations.
- Comes with a puncture repair kit – What adds value to this product is that it comes with a patch kit from Vibrelli. This is perfect for you if you run tubes on your tires. The patch kits are also glueless, making the repair process more accessible.
Cons
- Too many moving parts – The only downside is that it has too many moving parts. Its telescopic design, which is common on a floor pump, may result in leaks in the future, or it can easily break down due to wear and tear
Types of Pumps
Same as with a floor pump or track pump, mini pumps also come with different types of valve heads depending on the tire valve that you will be using them on. Some come with universal valve heads, and although they may seem like a no-brainer, their engagement is often hit or miss.
The ones that come with swappable inserts are more effective, based on reviews. These pumps also come in different pressure varieties. As with a floor pump, hand pumps come in either high volume or high pressure.
The high-volume variety is great for pumping up large and chunky tires, while the high-pressure variety is perfect for those skinny road tires and can even be used as a shock pump if it comes with a gauge.
You can differentiate between both pumps by looking at the label. High-pressure pumps are labeled as HP, while high-volume pumps are labeled HV.
Why bring a mini pump every ride?
Every cyclist should know what they would need to carry when out on rides, regardless of what type of riding they do. While we could rely on our peers or riding buddies, it is not always ethical. And besides, there are also times wherein you will be riding alone.
Riders also have the option to carry CO2 instead of a mini pump. Although smaller and more convenient, it also carries a certain risk. There is always the possibility of misuse or accidents. But if you are carrying around a mini pump, then you do not need to worry about all of this.
However, as discussed earlier, not all mini pumps are made equal, thus the purpose of this article.
Features to Consider When Buying a Mini Pump
Perhaps one of the features that you need to look at when choosing the right pump is its design. There are little details that we sometimes fail to consider that would make a workable pump the best pump among the others.
One aspect is ergonomics. This is specifically important because it makes operating the pump much easier. This is especially true when you are out on the trails, and your hands are sweaty. Sometimes you will spend more time and energy pumping up the tire than you would need to.
Another great feature that you must consider is mini pumps that have hose extensions.
When using hoseless pumps, there is always the risk that you will break the valve head, thus resulting in more damage. And besides, pumping with a hose connector is easier in that regard.
But still, having a hose can impact the overall quality of the pump itself. That’s why it is best to choose the product with the most durable hose possible. You can also choose a flexible hose pump with a valve core tool for the maximum pump pressure needed on mountain bike tires.
If you plan to mount your mini pump on your bike, look for one that is weatherproof and sealed from dust and dirt. Having your pump exposed to the environment may add to its wear and tear, thus degrading its durability.
An air pressure gauge is also a good feature, but do you need that? You can always familiarize different tire pressure through feel. One thing that is common in mountain biking is crashes, and sometimes it happens even if we do not expect it.
Air pressure gauges are quite brittle and may render your bike pump useless. You can always opt for the most durable ones.
And besides, mini-pumps should be treated as an emergency-only tool. If you need an accurate reading on your tire pressures, you can always use a floor pump that can give you a better and more accurate reading on your tires. Floor pumps are always more powerful and capable.
Verdict
The best mini pump for mountain bikes is:
- Fat aluminum barrel moves more air per stroke and extendable hose takes stress off valve stem
- SmartHead Threadlock works with Prest and Schrader valves
- Efficient and smooth action inflates to 90psi/6 bar
- Side mount bracket included
- 7.7x1.4 and weight 1
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
A mini pump is an essential tool, especially if you are a mountain biker. And when you are out enjoying your bike, you will never know when a puncture will happen, especially if you are running tubed tires.
And even if you are running tubeless tires, having one in your bag or mounted on your bike is still equally important. If you’re out riding, always carry a repair kit, including your mini pump. Having a patch kit and an extra tube is great as well.
The products above are some of the best that you can purchase out on the market; the type that you would need is entirely up to your preference.
