Bicycle Pump

bikes · air pressure · tools

Pumps push air. Bicycle pumps are designed to force air into tires using a positive-displacement system, which means they move a fixed amount of air with each stroke.

Different valve types. The two most common valves on bikes are Schrader valves, which look like car tire valves, and Presta valves, which are thinner and fancier. Most pumps can connect to both types.

Dunlop valve mystery. A third type called a Dunlop valve exists on some older bikes, but the cool part is that a Presta pump can actually fill Dunlop tubes too.

How pumps work. When you push the handle down, it compresses air in a cylinder and forces it through a hose into your tire, making the tire firm and ready to ride.