Whenever you’re out riding your bike, you need to be prepared for whatever unpleasant situation that comes your way. Having a mini bike pump is the ideal solution for a flat tire. Mini pumps are very popular due to their lightweight and compact size. They usually measure somewhere between 7 to 10 inches and they are easy to carry around in your backpack or bag. However, most models have included mounting brackets, so they can easily be placed somewhere on your bike frame. The most common types of mini pump mounting bracket are attached to your cage bottle’s bolts.
Table Of Contents
The 6 Best Mini Bike Pump Comparisons
Brand | Details |
---|---|
DOKO-IN Mini Bike Pump | |
Topeak Road Morph G Mini Pump | |
Pro Bike Tool Mini Floor Bike Pump | |
Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump | |
SAMLITE Mini Bike Pump | |
Kolo Sports Mini Bike Pump |
What You Should Know
Mountain bike mini pumps are known for their capacity of moving more air per stroke compared to road bike pumps. Therefore, they are most suitable for filling high volume tires with air. The downside is that they make it very difficult to reach high pressures. In fact, anything above 40 PSI makes it difficult for the user to keep compressing the piston. Road bike mini pumps, on the other hand, work with less volume, but more pressure. They are also easier to operate, but the process of inflating tires takes longer.
Important Points
As we’ve taken it upon ourselves to review some of the best bike pumps that money can buy, we’ve discovered that there are some characteristics common on most models. For example, most mini bike pumps are made out of some sort of aluminum alloy, which is a common material that balances lightweight and durability. Some models have integrated pressure gauges, while others have telescopic bodies that, once expanded, allow cyclists to pump more air with a single stroke.
Good Grip is Key
It’s important to opt for a bike pump that allows you get a good grip on the handle. Some models even have foot pegs, so you can place them on the ground on secure them in place with your feet, for easier pumping. However, you should be aware that no mini bike pump can ever replace the regular floor pump. You should always have a floor pump at home, as they are the main tools to be used when inflating your bike’s tires.
The 6 Best Mini Bike Pump Reviews
Some of the mini bike pumps on our list come with puncture repair kits that, aside from being pocket-sized and ultra-portable, they are also extremely useful in case you end up having a flat tire. Stick with us to find out what the bestselling mini bike pumps on Amazon have to offer and discover which one of the models reviewed below is our personal favorite.
DOKO-IN Mini Bike Pump
With a pretty stylish design, we wanted to see if the DOKO-IN mini bike pump can deliver the results you’d expect from a portable product. Measuring 9 inches when collapsed, it surely is one of those items you can just throw in the back pack, so you can have it at hand in case of need. The product is made of aluminum alloy, which is a very durable material, so you can rest assured this pump won’t just break the minute you drop it. The 210 PSI turbo power should have your tires inflated in no time.
One feature that caught our attention was the dual action pumping. This means that the mini pump will inflate your tires from both in and out motion, which can basically be translated in twice the inflation speed of a normal floor pump. The flexible hose design should prevent any problems caused by broken valves. It is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves and it comes with a bike mount bracket, so you don’t have to carry it in your backpack. We were pleased to discover than even with such a small unit, you still get the bonus sports needle that helps you inflate several types of sports balls. All of these combined make the DOKO-IN a great camping trip companion.
The pressure gauge is extremely great looking, but not always as accurate as you want it to be. Sometimes, it can be off about 5 or 10 PSI below the actual pressure. The swiveling hose is another great feature that prevents you from being under constant alert of the hose not getting strangled.
Pros
Cons
Topeak Road Morph G Mini Pump
Topeak does make some of the nicest bike pumps we’ve seen so far, but does this miniature model deliver as well as the, let’s say, floor pump they manufacture? With a maximum pressure of only 160 PSI, it isn’t more powerful than the DOKO-IN, but it should help you pump up a flat bike tire pretty fast, even so. The handle is made of dual density polymer, while the barrel is butted aluminum. The foot pad can easily be folded out and the hose is flexible enough for you not to worry about its position while you’re inflating your tire. It’s compatible with Presta, Schrader and Dunlop valves and it features a frame mounting bracket, for easier storage.
We’re not really convinced about the in-line gauge, as it isn’t exactly the most readable one. The footpad seems durable enough and easy to use on flat surfaces, just as pavement or concrete. However, most of the times you may not even need it, as the pump will work just fine if you push it against the floor. The pump itself is pretty long and it may not fit on frames of smaller bike models. However, due to the long barrel, pumping air into the tire is easier and can be done in fewer strokes compared to smaller pumps. Due to the fact that the mounting bracket uses a zip tie system to attach to the frame, you can fiddle around with the possible mounting spots.
Pros
Cons
Pro Bike Tool Mini Floor Bike Pump
The design of the Pro Bike Tool is so simple, it’s one of the elegant ones we’ve seen. Available in both black and silver, the monochromatic design of the pump makes you feel like you’re holding a premium product. With 12.2 inches in length, it’s neither the longest nor the shortest mini pump you’ll come across, but the length shouldn’t be that much of a bother. The T-handle makes it easy to get a good grip on the pump. You can also use the stainless-steel foot peg to have better control of the product as you’re inflating your tires. There is also an included mounting bracket that’s easily attached to your frame, but you will have to drill some hole to attach it. Otherwise, you should be able to easily store it in your backpack.
The pump is compatible with both Schrader and Presta valves and promises no air leaks due to its stable and secure valve connection. You also get a sports ball and inflatable object needle, for whatever other small objects you may want to pump air into. Examining the build of the pump shows that the main parts, like the piston and barrel, are made from CNC machined aluminum alloy, which is commonly used because it’s both durable and lightweight. As the name suggests it, this is a mini floor pump and does not come with a pressure gauge.
Pros
Cons
Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump
Compatible with both Presta and Schrader, this pump doesn’t require valve changing, automatically making the product a bit easier to use compared to its competition. While 120 PSI may seem too low of a pressure to some, it is more than enough to inflate any bike tire. The valve is covered with a dust cap, which is an awesome feature that prolongs the life of the product, by not allowing any dust or debris to clog the valve. The telescope can be extended to provide you with extra air for faster pumping. Upon ordering your Vibrelli mini pump, you will also receive a small glueless puncture repair kit, just to save you from flat tire situation in the most unpleasant moments.
As for mounting the pump to your bike frame, there is an additional Velcro strap that holds the pump in place. The Vibrelli also comes with a sports needle and an inflatable device valve. To fully expand the pump, you will first have to pull out the handle, to expose the black ring with arrows. Turn the ring and then pull the telescope. The Frame bracket itself can be mounted behind the bottle cage.
Pros
Cons
SAMLITE Mini Bike Pump
We have to be honest: considering the pretty low-price tag of the SAMLITE mini pump, we were skeptical about the true benefits it can bring to its users. As we dug deeper into the matter, we discovered that there are little to no difference between this pump and one that costs $20 more. So, what does the SAMLITE bike pump have to offer for such a low price? First of all, the pump itself is made of an alloy body with a satin finish, making it both durable and elegant. The maximum pressure achieved is 120 PSI, which is pretty much the standard for mini bike pumps. With a weight a little above 6 ounces, it’s definitely not the lightest bike pump we’ve seen, but that doesn’t make it heavy either. Carrying this little fellow around won’t be any trouble at all.
The pump is delivered with a mounting bracket that goes under the water bottle cage, for easier storage and transportation. In order to do so, you will have to use the 2 screws that are delivered in the pump’s package in order to secure them to the bike. The pressure gauge is integrated into the body of the pump and it should be easy enough to read by anyone. However, the gauge is sometimes off by an average of 10 PSI, so cyclists that want pressure accuracy may want to look elsewhere.
Thanks to the included sports needle, you can inflate whatever ball toy you fancy. Just like the Vibrelli, the SAMLITE also comes with a glueless puncture repair kit, to keep your covered in case a flat ruins your cycling trip. It’s compatible with both Schrader and Presta valves and switching in between them shouldn’t give you any headaches. To inflate your tire, you have to identify which valve is needed and pick the one compatible with your tire. Remove the tire cap to expose the valve and connect the pump to the bike’s tire accordingly. Once you’re done pumping, make sure your screw the tire cap back on. In addition to all the good and accessories delivered together with the SAMLITE bike pump, you will also receive an additional bonus: a bike bell.
Pros
Cons
Kolo Sports Mini Bike Pump
The Kolo Sports mini bike pump is the holy grail of every lightweight and compact pump lover in the world. With a little over 5 ounces in weight and measuring about 7 inches in length, this is as compact as a mini bike pump can get. The telescopic design can extend the pump from 7.75 inches to a full 15.5, meaning it doubles in size and makes it easier for you to inflate your tires. There are lots of small details that we liked about this pump. First, it’s made of lightweight aluminum alloy, the preferred material of all major bike pump manufacturers. The ergonomic rubber handle makes it easy for the user to get a good grip while pumping.
The Velcro mounting bracket is always good to have, in order to store the pump away, but still have it at hand on longer trips. The convenient dust cap will keep the valve protected when the pump is not in use. The lock level will make sure that the valve stays in place while you’re inflating your tires. The Presta and Schrader valves are easily reversible. In order to switch between them, you will have to unscrew the valve cover to expose the reversible valve. Remove the valve and rotate, depending on whether you need the Presta or the Schrader. You will have to use the small diameter hole for Presta valves or the large diameter hole for the Schrader valves.
The Kolo Sports mini bike pump will be delivered with a glueless puncture repair kit, for on-the-go flat tires. It also comes with a sports needle and tire levers. Now, the tire levers are a very nice touch, as they make the Kolo Sports kit one of the most complete ones we’ve seen. For those of you who’ve never used them, tire levers are tools that make it easier for you to remove the bike’s tires. You won’t have to use any questionable tools that may puncture or damage the tire, not are you required to use brute force if you use a pair of these babies.
Pros
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The Bottom Line
Since the similarities between all the mini bike pumps we reviewed today are quite numerous, the decision is not an easy one. We’re going to go with the Kolo Sports mini pump, simply because it has the highest number of added features compared to the other models in today’s article. One of the main things that got us *pumped* about this pump is the compact size. Measuring 7.75 inches while collapsed, it is one of the most compact mini bike pumps ever. The fact that you can expand it to a full 15.5 inches in length makes it good enough to inflate bike tires without wanting to scream.