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Tips for Choosing an Air Pump
Topic:Significant Life Events
Many details are not indicated by manufacturers, but they hugely influence the pumping experience:
- Pumping Volume:
My motorcycle tire was leaking air. I brought along the small pump from home that I use for my bicycle and would pump it a dozen times or so every week. However, once, after leaving it for a month, I had to pump hundreds of times... The point is, pumps of the same size can differ by 50%, meaning you may have to pump twice as much. It's better to do physical tests... perhaps compare by inflating a long balloon?
- Ease of Pumping: For a high pumping volume, you can increase the height or diameter of the pump chamber. Larger Diameter > Harder to pump but requires less hand/foot movement. Longer Length > Easier to pump but involves more movement. In my opinion, it's generally more effortless to pump with a longer pump. This is why hand pumps for bicycles are long, and foot pumps are thick. I've seen a dual-stage pump at Decathlon. I wonder if they still have them.
- Hose: This is most evident with cars and motorcycles. The air valve is separately mounted on the rim, which means if you bend it with force, it can easily develop cracks or age and leak. It's not as severe with bicycles as the valve is integrated with the inner tube, but it still poses some problems, especially with some fragile frames and French valves that lock in place. Most portable pumps don't have this. You might want to search for "air pump with adapter hose". This becomes most apparent when you have a flat tire and have to pump it up multiple times, making it increasingly difficult to ensure the valve doesn't bend.
- Maximum Air Pressure: For road bike tires, it can go up to 80psi, while regular cars/motorcycles typically range from 27~40psi. Manufacturers will indicate this. Don't rely on the pressure gauge's reading to estimate; it may only handle up to two-thirds of the maximum labeled value.
- Tire Pressure Gauge: If you're pumping yourself, you'll need to know how much to pump. An alternative solution is to purchase a separate tire pressure gauge. You can find some for around 3~6$ in Taiwan.
- French Valve Interface: Check if you have a French valve interface, mostly on road bikes, and will cost a little.
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