The Best Mini Bike Pump

Updated on 21 February 2023

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

Very robust, its maximum pressure is set at 160 PSI (or 11 bar). Compatible with all 3 types of valves, it is suitable for both road and mountain bikes. Among its advantages, it can be used as a foot pump thanks to its T-handle and foldable footrest. It also has an integrated manometer which is not very accurate but which gives you an overall idea of the pressure. There is a locking system as well. It also comes with a central mounting bracket, which is handy for attaching it to the bike. As a conclusion, in our test, we found it easy to handle, comfortable and efficient. However, it is heavier and more cumbersome to carry.

Small and compact, the mini pump is always useful to take with you on your bike rides.

If you want your pump to be more durable, choose a metal one.

The model you choose should be easy to handle.

Make sure that your future pump is compact and light.

Check that the pump head is compatible with the valve on your bike.

The manometer shows the amount of pressure in the tyre.

Designed with an aluminium structure, it is resistant to outdoor conditions and has a power rating of 120 PSI (or 8.3 bar). The lack of a hose and locking system makes it slightly less ergonomic, but it has the advantage of being small and light. In addition, it comes with a side mounting bracket. When we first picked it up, it took us a little while to figure out how to change the end pieces, but it is compatible with Schrader and Presta valves, which is fine for most bikes. According to our observations, there is no air loss and it is rather easy to handle.

This foot pump features a durable aluminium frame designed for a regular use. Easy to use and stable, it emits a large air flow for a fast inflation. It is highly compatible with most valves, although it is primarily intended for mountain bikes and city bikes. The ergonomics are good, with a foot, a handle and an accurate, easy-to-read digital manometer. However, it is longer and heavier than the other models in this comparison.

Constructed from strong, durable aluminium, it has a maximum pressure of 100 PSI (or 6.9 bar), which is lower than its competitor. Compatible with Schrader and Presta valves, it can be used on a road bike, a mountain bike or a BMX. Its flexible hose is practical and prevents leaks for an easier inflation. During our test, we observed a good pumping fluidity and would also like to point out the ease of installation and use. In addition, there is a practical locking mechanism for transport and it comes with a rubber strap side mounting bracket that seems to be correct in terms of reliability.

Our selection

Our choice, Best mid-range	Best budget	Best high-end	Mid-range alternative
Topeak Mini Morph G	Optio Cycle Mini Bike Pump	Lezyne Micro Floor Digital Drive HVG	Pro Bike Tool Mini Bike Pump
Despite its size, it is very ergonomic as it can be used with the foot. In addition, it is equipped with a pressure gauge and has a central mounting bracket.	While not the most ergonomic, this mini pump stands out for its affordability, easy handling, good design and ease of transport.	It shines thanks to its design of quality, its well thought-out ergonomics, its compatibility options and its fast pumping. Its digital pressure gauge allows a greater precision.	Its good price-quality ratio is due to its easy handling, great compatibility, good transportability and comfort of use, making this pump a success.
£ 25.00 on Amazon	£ 9.95 on Amazon	£ 80.73 on Amazon	£ 21.41 on Amazon

How did we test?

To begin with, we assessed the size and weight of the product. If it was intended, we placed the stand on the bike to check that the pump did not interfere with the ride.

Then, to judge the pumping capacity, we equipped ourselves with a manometer and compared it with that of the pump (if it was equipped with one). For compatibility, ergonomics and performance, we carried out the tests on three types of bike (city bike, road bike and mountain bike).

How to choose your mini bike pump?

Unlike the CO2 inflator (or cartridge pump), the mini bike pump can be used several times during the same activity, but it inflates more slowly. Small and compact, it is always a useful tool to take with you on your bike rides.

However, with so many models on the market, it is difficult to know which one to choose. This list of criteria should help you:

• Materials: if you want your pump to be more durable, choose a metal pump because it is stronger than plastic, which is more suitable for occasional uses. Aluminium or carbon fibre are interesting because they are lighter. Steel holds up well in an outdoor environment.

• Capacity: check the pressure volume of the pump. Mountain bikes often need more than a conventional bike. Road bike pumps are designed for high pressure pumping. A larger capacity also saves time. A foot pump usually propels a larger flow of air. The pressure is indicated in bars or psi.
• Ergonomics: the model you choose should be easy to handle. A flexible, removable hose with a thread is easier to use because it fits directly onto the valve and preserves it. Hand pumps require more energy.

• Size: to find a good small pump, you need to assess its transportability. To do this, make sure that it is compact and light. Be aware that in a small pump, the air volume is smaller. Some can be attached to the bike and others have to be put in a bag. In any case, a foot pump is always more cumbersome than a hand pump.

• Compatibility: there are two main types of valves: Schrader (usually on mountain bikes) and Presta (often for road bikes and tubeless mountain bikes). Check that the pump head is compatible with the valve on your bike. Reversible heads will fit most valves. In case of incompatibility, there are adapters available.

• Functionalities: the manometer allows you to see the amount of pressure in the tyre with a gauge, the accuracy of which must be taken into account. Pumps with digital gauges are more accurate, but often more expensive to purchase.

Other mini bike pumps we recommend 

Riverside 100 (£3.99 upon publication): a low-cost option. With its universal head, it is suitable for re-inflating city bike, mountain bike or BMX tyres occasionally, but it is not suitable for racing bike tyres because of its low pressure (6 bar, 87 PSI). Thanks to its locking system, it locks, which prevents accidental opening during transport. Nevertheless, it is more cumbersome and we regret the absence of a stand. In addition, it sometimes came out of the valve during our test, and although it is simple to use, it requires more effort given its more limited performance.

Lezyne Pocket Drive (£25.21 upon publication): ultra-light and compact. In addition to its neat aluminium construction, it has a maximum pressure of 160 PSI (or 11 bar) and performs well in use. It is compatible with Schrader and Presta valves and is particularly suitable for racing bike tyres. The flexible hose and non-slip handle make it easy to grip, and while there is no secure locking mechanism, there is a resistant side support for transport. We liked its small size and although we did not encounter this problem during our test, some complain about the quality of the connection thread.

Lezyne Road Drive HP (£42.99 upon publication): comfort and performance to match. Made of aluminium, it is small and light to carry, but it fits less well in its side mount (except with the strap). It has a high maximum pressure of 160 PSI (or 11 bar). The hose makes the pump comfortable to use and the locking mechanism secures the structure during transport. The double valve prevents air leaks and in our test we found inflation to be smooth and fast. It is suitable for road bikes, but not for high volume tyres.

Translated by Laura Wautier