We bought a bike pump from Kmart for around $6. It's the standard looking 'stick' style pump with a tube that screws on to the tyre's valve.
It pumps up the tyres fine.
The problem we have is that when unscrewing it it seems to allow half of the pumped air to escape again.
What have people found to be the best cheap option?
EDITED TO ADD:
This looks like the kind of adapter required:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006025218600.html
Yes, clip on seems to be the go. Was hoping for something smaller, but that seems like it would be ideal. Thanks.
BTW: It's the Schrader valve unscrewing where the air leaks. It just takes too many turns before the valve closes again - maybe more of an old design issue.
Add some more air before you unscrew.
maybe more of an old design issue.
they wouldn't still be in such widespread use if there was such a clear design fault, more likely a faulty valve or user error I'm afraid.
Have found the improved connector, as per updated base post. Always good to trust oneself.
Best Cheap Bike Pump - Thta Doesn't Let Air out
If it doesn't let air out, it won't work very well….
Pump 50% more to account for the loss during disconnection
I've been using this one from Kmart for a couple of years now, and it's actually been pretty good for several different bike types:
https://www.kmart.com.au/product/steel-floor-pump-with-gauge…
Clip on, no leakage, pumps up to 90psi fine when I need it.
Yes that would work. In fact, that type of connector on the connecting tube of the hand pump would be ideal. Perhaps such a piece is sold somewhere.
You can get cheap pumps that have a clip on attachment, but no hose - for example: Beto Economy Reversible Mini Pump With Bracket. I do not recommend this type of pump as they are difficult to use.
Hand pumps with a lever connector on the end of a hose are much rarer. Here is one example, but it is not cheap:
Topeak Mini Morph Pump
Don't take the gauge reading as gospel. I've seen the results a haemorrhaged wheelbarrow tube (not mine) that was 'believed' to need a 'refill'. Gauge was randomly reliable apparently. Took that event to convince the owner though
The release of air is usually the air lines of the pump, not your tyre as the tyres valve closes on disconnection.
Exactly. It's not a big deal.
And if OP is that worried, they can buy brass clip on types (multiple styles) to modify std hoses.Probably cost more than the pump.
Are we talking pump to leave in the garage or take with you riding?. IMO can’t go past a ‘track pump’, like Warchest has linked above. Put your foot on it and use body weight to pump. They also put a good volume in for each stroke. Just not suited to putting in a backpack.
I’ve got an Aldi track pump bought for around $30 many years ago that still works, although it’s starting to feel a bit ordinary, like it’s wearing out. Well worth the extra spend vs the stick style.
Alternatively, compressors are pretty good now. This style is perfect for bike tyres, although it’s a bit noisy if you plan on getting up before the sleeping beauty to go riding.
Ideally a light one that could be taken on the bike. The effort required to pump up the tyres isn't much.
I'm now looking on Aliexpress to see what adapters they might have.
Just keep what you’ve got then. Those pumps were all anyone used for many years.
Don’t thread it onto the valve so tight and pump a little more than the pressure you want if necessary. Reality is you don’t really lose a lot of air if you’re quick.
Get a track pump for home anyway, they are so much better.
Thanks but I found a little adapter on Aliexpress that appears to be ideal - based on the quick release connector approach. Have updated the base post.
I prefer clip on connector, but try unscrewing the pump from the 'tube' first, finger over end whilst unscrewing from valve
I've had an older version of this for ten years, just need to be careful not to bend at the base
https://www.bigw.com.au/product/repco-basic-floor-pump/p/743…
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