TRACK PUMPS & SHOCK PUMPS

Air is free but getting it into your tyres and suspension means investing in two tools – a track pump and a shock pump. We’ve got half a dozen of each on test, so you can work out which are the must-buys, and which are full of hot air.

Track pumps are also known as stirrup or floor pumps and it’s important you buy one specifically designed for mountain bike use. This is because mtb tyres are high volume and low pressure, typically between 15-30psi, whereas road bikes are small volume but the pressure can be up to 130-140psi. Most pumps will usually be labelled High Volume (HV) or High Pressure (HP) but if they’re not, you’re probably looking at an HP design catering for the road market. It’ll still work with a mountain bike tyre but it’ll take longer.

Also on the market are switchable track pumps that have a double chamber – by pressing a lever you can toggle between both HV and HP settings, even mid-stroke. There’s also another subset called ‘inflator’ or ‘charger’ pumps that are used to seat tubeless tyres. These also feature the secondary chamber, but you charge this with repeated strokes before flipping a lever and dumping all the air into your tubeless tyre in one go… hopefully popping the bead onto the rim.

Shock pumps are a pretty similar concept, in that some are rated slightly higher than others. You also get switchable designs that alternate between HV and HP settings, so you can use one setting for the fork, which is typically under 100psi, and the other for the shock, which can run pressures up to 300psi.

In terms of quality and price there is plenty of choice and we’ve attempted to include a cross-section in this test. However, their job is to get the air into your tyres or shocks as quickly and efficiently as possible, so function and ease of use are key.

JARGON BUSTER

Know your track pump

HANDLE HARDWARE

There are three materials in use – wood, aluminium and plastic. Wood feels nice, it’s durable and stiff. Aluminium handles are stiff too and often have a more ergonomic shape. Plastic is affordable but it’s the most flexible.

PRESSURE GAUGE

Either analogue or digital. With the dial, look for precise gradients, so you can set accurate pressures, a bezel for repeat adjustment and a big font, especially if you’re old and need to wear specs. Also, don’t trust the accuracy – most we’ve tested are out by 4-5psi.

HOSE LENGTH

120cm is a good hose length because you can inflate your tyres with the bike in a workstand and you can step back from the tyre, just in case. Good