A bike pump is something you don’t think about much until you don’t have one when you need it. Or, as is the case with the Bontrager Turbo Charger HP Bike Pump, you discover how smoothly and efficiently a good floor pump can work.
The Bontrager pump stands out in several ways. Let’s start with the head, which attaches easily to both Presta and Schrader valves and locks in tight. (If you’re unsure which valve you have, it’s probably the traditional Schrader, used on most mountain bike and cruiser tubes. Road bikes with higher air-pressure needs use Presta. But the point is, you no longer need to know.)
The pump sits on a stable three-legged base, which makes it difficult to tip over. The long hose (45 inches) makes it easy to attach to the tire, and the top-mounted pressure gauge is much easier to read than other pumps that mount them at the bottom. The narrow air chamber allows you to reach high pressure with minimal effort, and the padded handle makes for comfortable operation. Yes, you can find a cheaper floor pump on the market. But why not make those few minutes you’re pumping up tires before a ride a more enjoyable experience?
Price: $60, trekbikes.com
