A track pump makes regular tyre checks a straightforward part of getting ready to ride. Also known as a floor pump, it gives you a stable base, a comfortable handle and a longer stroke than a pocket pump, so you can add air with less effort. Choose one for road, gravel or mountain bike tyres, or an all-round model for the family's bikes.
Why Choose a Track Pump?
For home use, a track pump with a clear gauge takes the guesswork out of pressure checks. The hose lets you reach the valve while keeping the pump steady on the floor, and the larger barrel makes tyre changes easier than using a compact hand pump. It's a useful partner to the mini or electric pump you carry on a ride, especially when you're looking after more than one bike.
What to Look for in a Track Pump
- Valve fit and handling: Check compatibility with your bikes' valves, including Presta and Schrader, and whether the head needs adjusting between them. A stable base, comfortable handle and hose with enough reach make frequent use easier.
- Air volume and pressure range: High-volume pumps fill wider mountain bike and gravel tyres with fewer strokes. High-pressure designs suit tyres run at higher pressures. For a mixed household, choose a model that covers the pressures and tyre types you use.
- A useful gauge: Look for clear readings around your usual tyre pressures. Digital displays can be easy to read, but accuracy and a suitable range matter more than display type. A bleed valve helps you release small amounts of air when fine-tuning pressure.
Changing tubeless tyres at home? A pump with a built-in booster chamber, or a compatible separate air tank, can deliver the burst of air needed to seat the tyre. Some tyre and rim combinations seat with a standard track pump; others need that extra airflow. Once seated and sealed, normal top-ups don't require a booster. Follow the tyre and rim pressure limits rather than treating the pump's maximum rating as your target.
For a pump you'll use regularly, check whether replacement heads, hoses and seals are available. The correct spare part can keep a familiar pump working when a seal wears out or a hose becomes damaged.