A track pump, also known as floor pump, is designed to manually inflate tyres with precision and ease. A reliable track pump is a vital pre-ride tool that ensures optimal tyre pressure, reducing rolling resistance and enhancing ride performance. Not only that, riding at the right pressure for your bike and weight will make your ride far more comfortable and efficient.
The best track pumps will offer a blend of durability, accuracy and user-friendly features. A classic track pump will have a sturdy base and ergonomic handle, with efficient air pressure barrel for quickly re-inflating tyres. Unlike mini bike pumps where you’re pumping blind, track pumps allow you to inflate a tyre to an exact pressure thanks to the inclusion of a gauge.
Throughout this comprehensive guide, we will evaluate the top track pump contenders, assessing their pumping efficiency, build quality, ergonomic design and compatibility with various valve types. Each pump will be tested on its performance inflating a 28mm road bike tyre to 90psi and 40mm gravel bike tyre to 45psi. To fairly compare each pump, their accuracy will be tested against a benchmark Truflo gauge.
Reviews of the best track pumps 2025
- Birzman The Pump with Helix: RRP £89.99 – Read our full review
- Lezyne Classic Floor Drive: RRP £75 – Read our full review
- Silca Terra Floor Pump: RRP £180 – Read our full review
- Topeak JoeBlow Sport III: RRP £46.99 – Read our full review
- Truflo Supertrax: RRP £44.99 – Read our full review
Keep reading for full track pump reviews and detailed buying advice.
Related questions you can explore with Ask Cyclist, our new AI search engine.
What features should you look for in a track pump?
Stability
A stable base is essential for track pumps. A wide and sturdy base prevents tipping and provides better stability while pumping. Some pumps will have anti-slip materials on the underside of the base to provide extra grip on various surfaces. If you tend to step on the base for purchase as you pump, consider also whether the placement of the gauge and hose will inhibit this.
Ergonomics
Especially if you’re pumping multiple tyres at a time, you’re going to want a pump that’s easy and comfortable to use. An ergonomically shaped handle that doesn’t dig in will reduce strain on your hands. A stable base and reasonable height will allow for a balanced stance and better power transfer each pump, while a functional pump head and good valve connection will translate to a quicker, more efficient inflation.
Pressure
A track pump will normally have a gauge that measures pressure in psi and bar. Psi is the imperial unit of measure for pressure and refers to pounds per square inch, while bar is the metric unit of measure for pressure. One bar is slightly less than the current atmospheric pressure on Earth at sea level.
Most pumps are designed to handle pressures far higher than are suitable/recommended for road and gravel bikes, tending to top out around 160psi.
Gauge accuracy and readability
The gauge on a track pump is a round dial or digital readout that typically measures pressure in both psi and bar. Above all, a gauge should be accurate and easy to read. Some gauges will have a moveable dial that you can swivel to point at your desired pressure, making it easier to pump to a precise pressure.
The gauge attaches to the barrel of the pump, either at the bottom, middle or top. Those higher up are easier to see but generally smaller, while those located at the foot of the pump are potentially more exposed to being stepped on, but can be larger in size.
Pump head or chuck
The head of the pump hose has a mechanism called a chuck, which is the part that attaches to the tyre valve, forming an airtight seal. This part of the pump is crucial as only once it’s airtight will you be able to pump air efficiently into your tyre.
A chuck will either be screw-on, also known as threaded, or have a locking lever. A screw-on chuck can be more fiddly as you must line up the thread to secure it, while a lever is typically much quicker and easier to use.
Most pump heads will also be compatible with different valves. Some locking lever pumps will have a dual head for different valves, others are screw-on as mentioned, and some have small bungs that can be taken out and flipped around to pump a different valve type. The latter can prove to be a bit of a pain if you often need to switch between pumping different valve types.
Valve types: Presta vs Schrader
There are two main valve types used on bicycles: Presta and Schrader. Road and gravel bike tyres and their inner tubes almost exclusively use Presta valves. They’re slender with a threaded exterior and require a smaller valve hole. Meanwhile, Schrader valves are more commonly seen on off-road and leisure hybrid bikes. These are similar to those used in car tyres, being wider and shorter with a spring-loaded pin for inflation.
You may also hear mention of Dunlop valves. These are much less common than the above-mentioned two, but you may see them on some commuter bikes. Dunlop has a similar profile to Schrader, but you should still be able to pump them with a Presta valve adapter.
Some pumps will also have a pressure release valve. This is normally a tiny button that lets out increments of air so that you can really fine-tune your tyre pressure, without having to detach your pump and recommence.
Size and weight
The best size and weight for a track pump will vary depending on the user’s height and needs. For general usability, an ideal size ranges between 600mm to 800mm in height. This ensures comfortable pumping without causing strain. As for weight, a reasonable range lies between 1.5kg to 2.5kg, striking a balance between portability and stability. Lightweight pumps are more portable, while slightly heavier ones generally offer better stability during inflation.
Serviceability
The serviceability of a track pump is a key consideration for its longevity. Good quality pumps are designed with easily replaceable parts, making them simple and affordable to maintain. Others may come with a servicing kit and care instructions for the pump. It’s also worth considering whether a pump brand offers customer support and a repair service.
Tubeless features
If you often ride tubeless, then you’ll want a track pump that facilitates easy tubeless tyre installation. Larger than your average pump, tubeless-compatible pumps are equipped with an air chamber that can store larger volumes of air for rapid bead seating. Some will have an integrated pressure tank, which allows for a fast, continuous flow of air during inflation.
How we test and why you should trust us
Here at Cyclist, we eat, live and breathe cycling. Year round, we’re catching the breeze out on the road and trails. No tyre can maintain optimal pressure forever, so a reliable track pump that can help you replenish your tyres to an accurate pressure is essential for every cyclist.
Our team of reviewers, led by tech editor Sam Challis, know what features to look for in a track pump, both in terms of ease of use, precision and durability. We’ve thoroughly tested every pump in this guide against a benchmark gauge, to bring you our expert and objective recommendations.
The best cycling track pumps reviewed
Birzman The Pump with Helix: highly stable and effortless inflation
£89.99 | View offer
- Pros: Very stable, easy pumping
- Cons: Small gauge
- A quality design with a screw-on chuck that's easy to use
The Birzman The Pump with Helix is a high-quality, aluminium track pump designed for achieving higher pressures. Its stability and ease of use set it apart as one of the best pumps tested. Made from strong aluminium, the pump’s durable construction includes an extra-long 125cm hose and a 6.5cm diameter gauge reading in both psi and bar.
Birzman’s signature helix chuck offers screw-on valve attachment, forming a tight seal for inflation. Pumping with the Helix is smooth and efficient, thanks to its ergonomic design and wide base providing exceptional stability. Although the small gauge is harder to read than top-mounted options, we’d recommend the Helix based on overall performance and ease of tyre inflation.
- Read our full Birzman The Pump with Helix review
Lezyne Classic Floor Drive: stylish pump for high pressures
£75 | View offer
- Pros: Large and clear gauge, extra-long hose
- Cons: Screw-on chuck is fiddly to use
- A sturdy pump with plenty of reach and replaceable parts
The Lezyne Classic Drive Floor Pump impresses with its sleek monochrome design and high-pressure capabilities. Upgrades to the previous model include a bleed valve and a new screw-on adapter head, offering a reversible Presta/Schrader connector. Fitted with an oversized 3.5-inch gauge, it’s easy to aim for a specific pressure. The Classic’s ABS-1 Pro chuck system refers to the engineering gone into the pump head, which has a screw-on chuck and bleed valve for easy disconnection.
The pump's sturdy build, smooth handle and stability make it easy to use while inflating, while the extra-long 120cm hose is useful for those pumping bikes on work stands. At £60, it falls into the mid-range category, though longevity shouldn’t be an issue since Lezyne offers a range of replacement parts if needed.
- Read our full Lezyne Classic Floor Drive review
Silca Terra Floor Pump: Brilliant precision and durable build
£180 | View offer
- Pros: High-quality construction, efficient, easy to use
- Cons: Expensive
- A top notch pump that's expensive but efficient and should give years of service
The Silca Terra Floor Pump is superbly crafted and a joy to use. The asymmetric gauge is easy to read for both low and high pressures, with the piston pumping incredibly efficiently. Little effort is required to pump a high-pressure road tyre or low-volume gravel tyre.
Silca has really paid attention to the finer details when it comes to handy features like the subtle bleed valve, secure locking lever and ergonomic ash wood handle. The matte aluminium housing both bullet-proofs and streamlines the durable pump. Yes it’s expensive, but pays dividends in versatility and quality.
- Read our full Silca Terra Floor pump review
Topeak JoeBlow Sport III: unrivalled value
£47.99 | View offer
- Pros: Sturdy and durable, inflates to good precision, great value for money
- Cons: 1.7kg weight
- A durable pump with a sturdy build and high precision gauge
The Topeak JoeBlow Sport III sets a high benchmark as an affordable yet capable floor pump, featuring durable components and a no-nonsense hardened steel base. Updates to the gauge and pump head make it extremely user-friendly and long-lasting. The gauge, resembling a classic chronograph, displays readings in psi and bar for precise inflation.
The JoeBlow’s practical dual-head creates a good seal, while the secure side locking lever prevents finger pinching. Inflation is smooth with a low number of strokes to reach desired pressure. The fully serviceable design allows easy replacement of components if needed. Overall, the JoeBlow Sport III impressed with its performance, ease of use, and value, making it a competitive choice in the sub-£50 price-range.
- Read our full Topeak JoeBlow Sport III review
Truflo Supertrax: optimised for both road and gravel tyres
£44.99 | View offer
- Pros: High-volume and high-pressure settings, robust build
- Cons: Cheap-feeling handle
- A versatile pump that can be used both for road and gravel bike tyres
The Truflo Supertrax Floor Pump is a versatile and efficient pump designed with both high volume and high pressure inflation modes. The Supertrax caters to the cyclist who wants one do-it-all pump for inflating both road and gravel tyres with efficiency and precision.
The split gauge, colour-coded for ease of use, caters to different pressures. The oversized gauge is set into the base and also acts as a third foot, making the pump extra stable. With a sturdy steel base, barrel and piston, the pump feels durable. The sleek look is slightly let down by a plastic handle and chuck, but the overall quality and performance of the pump nevertheless is top notch.
- Read our full Truflo Supertrax review
Looking for something smaller? Read our guide to the best mini pumps.
