Over the years, fat bikes have developed a legit market segment for bike enthusiasts and general people alike. Regardless of bicycle type, a pump is an indistinguishable tool in any cyclist’s toolset. Tire pressure plays an integral role in your fat bike experience, and this makes it essential for you to have a tire pump at your disposal.
Whether you are a beginner or a pro-cyclist, you should be prepared to deal with flats every once in a while. In those scenarios, a bike pump could make or break for you. With so many options and variables, finding out the best pump for a fat bike can get a little tricky.
Best Pump For Fat Bike Comparison Table In 2022
- AerGun X-1000 – Our Top Pick
- LEZYNE Classic High-Pressure Pump – Also Great
- Vibrelli Bike Floor Pump – Best For the daily commuter
- BV Bicycle Ergonomic – Affordable
In this piece, we are going to delve into the nitty-gritty of pumps and find out which pump ticks all the boxes for you.
What Is an Air Pump for a Fat Bike?
If you ever rode a vehicle with wheels, you must be familiar with the term ‘Flat tires.’ The bicycle pump is designed to serve a very simple purpose— inflate gassed out or fully flat tires with air.
It is one of the most basic, mandatory tools to own if you want to carry out your own bike maintenance And just like usual bicycles, air pumps for fat bikes are not any different.
These pumps vary in size and portability. They may or may not feature a gauge for measuring air pressure. And most importantly, the compatibility for different types of tire valves may vary from one pump to another.
Three Types of Tire Valves That Are There
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Schrader
These valves are likely the ones you are used to seeing most. Schrader valves are wider, robust, and have a spring mechanism on the inside to keep the valve closed. The usual procedure for pumping is to push the pump head on the valve and lock it in place with a lever.
When you remove the pump head, the spring mechanism makes the central stalk automatically pop backup, which closes the valve.
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Presta
Instead of the spring mechanism, these valves have manual screws. To inflate, you have to unscrew the screw in such a way that the nut sits on the top. You will get a hissing sound of slight depressing of air.
That is when you will attach your pump and start pumping. After inflation is complete, you remove the pump and screw the nut back to close the valve.
Dunlop, commonly known as woods valves, which looks like Schrader, is least popular among the three, but they are usually pumped with Presta-headed pumps. Pumping these valves is fairly simple. You just push on the pump and inflate it. The wide ring will be there to only hold the easily removable valve core in place.
Read More: The Best Fat Bike Under $1000
5 Things You Should Know Before Buying the Right Pump For Fat Bike
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Easy to Pump
This is a critical point for any bike pump. Many bike pumps are just harder to pump as the pressure gradually increases. Some of the lower-end budget pumps were especially challenging and required a decent effort to reach higher PSIs.Handles also make a big difference. The wider it is, the easier it will be to use.
Even though fat bike tires aren’t usually inflated at a high-pressure range like normal rode bikes, you should definitely be looking out for something that will make your pumping much smoother and comfortable.
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Durable
Typically, pumps made with metal bodies, both floor and mini-pump models, will be more durable than their plastic counterparts. They’ll also be easier to fix if a small part does break. Even handle material can play a role in a pump’s longevity.
At times, the cheaper models with lightweight plastic handlebars feel like they’re bending as you pump and can even break, which can be dangerous if it happens mid-pump. The ones we’ll be recommending here are all tried and tested machines that are proven to be solid.
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PSI
An important thing to always keep in mind when looking for a bike pump is the amount of pressure your tire requires. You can find this number on the side of the tire tube which will come in measurements of PSI (pounds per square inch).
Inflating to the lower number in the pressure range will increase traction and make the ride more comfortable.
On the other hand, inflating to a higher number will make the ride more efficient and will decrease the chances of getting a flat tire, but it will be a firmer ride. Not many riders need a pump that manages to go up to 160 PSI. And fat bikers can hardly go beyond 20 PSI.
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Track Pump or Portable Pump
Mini pumps or portable pumps are compact in size and discharge small amounts of air per pump.
They are designed to be used during emergency occasions while you’re out riding. Whereas floor pumps, also known as the Track Pump, sport a long flexible hose, a pressure gauge, and a wide chamber for quick air transfer. These are ideally kept at home or service centers to ensure your bicycle is pumped up at all times.
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Easy To Use
A pump that’s hard to attach to a valve isn’t just a hassle, it can also damage your valve. If you need to maneuver your valve around and are pushing and pulling it in all directions, that can potentially weaken the seal between the valve and the rest of the tube and cause a leak or break it altogether.
Height also matters. Some pumps will be optimal for taller people, while some are better designed for short riders.
Top 7 Bike Pump for Fat Bike in May 2022 [Expert Recommended]
Based on diverse criteria, we have tested multiple pumps and made a list of our top 7 picks for Fat bike pumps in 2022. Without further ado, let’s get right into it.
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Vibrelli Bike Floor Pump with Gauge – Best pump for daily Commuter 2022
Vibrelli High-performance floor bike pump is hands down the best floor pump you can get for general use on your fat bike. For a track pump, this is very lightweight weighing only 2.5 lbs. And despite being a track pump, Vibrelli’sportability makes it a more convenient travel companion.
There is a pressure gauge located at the bottom of the barrel. The dial is pretty easy to read, and you won’t have to squint to get a view of it. Vibrelli rated it up to 160 psi and we found it to be quite accurate up to 100 psi. For a fat bike, though, this will hardly make any difference since you don’t have to go beyond 20 psi.
Naturally, this pump is compatible with all three types of valves, be it Presta, Schrader, or Woods. The head of the pump has a Schrader valve adapter on one side and Presta/Woods on the other. Just attach the proper side to your valve and flip the switch to lock it on the valve.
We found the pump to be locking securely without any air loss. You can pretty much inflate a flat tire from scratch with this in under a couple of minutes.
Coming to build quality, even though the shaft of this floor pump is steel, the base and handle are plastic. With almost everything in perfection, one could only wish for it to be a bit more robust.
Verdict
This pump is compact and compatible with all three valve types. The handle is also ergonomic and comfortable. Coming in with a repair kit that packs glue-less patches, you cannot go wrong with this. It’s a great pump for a small price.
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BV Bicycle Ergonomic – Best Bike FloorPump 2022
BV is not a super recognizable brand name, but they have created a masterpiece in this ergonomic bicycle pump. Speaking of ergonomics, this weighs barely 2 pounds which is astounding for a floor pump. With small dimensions, this becomes another travel-friendly trail pump if you want to make it so.
The gauge is large with a highly visible face, and it’s placed above the base making it easy to get a view of the reading. Matching most of the features of more expensive options like 160 psi capability, this pump is hard to beat in terms of value for the price.
There are complaints about this pump when it comes to higher pressure demands, but 20 psi of fat bikes is well in reach of its capabilities.
As for the build quality, the tube is made of steel, providing durability and strength, but it is still a bit lighter than our number 1 pick. The handle and the base are made of plastic. The base is not very wide for you to step on it while pumping at full pace, but it is still sturdy enough to keep the pump firmly in place.
Just like Vibrelli, this one also fits all three types of valves. You can easily connect the pump with the valve with a long 34-inch rubber hose. But it does need a bit more time to inflate the full volume of a fat bike tire. Repeated pumping can make your hands tired, but this pump’s ergonomic handle does come to the rescue.
Verdict
BV’s ergonomic bicycle pump is reliable with a few minor design flaws but gets the job done reasonably well. Is it the best pump for fat bike? No, but it comes close.
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Vibrelli Bike Pump&Glueless Puncture Repair Kit – No Valve Changing Needed
While you should not make a portable mini pump your primary pump, they’re a quick and easy way to inflate your tires. Designed to be convenient to carry, the Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump surprisingly has more power than you’d think.
As a real portable pump, this does not feature any gauge meter like the previous ones. The form factor is very small and compact. It weighs just 5.3 ounces and is small enough to carry in your jersey pocket or saddlebag. With a capacity of 120 psi, it can provide enough pressure for any road bike.
Where it stands out most, though, is how easy and comfortable it is to use. The Vibrelli mini bike pump automatically latches onto Presta and Schrader tire valves, which means you don’t need to waste precious time changing valves or adaptors.
The ‘super fit’ technology helps air from leaking out. Another distinct feature is its extendable telescope, letting you switch from high pressure to high volume at a moment’s notice and inflate your bike tire in a pretty rapid fashion.
When it comes to building quality, the portable bike pump is made from an aircraft-grade 6061-Aluminum alloy that will not rust or corrode. It has ergonomic handles, which makes your pumping duty much more comforting.
The repair kit that comes with it offers glue-less patches. Imagine yourself in ice on a fat bike facing a flat. This pump could save the day for you.
Verdict
As far as portable pumps go, the Vibrelli’smini bike pump is a solid option. It ticks all the boxes and offers enough comfort to make a case for the best mini portable pump.
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Pro Bike Tool – Best High-Quality Bike Pump
There are pumps in the market that are just good overall. And then, there are those pumps which are not the best at every department, but absolutely nail it at what you want to do. The mini pump from Pro Bike Tool leans more towards the latter category.
In terms of portability, this does more than decent, weighing just about 100 grams. You can ideally fit it in a rear jersey pocket without the risk of losing it. Or you can also mount it anywhere on the bike using the velcro strap that comes with it.
It gets a little difficult to pump at a pressure level higher than 60 psi, but that will not be a concern if you are only planning to use it on a fat bike.
Filling up tires with big volume is where it shines. Surprisingly, a portable mini pump has a long piston that provides huge amounts of air per stroke. No mini pump can realistically compete with a floor pump, but this one will inflate your fat bike tire to full pressure in no time.
Unlike many other portable pumps, this one does offer you a hose to connect to the valve. The flexible hose screw on the valve stem gives you a secure seal, no air loss, and all the air from every stroke goes into the tire. And speaking of valves, it is compatible with both Presta and Schrader types.
Verdict
With a good customer base, you know that there won’t be much of a compromise in quality. Looking for something cheap yet something that feels premium? This is as close as it gets.
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Lezyne Micro – Best Portable Pump
Lezyneis an established name in the world of bike accessories. They hardly miss any list for top bike pumps, and with a pump likeMicro Floor Drive, we couldn’t leave them out. This is essentially a track pump but beautifully designed into a miniature level.
Lezyneoffers multiple versions of its Micro Floor Drive. Models with an HP in the name stand for ‘High Pressure’, whereas models with an HV denote ‘High Volume’. Since our focus is on fat bikes, we’ll stick with the HV one.
Smaller pumps mean more workouts. That is usually the rule of the thumb with all bike pumps. But this HVmodel seems to break the rule. Lezyne’sMicro Floor Drive is compact but powerful.
For the price, it features a stabilizing foot and a long rubber hose. With the space for packing a huge chunk of air, this will reduce your stroke count down to half compared to regular mini-pumps. So, you don’t have to fear for tennis elbow.
The pump head is Presta and Schrader compatible and, like the rest of the pump, can be easily disassembled for cleaning or replacement. The body of this pump is well-built from CNC machined aluminum, with few moving parts.
Durability is excellent. If something does go wrong, Lezyne sells spare parts for its pumps, a rarity these days. As for portability, while it is not compact enough to fit in a jersey pocket, it will most certainly fit in your hydration pack.
Verdict
With shorter inflation time, no pinched fingers, a stable foot stand, and a long hose, it suffices to say, if you want beast mode pumping power in a portable pump, this is the best in the business.
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Crankbrothers Gem – Best Dual Piston Pump
Featuring on our list is another beautifully designed hand pump from Crankbrothers. Initially designed focusing on mountain bikes, the Crankbrothers Gem hand pump became very popular within all kinds of bike enthusiasts’ circles.
The pump does not feature any additional features for a hand pump like a hose. But this is arguably the most compact pump on the list. With 8 inches of length and 0.3 lbs. of weight, you can carry it anywhere in any way you want without any hassle.
Moreover, the pump gives you a frame mount bracket included so that you can secure it safely to your fatbike’s frame.
Since it’s designed for mountain bikes, it tends to work on voluminous tires of fat bikes reasonably well.
Compatible with both Schrader and Presta valves, you do need to switch the adapter head manually depending on which valve you are going to use it on. It can be a bit tricky to secure the pump on the tire valve stem. But if you get it right, there will be no air leak.
With dual-piston, this pump offers two separate high-volume and high-pressure modes that you can switch with the flick of your wrist. For low-pressure and high-volume fat bike tires, this really comes in handy.
Build quality is solid, with the body made out of aluminum and the handle made of plastic. Coming in red, green, and midnight black, this pump does have some appeal in aesthetics, if not in comfort.
Verdict
The Cranbrothers Gem is super compact and solid when it comes to getting the basic job done. If you are searching for a good-looking pump that you want to permanently attach with your bike, you should check this out.
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AerGun X-1000 – Best Effortless Pump
With all sorts of technicalities lurking around, sometimes, people just want ease. AerGun X-1000 is a trail pump that covers all the basics while offering you a level of simplicity no pump can offer for the price.
Complying with the standards of the market, this pump features what is arguably the best fat bike tire gauge. The weight is just about 1 kilo, and the dimensions are perfect for a floor pump.
The main barrel is made of steel, while the handle and base are made of plastic. The hose is flexible enough not to cause any issue.
What makes this pump great is its valve head. This one does not need any customization or modifying. You just snap it onto your tube’s valve and lock it on.
The manual says it will fit with both Schrader and Presta, and it simply does. Even many high-budget segment pumps need some fiddling before you can switch from one type to another. This pump relieves you of that extra hassle and makes your life easier.
Another excellent feature of the X-1000 is its release valve. If youtube has been inflated more than you wished for, you can use the bleed valve button to release some air to get down to your desired psi level. Both the base and top of the pump handles have rubber inserts to ensure a comfortable hand and foot grip.
Verdict
AerGun’sX-1000 comes with an array of small but sensible features that many top-of-the-line pumps do not offer. If you have a limited budget, you can easily take this as the best trail pump for fat bikes.
FAQs on Best Pump For Fat Bike
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Can I use a regular bike pump for fat bikes?
Yes, you can. Fat bike tires are high in volume but not very high in terms of pressure level. So, any regular bike pump should be able to inflate fat bike tires.
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Do you need a special pump for fat tires?
Technically speaking, you do not. Any pump that is compatible with regular bikes tires will also be compatible with fat tires. But one should try to get a high-volume pump.
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How do you use a Lezyne Micro floor pump?
Depending on the valve type, you may have to flip the ABS flip thread chuck. The process is very simple. You unscrew it from the hose, flip it and screw it again from the opposite side. Then you connect the hose head to the valve of the tire and inflate it to your desired pressure.
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What PSI should a fat bike tire be?
It should be 6-8 PSI for soft conditions such as snow, 8-10 PSI for trail riding, and 10-15 PSI for pavement and similar surfaces. However, the pressure level should not go beyond 20 PSI.
Final Words: Best Pump For Fat Bike
Well, I think there isn’t anything left to write. Avoid mini-pumps since they can’t move a lot of air. There are mini-pumps with high-volume if that’s what you need. But the bottom line is this; the best pump for the fat bike is a high-volume pump. It’s just the better one, no argument to be had here.
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