Mountain bike pumps and tubeless repair

What kind of pump do you need for a mountain bike?

A mountain bike tyre is inflated to a much lower pressure than a road tyre, but it holds a large volume of air. The right pump therefore favours the volume delivered with each stroke rather than maximum pressure.

• Floor pump: at home, it inflates quickly and its gauge lets you set the pressure precisely, a detail that changes grip on a mountain bike.
• Mini pump: fixed to the frame or slipped into your pack, it gets you going again on the trail. High-volume versions, often marked HV, suit MTB tyres better than high-pressure models designed for the road.
• CO2 inflator: a cartridge reinflates a tyre in a few seconds and can help seat a tubeless tyre against the rim; it can only be used once.

Shock pump for forks and rear shocks

An air fork or shock is set up with a specific pump: low volume, high pressure and an accurate gauge. It screws onto the suspension valve, usually a Schrader type. Set the pressure according to your weight and the manufacturer's chart, then fine-tune using the sag measured once you are in the saddle.

Tubeless: sealant, valves and inserts

With tubeless, sealant plugs small punctures as you ride; it dries out over time and needs topping up regularly. Tubeless rim valves are replaced when they leak or become clogged with sealant. Inserts, slipped inside the tyre, protect the rim from impacts, support the sidewalls at low pressure and often let you ride home after an outright puncture.

Repairing on the trail

An MTB ride kit includes a mini pump or CO2, tyre levers, a spare tube in the right wheel size and, for tubeless, plugs to close a cut that sealant alone cannot seal. Our MTB inner tubes and MTB tyres complete this kit, and MTB wheels are presented in the same family. For road or city riding, see our road bike pumps and city bike pumps.

Which mountain bike pump and repair brands to choose?

Orange Seal offers its sealant in a Subzero version, formulated for very low temperatures.

Kheax, a French accessories brand that names its pumps after winds, offers the Lapix HV, an all-aluminium mini pump in two lengths.

Birzman combines CO2 inflators supplied with their cartridges, such as the Roar, and a Zacco shock pump graduated up to 300 psi.

Stans supplies tubeless rim valves, including the Exo-Core and the Universal+, also in packs of 25 for the workshop.

Rockshox, the fork and shock manufacturer, offers its shock pumps up to 300 or 600 psi.

CushCore, founded in Bend, Oregon, makes inserts that protect the rim and stabilise the sidewalls at low pressure, with a version for electric mountain bikes.

Mountain bike pumps and repair on sale

End-of-line pumps and accessories move to our MTB wheels and tyres clearance, and the latest references are in new arrivals. A quality floor pump is a good buy on Black Friday.

Frequently asked questions

Mini pump or CO2 for mountain bike rides?

CO2 is hard to beat for speed and helps reseat a tubeless tyre, but each cartridge can only be used once. The mini pump, slower, never runs out. Many mountain bikers carry both: CO2 to get going again quickly, the pump as back-up.

Can you inflate a fork with an ordinary bike pump?

No. An ordinary pump is not designed for suspension pressures and its gauge lacks precision in that range. A low-volume shock pump allows fine adjustments.

Do you need a special pump for tubeless?

To reinflate a tyre that is already fitted, an ordinary pump is enough. To fit a new tyre, you need a strong burst of air in one go: a pump with a charge chamber or a CO2 cartridge makes the job easier.

How long does tubeless sealant last?

Sealant eventually dries out in the tyre, all the faster in hot, dry weather. Check it regularly by shaking the wheel close to your ear and top it up as soon as you can no longer hear it.

Presta or Schrader valve: which pump head?

Many pumps accept both, thanks to a reversible head or a dual opening. Check this if your mountain bike has Presta valves and its suspension uses a Schrader valve.