I heart frame pumps

When it comes to mid-ride inflation, you’ve got three options: a frame pump, CO2, or a mini pump. In my opinion, the frame pump is the all-around best tool for the job and it actually makes me a little sad to see how few people still ride with one. I’d even go so far as to say that the frame pump reflects humility and functionality in cycling culture. Maybe I’m reading too much into this.

CO2 is the lightest and fastest way to inflate, and it requires the least physical effort (i.e. none). But it’s also the most expensive - those $2-3 cartridges add up quickly - and tires inflated with CO2 lose pressure more quickly than tires inflated with air. A CO2 setup weighs next to nothing and the smallest ones can fit neatly into a jersey pocket. Even though your spent cartridges might be recycleable, there’s still waste generated every time you inflate.

In terms of both time and effort, mini pumps are terribly inefficient at pumping tires. On the other hand, they’re about as light and compact as CO2. Mini pumps are also pretty cheap.

Although any frame pump will be slower and more laborious than CO2, a good one is still pretty fast and easily inflates upwards of 100psi. The price of a frame pump is comparable to that of a mini pump; neither leaves any trash. Frame pumps are heavier than the other two options and detract from your bike’s looks - assuming your frame can fit one in the first place.

All three tools have their pros and cons, so what bothers me about CO2 and mini pumps?

CO2 is an unnecessary expense that generates needless garbage, but it saves you a few precious moments - on the road, that is. The time you’ll spend pumping at home because your CO2-inflated tires lost pressure overnight negates most of the time you just saved. But the CO2 choice isn’t about carefully weighing the total cost of money, trash, and time; it’s about instant gratification, pure and simple.

Mini pumps are lighter than frame pumps and they’re not ugly. But if you cite those as your reasons, then you’re saying that actually inflating tires is just a minor concern for your on-bike pump as long as it doesn’t hold back your “performance” or the appearance thereof. Don’t be ridiculous. Aesthetics and weight are important, but they should never diminish your bike’s ability to do its most basic jobs.

The humble frame pump is the only choice that is in no way unreasonable. It might not be the winner in any category, but it’s not expensive, wasteful, or impractical. I wish more things were like that.

By the way, I have two Blackburn frame pumps that I’m selling - a brand new Large for $20 and a used Small for $10.  Let me know if you’re interested. Honestly, I didn’t realize I still had those pumps until after I wrote this post.

Note: If you’re doing a mountain bike race or a triathlon, go for the CO2. Not that you could carry a frame pump on your mountain bike anyway. Or, if you have some weird tube shapes and can’t carry a frame pump, have fun with that mini pump. But for most road riding on most bikes, a frame pump is the way to go.