Pumps and accessories for BMX

Schrader or Presta Valve: Which Pump Fitting

Before buying a pump, you should check the valve on your inner tubes. The Schrader valve, the same as those on car tyres, is used on the vast majority of BMX freestyle: it’s wide and sturdy, it can handle bumps and can even be inflated at the petrol station. The Presta valve, which is thinner, is found on some racing BMX; you unscrew its small nut before inflating, then screw it back. The rim holes are different: a rim drilled for Schrader can accept a Presta valve with an adaptor, but the other way around is impossible without redrilling. A double or reversible pump head prevents the need to choose.

The Rest of the Wheel

BMX wheels and tyres also come in different types:

• Wheels.
• Tyres.
• Inner tube.

The whole range is gathered on the wheels and tyres page.

Reading Pressure in psi and bar on a Twenty-Inch Tyre

The minimum and maximum pressure is moulded on the side of each tyre, most often in psi, the Anglo-Saxon unit: one bar is about fourteen point five psi. The manometer on the pump should therefore display both units; if it doesn’t, you can convert in your head. In parks and on streets, you inflate close to the maximum so the tyre can absorb landings without pinching the inner tube against the rim. In racing, you look for a balance between efficiency on straight paths and grip on banked turns; in dirt, a bit less pressure helps on loose ground. Always check before each session: an inner tube can lose air even without a puncture.

The Repair Kit to Slip into the Bag

A puncture during a session can be fixed in just a few minutes with the right gear. The mini-pump, short and lightweight, can be attached to the bag or slipped into a pocket; a version with a small hose avoids twisting the valve while pumping. Plastic tyre levers detach the bead without marking the rim; it’s wise to have two or three on hand since freestyle tyres, thick and tightly fitted, can be tough. Patches, glue, and sandpaper complete the kit, or you can use self-adhesive patches, which are quicker but less durable. A CO2 cartridge with its inflation head can inflate a tyre in just a few seconds, but each cartridge is only good for one use.

Good Deals

Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and sent out within 24 hours. The peak times of the year follow a consistent order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the year-end holidays, the winter sales, the French Days of spring, followed by the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pump should I choose for a child starting BMX?

A foot pump with a clearly readable manometer and a Schrader head is sufficient: stable, it is easy to use and allows the child to learn how to check their pressure. Show them where to read the values on the side of the tyre.

Can you inflate a BMX tyre at the petrol station?

Yes for a Schrader valve, but with caution: the compressor sends out a strong flow, and the small volume of a twenty-inch tyre increases in pressure very quickly. Inflate in short bursts while watching the gauge.

How can you find a slow leak on a BMX inner tube?

Inflate the tube outside of the tyre and immerse it in a basin of water: bubbles will indicate the hole. Also check the valve, as the core may come loose; a core tool allows you to tighten it in just a few seconds.

Does a BMX need rim tape?

Yes, rim tape isolates the inner tube from the metal edges of the holes drilled in the rim. If worn or misaligned, it can cause repeated punctures on the inner side of the tube, next to the rim.

How should I maintain a foot pump?

Occasionally lubricate the piston seal with suitable grease and check the head seal, which wears out and can let air escape. Store the pump upright, with the hose rolled up without kinks to avoid damage.