Pumps and Accessories for City Bikes

Foot pump in steel: sturdiness and precision in the garage

The foot pump sits on the ground, held down by your feet, and pushes a large amount of air with each stroke: a city tire can be reinflated in just a few seconds. The VP Optimiz Tradi features a body made of steel, which is heavier than aluminium or plastic but very shock-resistant and durable over the years. Its wide base prevents it from tipping over during use. Choose a pump with a pressure gauge that can be read while standing, and a hose long enough to reach the valve without laying down the bike.

The rest of the wheel

City wheels, tires, and brakes are also available:

• Tires.
• Inner tubes.
• Wheels.
• Caliper brakes.
• Disc brakes.

The whole range is gathered on the wheels, tires, and braking page.

Presta, Schrader, Dunlop: matching the head to the valve

City bikes use three types of valves. The Schrader, identical to car valves, is wide and sturdy. The Presta, narrower, is recognized by its small nut that needs to be loosened before inflating. The Dunlop, once common on Dutch and older city bikes, inflates with a Presta tip. A double or reversible head accommodates both main formats without an adapter. To avoid leaks, the head needs to be pushed straight onto the valve and then locked in place with its lever before the first pump stroke.

What pressure for a city bike tire

The acceptable pressure is molded on the side of the tire, in bars and PSI, with a minimum and maximum value. A city tire that is thirty-five to forty-seven millimeters wide is usually inflated between three and five bars: higher for better performance on smooth asphalt, lower for comfort on cobblestones. A heavier cyclist or a loaded bike requires more pressure to avoid the pinching of the inner tube against a curb. Since an inner tube naturally loses air, checking it weekly with a gauge prevents riding under-inflated without realizing it.

Good deals

Great bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable sequence: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to use a foot pump with a Presta valve?

First, unscrew the small nut at the top of the valve, press briefly to unlock it, then insert the pump head and lift the lever. After inflation, screw the nut back on to protect the valve.

What is the maximum pressure a city bike pump should reach?

A pump capable of reaching six or seven bars is sufficient for city tires. Workshop foot pumps often reach eleven bars, leaving room for inflating a road bike too.

Why does a tire deflate without an obvious puncture?

A loosely fitted valve, a leaking core, or a micro-puncture can slowly empty the inner tube. Inflate it, then apply soapy water around the valve: bubbles will indicate the leak. A slight loss over several weeks remains normal.

How to maintain a foot pump?

Store it in a dry place, with the hose coiled without tight bends. If it is hard to use or leaks, the piston seal needs a bit of silicone grease, and the head seal can be easily replaced when it cracks.

Foot pump or mini pump for an urban cyclist?

The foot pump inflates quickly and accurately at home, thanks to its gauge and large volume. The mini pump fits into a bag for a quick fix on the go, but requires much more effort to reach the right pressure.