Those hand pumps are for chumps, man. We’ve all been there — trailside, flailing wildly trying to inflate a tire with a mini pump. CO2 cartridges provide quick inflation, but are expensive and wasteful for regular use. Both options will get the job done, but there’s got to be a better way, right? The folks behind Stompump believe that there is and their innovative foot pump is ready to prove it.
Stompump Foot Pump Features:
- Presta or Schraeder valve compatible
- Inflation up to 60 psi
- 2-foot hose length
- Includes frame docking mount
- Built-in filter to prevent contamination for long-term durability
- Made in the USA
- Weight: 185 grams
- MSRP: $69.95
Step on it already!
I’ve reviewed my fair share of pumps over the years, but none are as unique as the Stompump. Aimed as a hand pump alternative with more ease-of-use and speed than a typical mini pump provides. It maxes out at 60 psi, so it’s not quite road-worthy, but it’s perfect for MTB or gravel bike use.
While the Stompump is small enough to be tucked into a jersey pocket (though I wouldn’t recommend it for long periods), it’s made to be attached to a standard bottle cage mount. The tough thing about most mountain bikes is there’s usually only one usable location for water, so this pump may often find itself underneath the downtube. On gravel bikes with top tube mounts, it could be placed there. If carried under the downtube, I’d honestly worry about muck and mud getting into it, but give it a whirl if that’s your only option.
As far as inflation goes, the short and stubby canister does a great job. It’s certainly faster than a mini pump — and less taxing to use. One of the challenges out on the trail is finding a flat, solid spot of ground to pump on for the most efficient stroke. Pavement is best (of course), but just do your best to find a solid, flat area when pumping. It’s worth mentioning that it does work best with flat shoes. MTB shoes are pretty good, but road cleats make pumping difficult.
In the end, is it really better inflating a tire with a mini foot pump than a mini or frame-mounted hand pump? Absolutely! It’s much easier on the body and less awkward by a mile. But, it’s still not lightning-fast. It’s certainly much faster than a mini pump, but don’t expect to be seating any tubeless tires with this one. That said, do expect to pump a tire up without the usual arm and hand fatigue that comes with mini pumps.
For reference, it takes about 170 foot strokes to inflate the WTB Venture 47 on the Zipp 303 Firecrest 650b to 38 psi. That same tire would take about 28 strokes with a floor pump and about 500 strokes (at aerobic threshold) with a mini pump. Don’t forget, with that mini pump, you also run a significant risk of breaking the valve in the process.
For a 2.35″ mountain bike tire, the Stompump takes about 80 foot strokes to inflate to 20 psi. That translates into about 110 for a medium-volume hand pump or 24 strokes of a floor pump. Let’s just say that the Stompump crushes mini pumps, but larger MTB hand pumps or frame pumps fare a little better against the Stompump. But, both do put a lot of stress on the valve compared to the Stompump.
The small-diameter hose wraps around and hooks to the base of the Stompump for storage. And, the valve is easily changed from presta to shraeder at any time. It screws onto the valve for secure inflation. Just pay attention when you’re removing it from the valve that you don’t just unscrew the presta/schraeder valve as that will deflate your tire instead of keeping the proper pressure (I may or may not have done that a few times).
I also tossed it into the van on a few family roadtrips. So long as you know your tire pressure by feel or have a separate gauge, the Stompump can replace your floor pump in a pinch, or while on the road. My primary use has been with gravel tires to 35-40 psi (WTB Venture 47 and Byway 47’s). I’ve also found it quite handy to keep the Stompump next to the bike trainer to re-inflate my front tire every few weeks.
Should a rebuild ever be necessary, the Stompump is easily-maintained and surprisingly-simple. A $10 rebuild kit is available once the time comes.
The Good
- Miles better than using a hand mini pump
- Lightweight and stores easily
- Valve can easily adapt from presta to schraeder
- Durable construction
- Good for travel
The Bad
- Not all bikes have a spare mount available
- Not as easily stashed as a hand pump
The Bottom Line: Stompump Foot Pump
When you’re stuck fixing a flat and all you have is a mini pump, the “stroke of shame” is a terrible way to get back rolling. With the Stompump, you can inflate your tires quickly and with much less effort than a typical hand pump. It’s not particularly small, but can be mounted to any bottle cage or zip-tied to the frame or seatpost, if needed.
Buy Now: Available on Amazon.com
