Air Rams: How Bicycle Pumps Work
Bicycle riders use small and handy bicycle pumps regularly. This is probably why you’ll always see an air pump strapped to a bicycle. If you use one regularly, do you know how they actually work? The objective of any bike pump is to force air out of the air rams or valves and into the tire to increase the tire pressure to an appropriate level. Although there are three types of manual bicycle pumps, including the Foot Pump and CO2 Cartridge, we will only discuss the manual Hand Pump, which is the most common bike pump used.
Intake and release
Any bicycle pump is basically just an air piston. The long plastic or metal shaft that is between the handle and base serves to hold air. When you pull the handle outwards, the air is sucked in through the intake valve, and the piston gets filled with air. When you push back the handle inwards into the pump, the air is pushed out of the piston, into the hose, and out of the fill valve. The pump handle you hold is attached to a long and thin rod going into the main pump shaft. Inside the pump, at the end of the rod, a plunger assembly creates an airtight seal so that when you push the handle back inside, all air is pushed out of the hose.
Valve or air rams
Bicycle pumps can use several types of valves or air rams. These pneumatic natured types of valves correspond to the matching valve on the bike tube. When buying bike tubes and bike pumps, make sure both are compatible with each other. This is because when you put the pump valve into the tire valve and lock it in place, it allows the exiting air from the pump to be pushed directly into the tube, rather than exiting and spraying out into the open. Some manual hand bike pumps have a pressure gauge attached. This allows you to read the tire pressure currently inside the tube so you can pump to the needed pressure level.
Word of caution
Because of the sensitivity of the valve inside the pump, when lubricating a pump, use only heavy oil or light grease. Don’t use automotive axle grease.
Master Mac 2000
When it comes to air rams, air treatment valves, and other pneumatic valves and systems, you can call MasterMac2000. Established in 1989, the company has grown to become one of Australia’s largest privately-owned distributors of valves, cylinders, power clamps, GR8 tooling, vacuum systems, and American cylinders. Call Master Mac 2000 for enquiries on 07 3344 4711 or visit https://mastermac2000.com.au/ to view their product lines.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.