Bike Pumps

I pump up my tires every time before I go out. The "feel the tire method" just doesn't work. I bought a basic floor pump with a gauge (Ascent) at Performance Bike. It works with both Presta (race bikes) and the car-type valves. Cost about $25. Topeak is another good brand. I would also recommend getting a patch kit, some spare tubes, and a CO2 inflator. That will save you a long walk one day... If you don't know how to change a tube, your LBS should be able to help you.

I check the pressure before every ride.  Usually (unless I am just going to the bakery or somewhere very close) I add air to reach 110 PSI.

There are two types of valves - presta and schraeder.  Schraeders are like the one on your car, and found on cheaper bikes in general.  Prestas are more "pointy" (which is how I remember them), and found on more expensive bikes (road, tri, AND mtn - all my bikes have prestas).  Ideal pressure depends on the tire, but in general, roadies are around 100-130; mountain bikes are 40-60 (I run lower when I am on very rocky terrain and higher on more of a maintained trail).  Hybrids, as you might imagine, run in between.

Pumps come in floor models and frame pumps. You should have both (or at least a floor and a CO2 dispenser).  I prefer floor pumps that have dual attachments for both presta and schraeder, so I can service my bikes, my kids' bikes, friends, etc.  If you only have a schraeder pump, you need the little attachment dealy to adapt the valve to the pump.  Don't forget to unscrew the little screw on the valve to open it up, or you will be very frustrated.

In general, a pump is easy to maintain. I have had several floor pumps over the years, and generally have not spent more than $30-50.  Bike shop sales, REI garage sales, etc are good places to get them.  Frame pumps are more varied overall.  I currently have one that uses both CO2 and a regular pump action that is small enough to slide under the seat between the rails. If you decide to use a pump and not CO2, I would take a wheel to the shop with the tube deflated, and try a couple of pumps to see how annoying it is to use the different frame pumps.  In general, the smaller ones are easier to store, but take a lot longer to fill, while the bigger ones are more unwieldy overall to use or store, but fill more quickly.

To be honest that Schwinn pump is a piece of crap.  I have one and learned the hard way.  I thought I would be cheap and buy a cheap pump from W-mart thought would suffiece.  Longstory short the air pressure it read wasn't correct and it was hard as could be to untach from the valve.  Went to my LBS and bought a quality pump (I think it may be called INNOVATION, not sure) but haven't looked back.

Check your tires before every ride.

Love my yellow Joe Blow!