This review delves into the Bontrager Charger Floor Pump, comparing its performance and features to a more budget-friendly alternative. The author recounts their experience upgrading from a basic Swingline pump, highlighting the challenges and ultimately the rewards of using the Bontrager Charger. This detailed assessment covers ease of use, accuracy of the pressure gauge, and overall inflation speed, offering valuable insights for cyclists considering this popular pump.The upgrade from a basic pump to the Bontrager Charger addresses common cyclist needs, such as efficient inflation for high-pressure tires and compatibility with both Presta and Schrader valves. The review examines the initial setup difficulties encountered, providing crucial tips for navigating the valve switching mechanism. Ultimately, the author assesses whether the Bontrager Charger justifies its cost and provides a definitive recommendation based on their personal experience.
Pros And Cons
- Capable of Presta and potentially Schrader valves (though unclear from review)
- Includes a gauge
- Feels more comfortable to use than the Schwinn pump
- Instructions unclear on how to use with Schrader valves
- Gauge accuracy is questionable
- Difficult to use, reviewer experienced difficulty and pain
- Mechanism for switching between Presta and Schrader is unclear and possibly missing a piece
- Affordable (~$20-25)
- Works for Schrader valves
- Difficult to use, requires significant effort
- Reviewer found it hard to pump up tires
Read more: Top 5 High-Pressure Bike Pumps for Effortless Inflation
Comparing the Bontrager Charger to a Previous Pump
For about a year, I relied on a Swingline 120-pound gauge pump, purchased from Target for around $25. It served its purpose, but I recently upgraded to the Bontrager Charger Floor Pump.
The Swingline pump was adequate for my old 20-inch folding bike, but my new bike requires higher tire pressure (70-75 PSI), making the Swingline pump less efficient.
The Bontrager Charger boasts compatibility with both Schrader and Presta valves, a significant advantage over my previous pump.
Initial Impressions and Setup Challenges
Upon purchasing the Bontrager Charger at Helen Cycles (also available on Amazon), I immediately encountered some difficulties. The instructions were unclear on how to switch between Schrader and Presta valves.
The pump is advertised as 'multi-use' or 'universal,' but identifying the Schrader attachment proved challenging. I even questioned whether I received a complete product, possibly missing an additional tip.
After careful examination, I discovered the dual tips were cleverly integrated into a hidden compartment. The key was understanding the correct way to attach the head—pushing it on and then tightening the clamp, not the other way around.
Performance and Functionality
After figuring out the proper attachment method, I tested the Bontrager pump on my bike's Presta valve. Initially, the gauge seemed inaccurate, reading significantly lower than expected.
Pumping the tire to the recommended pressure of 75 PSI proved effortless and significantly faster compared to my previous pump.
The Bontrager Charger's gauge, although initially deceptive, became more reliable with use, demonstrating its precision.
Final Verdict and Comparison
The Bontrager Charger Floor Pump is a significant upgrade from my previous Swingline pump, offering superior speed, ease of use, and a more accurate gauge (once properly understood).
While the initial setup was confusing due to unclear instructions, the pump's performance more than compensates. It's worth the slightly higher price point.
The improved speed and efficiency make this a highly recommended option for cyclists with both Presta and Schrader valves.