The Birzman Velocity RG minipump can get your tyres to three-figures pressures easily, and has a handy built-in gauge to tell you when to stop.
Thanks to the advancement in tyre technology the puncture fairy doesn't get quite so many gigs as she used to, but if you are unfortunate enough to have a flat on a ride a decent mini pump is a must. The Birzman Velocity range has pumps for both road (Presta) and MTB's (Schraeder) valves with pretty impressive claims of 160/90psi maximum pressures.
In exchange for your thirty quid the quality is certainly there. That's noticeable as soon you remove it from the packaging; the highly polished aluminium body looks good and feels sturdy.
There are rubber grips on the pump body and handle for a bit of purchase. It takes 287 strokes to reach 100psi on a 700x23c tyre so you want somewhere comfortable to put your hands.
This model is the Velocity RG. The R stands for road, so there's a presta valve fitting and the G denotes the fact that there is an inline gauge on the flexible hose. It's a neat little addition and whether or not you deem a pressure gauge necessary on a mini pump or not I, found it useful to make sure there was enough air in the tyre to avoid pinch punctures.
Another smart touch is the Snap-It valve attachment. Slide the alloy cap back before pushing the end of the hose over the valve and once in position slide the cap back over and two threaded clamps keep the hose in position. It works really well and didn't blow off even at really high pressure.
Once you've finished inflating, the hose and gauge slide back inside the shaft and it's all sealed with a rubber top cap.
In terms of performance I've got no reason to think that the claimed 160psi maximum isn't achievable as I reached the recommended upper limit of 140psi on my tyres with relative ease. It took a while, but the pump didn't struggle.
A weight of 116g and at 220mm long the Velocity is barely noticed whether you decide to carry it on the bike via its included bracket or in a jersey pocket.
Trying to find issues with it has proved tricky and I can literally only find the fact the rubber grip at the hose end tends to slip down while you're using it, a very minor niggle but one all the same.
Overall the Velocity RG is one of the best mini pumps I've used and now lives in my commuting rucksack. Great build quality and the ability to get your tyres up to their max pressure at the roadside means the Birzman Velocity RG minipump is worth the money.
Verdict
Sturdy, well built mini pump that'll easily reach the pressures required for road tyres.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Birzman Velocity with Gauge 90/160psi / Velocity 160psi- Mini Pump
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
THe Velocity RG is a mini pump designed for road bikes that is rated up to 160psi.I had no issues getting to 140psi so that rating seems pretty fair. The Snap-It valve connector works a treat as well.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Aluminium body
160psi Max rating
Pressure Gauge
Snap-It quick connector
Flexible hose
Presta compatible only
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Very impressive pressures for such a small pump.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
I was very impressed with how easy it was to get to 120psi, okay its a lot of strokes but the effort on each stroke is the same whether there is 10psi in the tube or 100.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The Snap-It system and overall performance.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
If the pump extendeds when you aren't using it you have to flip of the sealing cap to release the pressure.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
Age: 35 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: Ribble Winter Trainer for commuting, Genesis Flyer My best bike is: Sarto Rovigo
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,
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