SKS Puro Pump

SKS Puro Pro road pump's diminutive size will appeal to racers determined to shave every last gram from their bikes without forgoing a basic toolkit. However, while a tangible complement to Co2 inflators and with build quality to the brand's usual high standards; you'll need arms like Popeye and the patience of a saint to restore everyday 23mm training rubber from flaccid to 125, let alone 144psi as claimed.

Measuring 19.5cm and weighing a feathery 89g, (claimed weight is 80g) thanks to extensive use of high quality plastics (there's a carbon version too), the Puro feels reassuringly solid. To use it's simply a question of rotating the top cap clockwise so it aligns with the circle to free the barrel. SKS make efficient use of available space here too, employing a clear Perspex tube with pressure gauge in both bar and psi inscribed in black for easy reference against the orange. Twisting the handle when pressed close releases the nifty plated presta head ready for action. To retract simply press down using your thumb and lock the pump closed. The hinged carry bracket mounting to the frame's bottle boss is extremely well designed. Serrated closures allow a custom fit- loose for quick draws or pinched tight to prevent unwanted ejection over the pav.

These small details certainly count and perhaps I'm being harsh but common to the pint sized breed of mini pumps, performance is a relative term. Latching the head on to the valve requires care my second attempt claimed the first casualty, shearing the tip forty-two strokes in. Proceeding gingerly and assuming a smooth, rhythmic motion brings 25psi to a 25mm tyre in around 40 strokes/seconds. However, nudging past thirty-five psi things become an uphill struggle. 380 strokes and five minutes later I wheezed up to eighty Psi, biceps burning with lactic acid. Achieving a further twenty-five pretty much consumed my will to live - ours locked out at a commendable 110. The song remained much the same with common or garden 23mm training rubber save for an extra 10psi getting that up to a pretty impressive 120. Eventually.

Verdict

Well made but for emergencies only since reaching realistic road pressures without using a Co2 inflator as well is extremely difficult