mini pump

Topeak Mini Morph splices the best features of a track and mini pump - you know, in one of those experiments involving matter transfer demonstrated by Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum's unfortunate scientist in David Cronenberg's visceral remake of the Fly).

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.

There's no two ways about it: I've never seen a pump like BBB's Oval Integrate Mini Pump before. With its slender concave shape, the design is simply unique, and undeniably intriguing.

So let's have a closer look.

The SKS Diago's sleek appearance sets it apart from the vast majority of mini pumps but the design isn't just for show. The smooth integration of the handle and pump head helps to prevent grit and dirt from fouling the mechanism whilst the ridges that run the length on the pump clip nicely into the provided frame mount.

The Crankbrothers Alloy Power Pump is one worth considering if you want a single pump to take out on all your bikes. While it lacks the outright pushing power of some mini pumps the switchable stroke volume, useful pressure gauge and easy-to use twin head make it a good choice if your stable spans road and dirt.

Coming in at 297mm long the Lezyne Road Drive isn't really a mini-pump, it's hard to be truly mini when you're A4 length, but it's too small for a frame-fit pump, yet it comes with it's own alloy bottle-cage mounting bracket so it must be some strange breed of mini-pump then, a midi-pump maybe.

A pump that fits in the palm of your hand? Capable of 130psi? Excuse my cynicism but we've been here before, on many occasions, and the outcome is more often that not the same: pump doesn't deliver. That's the case here, sadly.

Xtreme Airik mini pump

The Lezyne alloy drive looks very smart indeed. It's CNC machined from 7075 aluminium which makes for a high quality feel, and has some really nice design touches; it works on both Schrader and Presta valves, you can keep your cartridge in the body without risk of accidental puncturing and airflow can be controlled. At 100grams is not as light as some but certainly no heavyweight either. It takes any 16g threaded cartridge.