pump

Made from beautifully finished CNC machined aluminium Lezyne’s HP drive M Mini pump continues the firm’s reputation for stylish, contemporary products that deliver exactly what they promise-even the old school threaded attachment fails to detract. That said in keeping with the breed, 120psi translates into a more realistic 95 in the real world while tourists and racers are better served by the latest generation of frame-fit pumps and CO2 cartridges respectively.

Lezyne herald the Micro Floor Drive as “Floor pump power brought to an on-the-bike package”, with a bold claim like this, it has a lot to live up to.

There are two variants of the Micro Floor Drive, the HV and the HP, both available with or without an inbuilt pressure gauge.

The HV is the high volume model; it has a wider barrel to enable more air to be moved per stroke, but reaches a lower ultimate pressure, suited to mountain bike tyres.

Mini pumps vary in their performance as much as anything in cycling, and it seems that for all the progress in cycling equipment there's still plenty of awful pumps out there. Not that the Quicker Pro is one of them: it's an excellent emergency pump that'll get your tyres track-pump-hard at the roadside without making your arms fall off.

Given the fashion for mini-pumps it can be difficult to find decent full-size frame fit models. Blackburn comes to the rescue with a well-designed and nicely executed model capable raising a flat 700x23 from zero to 120psi in a matter of five minutes. However, racers should stick to CO2 cartridges and unless you’ve arms like Popeye and are using the largest size, 160psi seems a touch optimistic.

Topeak's Road Master Blaster is a well-thought-out frame pump that's a reliable companion for longer excursions. Well built and capable of high pressures, it's a great touring or Audax pump.

What are the usual problems with frame mountable mini pumps? The ability to inflate your tyres to a worth while pressure without suffering a hernia in the process? The frequently poor construction and materials used? Being able to work with the pump in a controlled manner? All of these things are minor but noticable annoyances found with a wide number of mini pumps but not with the Truflo Evolution.

The SKS Airgun is a pump designed for riders who need to inflate their tyres in a hurry, and is particularly suited to race, time trial and triathlon riders who need to get moving again quickly.

The Airgun comes complete with one cartridge - it takes the 16g threaded type CO2 cartridges – a bottle cage mount for the pump, another that holds a spare cartridge, and an insulating sleeve.

The quoted weight of the pump is 105g including the cartridge, separate 16g cartridges weigh in at around 58g each.

Bontrager's Air Support Road is another lightweight mini pump genuinely capable of delivering 100 PSI in 150 strokes and five minutes and would be my choice for those that want something that works well and looks good.

The extensive use of alloy gives a reassuringly solid feel and the intricately machined T handle offers surprisingly good grip - even at the higher pressures and being double action improves efficiency managing 100PSI in a 700X23 and 85 inside a 26X1.5 in one hundred and fifty and two hundred and twenty strokes respectively.

Despite the bargain basement price tag, the head rush could be perfect for commuters and mountain bikers looking for a simple, reliable pump. Rotating 360 degrees, the swivel head also tilts giving better access to hard to reach valves-the sort typically found on small-wheeled folders, children’s bikes and trailers. A thumb lock prevents frustrating air leakage but swapping between Presta and Schrader valves demands stripping of the valve head, yet the piston action felt smoother than models costing twice the price.

Sporting a slender 6063 aluminium barrel, T handle for improved grip and two way action capable of delivering 100psi, the Ultralite would suit riders demanding moderate tyre pressures and needing a reliable pump for roadside emergencies