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review
Pumps & CO2 inflators
Lezyne HP Drive M mini pumpLezyne HP Drive M pump

Lezyne HP Drive M mini pump

7
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Feb 10, 2010

0
£19.99
Buy this online

VERDICT:

7
10
Stylish, and effective mini pump not for very high pressures though
Weight: 
99g
Contact: 
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
How we test

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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.

Measuring 12.8 centimetres long and tipping the scales at 130g, the larger diameter barrel and stocky old school pump make a nice change from the plug on T handle type. For best results pop (thread) the attachment onto the valve first so as to prevent the pump unravelling at the crucial pump and inflate as normal. This equates to a slight loss in efficiency and detracts from the pump’s rigidity but on the flip side can be more reliable especially if you’re prone to breaking integrated ends at the crucial moment. The resin bracket holds the barrel very securely; good news for crossers or those positioning pumps on saddle mounted bottle carriers while the beefy barrel shrugs at the inevitable day to day careless better than expected.

At a steady pace inflating a 700X25 to 95psi takes 155 strokes and about two minutes whereas 80 in a 26x2 took five minutes and nigh on 700-slow but still infinitely preferable to the long walk home strokes. Not bad considering that this isn't designed as a high volume pump. Reversible ends might lack the convenience of Smart heads but means you won’t be high and dry should you be unlucky enough to flat on both the main bike and trailer/tag-along. Similarly, dust caps keep water, grit and muck thrown up by the wheels firmly at bay.

Twenty quid is about right, rather than remarkable for this level of performance but the Lezyne makes a nice package for those who puncture infrequently yet need dependable inflation.

Verdict

Stylish, and effective mini pump that'll get you home if not to the highest pressures

road.cc test report

Make and model: Lezyne HP Drive M mini pump

Size tested: Medium

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 Lezyne is a general use, lightweight mini pump designed for "High pressure low volume applications" say Lezyne, with some very nice detailing but racers and/or those running really high pressures will need to look elsewhere. The "HP" stands for high pressure Lezyne also do an HV equivalent for high volume tyres such as those on mountain bikes.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

CNC machined alloy construction,12.8cm long, 130g including nylon bracket, dual end (presta/schrader)threaded valve.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The Lezyne is remarkably rigid given the weight with a surprisingly smooth action. However, delivering higher pressures is laborious with the barrel feindishly hot to touch after a few minutes continuous use.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Low weight, visually very attractive and surprisingly comfortable to use.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Can't manage the really high pressures demanded of some race tyres.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

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Lezyne pump
Lezyne HP Drive M mini pump
Lezyne
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Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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