Birzman Maha Apogee III

Like many bike tools, it isn't until you use a really good version that you realise how important paying a bit extra can be. The Birzman Maha Apogee III floor pump is a perfect example; it's certainly not cheap at £54.99 – though it isn't the most you could pay for a track pump – but it performed really well throughout the review period.

We've looked at track pumps from the Taiwanese company before, and were impressed with both the Maha Zacoo II and the Maha Zacoo III. Like those 2013 models, the Maha Apogee III has a highly polished base, barrel and gauge surround. It also has the same wide three-legged base, providing masses of stability when you're pumping.

Find your nearest dealer here

Buy this online here

The Apogee III has a polished wooden handle, as did the Zacoo III (the Apogee II, like its predecessor the Zacoo II, has an extruded and CNC machined aluminium handle). What is different – on the silver version anyway – is that the Snap-It Apogee head has been given a 90-degree bend, making it an L shape rather than the straight valve of the previous version (the grey model still has the straight valve).

The Apogee adaptor can also be used on both Presta and Schrader valves simply by sliding the collar up or down; with the previous pumps you had to unscrew the head and remove it for Schrader valves.

Another change is that the plastic clip on the barrel for holding the head has been replaced with a metal bracket on the base, making what was a very good looking pump even better. An extra 10cm has been added to the hose – it's now 125cm – so it's long enough to reach over the top of the handle and clip into place at the base on the opposite side. It's held here well and has yet to pop out without warning.

The part I like best is the way it connects to Presta valves: you simply slide the collar forward onto the valve, then give it a slight twist. It provides a vice-like grip on the valve without damaging it at all. As a test I tried to remove it without lifting the collar and I couldn't get it off. It means that absolutely no pressure is lost when inflating.

Like its predecessors, the Apogee has a five-degree tilt towards you, which Birzman say helps with the pump action; I can't say I noticed this, but it was very easy to use.

The barrel performs well and I could place my finger over the valve, then off, then on again, to start and stop the handle. It's a good way to see how well the pump holds pressure, and in this case it's very effective, starting and stopping sharply.

Birzman claim the Apogee III can provide 220psi, and I reached 120psi in 29 pumps, which is both easy and quick. I actually got up to 140 without too much of a problem, but stopped as I didn't want to destroy my inner tubes.

The gauge is at the bottom of the base, but thanks to its relatively large size and white-on-black writing, I could easily see where I was. A pressure release button lets you open the valve in a controlled way if you've overdone things, so you can hit exact pressures very easily.

Coming in at £54.99 the Apogee III is certainly not cheap, but if you are pumping up tyres frequently or you just want a top quality track pump, you won't be disappointed by how quickly it engages and then inflates.

Verdict

Well made, beautifully designed pump that can justify a high price