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review
Pumps & CO2 inflators
Zefal Lapize pumpZefal Lapize pump

Zefal Lapize pump

6
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published May 23, 2010

0
£12.99

VERDICT:

6
10
Nice traditional pump, but modern designs have the edge on performance
Weight: 
166g
Contact: 
www.zyro.co.uk
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Zefal’s Lapize classic pump ticks all the boxes for an authentic finishing touch to a concours period classic/restoration. Designed to fit neatly on a pump peg it sports mirror polished chrome barrel, black alloy handle and old- fashioned connecter with Presta/Schrader ends. Efficiency is pretty good up to 75psi, a consistent rhythm, 257 strokes and six minutes reaps a 90psi reward but if our test model is anything to go by you’d need hydraulic arms and plenty of patience to reach the magic tonne, much less the claimed 116psi.

Traditional pumps are getting harder to come by and if you've been unable to fine one, help is it hand courtesy of Zefal’s classic range of accessories. Measuring 37.5cm and weighing a respectable 200g the Lapize can either sit pride of place on the pump peg or slip unobtrusively into a pannier/messenger bag. It can also cadge a lift on some mini-pump carry brackets with 22mm internal diameter- good news for those of us who like to swap between bikes or who don’t take kindly to cable or band on clips.

From the outset, pump action is surprisingly smooth and despite some loss of efficiency caused by the traditional hose, it seems kind to valves and the Schrader adaptor riding piggyback is handy-especially in cases where the solo uses presta and the trailer/ tagalong Schrader. However, speed of inflation-even in a 23mm tyre is relatively pedestrian demanding 220 strokes to achieve 75psi and a further 37 to reach ninety. In fairness, there’s no frustrating lockout but it demands a very rhythmic delivery-especially at pressures past 70 with strong arms and the patience of a saint 90, possibly 95 is top whack. This may be all you need running older touring tyres and/or you puncture infrequently. plus it is a marked improvement over those pumps which expire in protest at 60psi.

On the subject of durability, being accidently ejected from a pannier at speed has made little impression, save for a few very minor scratches to the barrel. Standards of finish generally seem good but a quick application of furniture polish or hard paste car wax every so often is a sensible precaution.

Verdict

Nice pump for traditionalists but modern designs have the edge when it comes to efficiency.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Zefal Lapize pump

Size tested: n/a

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 Lapize is basically the traditional hand pump we know and love but with smoother action and the capability to provide high(er) pressures. Looks beautiful and could provide the finishing touch to a period classic.

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

22mm Chrome steel barrel, anodized alumium handle and shaft. 37.5mm long.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Generally good but give the chrome a perodic waxing or onceover with furniture polish to safeguard against unsightly tarnish.

Rate the product for performance:
 
6/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

166g

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10

Generally pleasant to use but requires quite considerable effort beyond 75psi.

Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

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

The Lapize has a surprisingly smooth action and is quite comfortable in the hand. old fashioned connector is quaint but appropriate while the Presta and Schrader adaptors are a nice touch. However, compared with contemporary designs, inflation prowess is quite pedestrian and contray to manufacturer claims, around 90psi is pretty much the limit for mere mortals!

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Beautiful classic design, nice chrome and a smooth action.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Pedestrian at higher pressures.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, were they seeking the finishing touch to a classic and weren't running really high pressure tyres/tubs.

Overall rating: 6/10

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,

Zefal Lapize pump
Zefal
frame fit pump
bike pump
Frame pump
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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