SKS has long held the reputation of being a manufacturer of some of the world’s most trusted bicycle accessories. From commuters to world travellers, SKS products have kept bottoms dry, tyres pumped and the road illuminated over countless millions of miles. Indeed, the full range of products made by these German masters of design incorporates everything from cycling bottles, racks and bags, to phone holders and front lights.
Here we look at three fantastic new products that offer every rider something a little different. That said, all SKS products could be united under the motto ‘Be prepared’ – if that motto hadn’t already been claimed by the Scout movement. And while a scout’s traditional trusty companion is the multi-function pocketknife, here we look at a pair of cycling equivalents: SKS multi-tools that are ready for anything.
Joining those two ride essentials comes another compact and easy-to-carry piece of technology: the SKS EMP mini-pump. In this case, though, there is one major difference to the typical mini-pump – the EMP is electric. At this time of year more than ever, it essential you have your tyres pumped to the right pressure for the prevailing conditions, and the EMP will help you do that with ease.
So be prepared for any eventuality on the road this winter and let’s get ready to ride!
SKS EMP Electric Mini Pump £84.99
Cyclists like to think of themselves as fairly fit folk and, sure enough, when it comes to turning our legs and covering ground at decent speed, there is nobody better. But other physical movements aren’t always our forté and, if we’re honest, pumping tyres isn’t exactly why we got into cycling.
SKS’s new EMP electric mini-pump helps to take the strain out of this necessary evil. The EMP will inflate your bike tyres quickly and effortlessly up to 120psi. And don’t think this is a home-based, before-ride-only option – weighing in at only 151g and with ultra compact dimensions (83x33x52mm), the EMP is light enough and perfectly sized to live in a jersey pocket or saddlepack, so it’s ideal for making unwanted mid-ride flat-tyre stoppages a little less frustrating.
It’s easy to use, too. Just set the desired pressure on the digital display and the pump does the rest. Using its integrated, USB-C rechargeable 500mAh battery, the EMP can inflate three tyres (700 x 28) on a single charge.
The EMP works with both Presta and Schrader valves, and includes an extension hose, a silicone sleeve for comfort during use, a storage bag, and a USB-C charger cable.
Specs
- Maximum pressure: 8.3bar | 120psi
- Dimensions: 83 x 33 x 52mm
- Weight: 151g
- Battery: 500mAh 7.4v
- Clear digital display
- Adjustable pressure with auto-stop function
- Up to three tyre inflations per charge
- Quick charging time: 25 minutes
- Reversible pump head for Presta (SV) and Schrader (AV) valves
- Soft touch silicone sleeve
- Includes: USB-C cable, extension hose and storage bag
Tyre safety – what you need to know!
SKS’s EMP electric mini-pump is an efficient and easy way to get air in your tyres, but what else do you have to check to make sure your tyres are suitable for the road or trail this winter? Here’s a quick rundown of vital tyre safety steps
- Check the tread of your tyres for excessive wear and particularly look to see if there are any foreign objects – nails, flints, thorns – that have embedded themselves in the tyre carcass. Remove them and patch or replace the tyre if necessary.
- If your tyres are getting a bit long in the tooth, have a good look at the tyre sidewalls as well and check they aren’t starting to deteriorate. Look especially for bulges or cracks.
- Then ensure you have the right pressure in your tyres. The acceptable range or maximum pressure for your tyre will be stated on the tyre’s sidewall. In summer on dry roads, it’s easy and you can use maximum pressure. But for better grip in winter, particularly on slippery roads, lower pressures will provide more grip.
- Finally, should the worst happen and you face a puncture, make sure you are carrying the right tools to quickly and easily manage any repairs. And that applies to any issue you might have with your bike, not just tyres. Which neatly leads us onto…
SKS TOM 11 Mini Tool £24.99
When it comes to dealing with bike-related problems on any of your journeys, SKS’s TOM mini tool is there to be your reliable tour mechanic.
Designed to be compact and easily transported, with a flat overall shape that is free of sharp edges, the TOM can be comfortably stored in a saddlebag or jersey pocket. Meanwhile, its extended range of 11 tools makes this multitool especially suitable for touring riders covering longer distances.
Those 11 tools include hex keys (2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8), screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead) and Torx keys (T10 and T25), meaning almost any simple bike repair can be fulfilled. And while the TOM’s body – with its ergonomically chamfered grip surfaces to ensure safe and comfortable handling – is made from smart forged aluminium, the tools themselves are made from high-quality chrome vanadium steel, so they’ll last and last.
Specs
- Dimensions: 71 × 37 × 9mm
- Weight: 83g
- Flat multitool with 11 practical functions
- Ergonomically chamfered grip surfaces
- Tools made from chrome vanadium steel
- Housing made from forged aluminium
- Ideal for touring riders
SKS MIA 12 Mini Tool £44.99
For riders wanting just a little more performance and functionality, SKS also has its MIA 12 ‘Mini Assistant’ multitool.
As with the TOM, the MIA has been designed to be lightweight and compact, again with a smart and durable aluminium housing with textured side panels for grip, and high-quality vanadium steel tools. But here SKS goes a step further and adds chain breaks and loose spokes to the range of possible mid-ride repair jobs.
The MIA’s full range of 12 tools include: hex keys (2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8); Torx keys (T10 and T25); flathead screwdriver; spoke wrench (15g); and a chain tool suitable for 7–13 speed drivetrains.
Specs
- Dimensions: 56 × 37 × 13mm
- Weight: 96g
- Textured side panels for improved grip
- Tools made from chrome vanadium steel
- Housing made from forged aluminium
- Ideal for modern bike standards
Get kitted up with SKS’s fantastic tools and accessories and get ready to ride this winter!
For more information about SKS’s huge product line, visit sks-germany.com
