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The tyres on mountain bikes have become thicker, the wheels bigger - the developments of recent years are good reasons to load up air pumps with more bang for the road. Among the classic mini pumps, Specialized stands out with a short, large-calibre pump that requires a lot of force even at 2 bar. Even pumps with telescopic technology or a pull-and-push function did not offer any advantage. Our realisation after many hundreds of pump strokes: Hand pumps with a diameter of around 25 millimetres offer the best compromise between force and volume. The screw-on hose connections on many models are particularly impressive at pressures higher than 2 bar. They reduce the risk of damaging the valve when applying the necessary force. In the end, Topeak and Lezyne came out on top with two extremely simple, lightweight and well-designed models.
You can find these MTB mini pumps in the test:
Hand pumps
- Bontrager Air Support
- Crankbrothers Klic HV
Mini pumps
- Lezyne HV Drive (BIKE-TIP)
- SKS Spaero Double Action
- Specialised Big Bore Pump
- Syncros 2 HV 1.0
- Topeak Racerocket MT (BIKE-TIP)
- Zefal Air Profile FC 01
How many litres does a tyre hold?
A medium-sized mini-pump has a pump volume of around 100 cubic centimetres. With a completely empty tyre, 2 bar requires three times the tyre volume. Thick arms are guaranteed.
- 29 x 2.15": 4.9 litres
- 27.5 x 2.5": 6.2 litres
- 26 x 4.8": 24 litres
HAND PUMPS
The best mini pumps weigh barely more than 100 grams. Features such as pressure gauges or T-handles are not necessarily an advantage: the bottom line is that minimalist, well-made mini air pumps prove to be the best emergency helpers.
BONTRAGER Air Support
Price 25 Euro
Weight¹ 122 g
Length / Diameter 193 / 21 mm
Equipment Frame holder, rocker arm valve attachment
Pump strokes² per bar 126
Equipment / Processing 7 out of 9 points
Handling 6 out of 9 points
CONCLUSION High-quality, very small pump with solid valve clamping. Due to the small diameter, little force is required, but many strokes. Actually too small for bike tyres.
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
CRANKBROTHERS Klic HV
Price 37 Euro
Weight¹ 149 g
Length / Diameter 263 / 25 mm
Equipment Frame holder, T-handle, pressure gauge, screw-on valve attachment, CO² adapter
Pump strokes² per bar 88
Equipment / Processing 7 out of 9 points
Handling 7 out of 9 points
CONCLUSION The magnetic connection to the hose and the rotatable CNC seal of the pump are more gimmicks than useful, but the handling is fine. Little effort, many strokes.
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
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MINIPUMPS
LEZYNE HV Drive
Price 29 Euro >> available here
Weight¹ 109 g
Length / Diameter 235 / 26.5 mm
Equipment Frame holder, screwed valve attachment
Pump strokes² per bar 58
Equipment / Processing 7 out of 9 points
Handling 8 out of 9 points
CONCLUSION The lightweight Lezyne concentrates on the essentials: A connection hose that can be screwed on quickly and good pumping power make it the test winner. However, the handle could be larger.
BIKE judgement³ VERY GOOD
SKS Spaero Double Action
Price 40 Euro
Weight¹ 159 g
Length / Diameter 245 / 23 mm
Equipment Frame holder, T-handle, screwed valve attachment
Pump strokes² per bar 69
Equipment / Processing 7 out of 9 points
Handling 6 out of 9 points
CONCLUSION I like the dirt-resistant design. The T-handle is nice and large, but unfortunately a little wobbly. It also has to be repositioned in a rustic manner. Top: the quick-release protective cap over the valve head.
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
SPECIALIZED Big Bore Pump
Price 55 Euro
Weight¹ 155 g
Length / Diameter 210 / 32 cm
Equipment Frame holder, self-locking valve attachment
Pump strokes² per bar 57
Equipment / Processing 8 out of 9 points
Handling 6 out of 9 points
CONCLUSION What a calibre! The thick, short Specialized pump gets by with just a few powerful strokes. More than 2 bar is hard work. The automatic clamping head should be protected from dirt.
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
SYNCROS 2 HV 1.0
Price 40 Euro
Weight¹ 127 g
Length / Diameter 220 / 26.5 mm
Equipment Frame holder, rocker arm valve attachment, push-pull technology
Pump strokes² per bar 54
Equipment / Processing 7 out of 9 points
Handling 6 out of 9 points
CONCLUSION Syncros' mini pump is nice and compact, solidly made and has a respectable pumping capacity. However, operating it on both pull and push requires solid arm strength. Not for mountain bikers.
BIKE judgement³ GOOD
TOPEAK Racerocket MT
Price 35 Euro >> available here
Weight¹ 125 g
Length / Diameter 200 / 26 mm
Equipment Frame holder, tool for valve insert, screwed valve attachment
Pump strokes² per bar 65
Equipment / Processing 8 out of 9 points
Handling 7 out of 9 points
CONCLUSION Topeak and Lezyne have little in common. While the Topeak Racerocket sits better in the hand, Lezyne scores points for volume and the valve attachment. The Topeak is also undoubtedly a recommendation.
BIKE judgement³ VERY GOOD
ZEFAL Air Profile FC 01
Price 22 Euro
Weight¹ 112 g
Length / Diameter 200 / 26.5 mm
Equipment Frame holder, screwed valve attachment
Pump strokes² per bar 96
Equipment / Processing 7 out of 9 points
Handling 5 out of 9 points
CONCLUSION Zefal's Mini is well sealed on the outside and well made for the price. The somewhat fiddly screw connection and the moderate pump performance despite the telescopic design cost points in terms of handling.
BIKE judgement³ SATISFACTORY
¹Without bracket, ²Tyre size 29 x 2.2" ³The BIKE verdict is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, sufficient, insufficient.
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