Breakdown service 2023 - Part 1: SWAT tools and air pumps in the test

A lot has changed since Joe Breeze sizzled up the first real mountain bike for his mate Charles Kelly in 1977 - in a positive sense. But despite all the innovations and electronic helpers, mountain bikers today still struggle with the same problems as the forefathers back then: flat tyres, broken chains, broken spokes or rattling gears. So one thing has not changed in a good 45 years: Bicycle tools, such as mini-tools and pumps, are still part of every mountain biker's basic equipment. They can be used to repair the most common faults on the road and keep the unfortunately still fragile bicycle system running.

In addition to the classic mini-tools, which now thread half a bike workshop onto their two axles, more and more manufacturers are offering mini-ratchet sets designed to make screwing easier on tour. Their bits can be perfectly matched to the screws on the bike. However, they are not as versatile as a classic mini-tool. So-called swat tools are hidden in or on the frame and are particularly practical if you want to be out and about without a rucksack or stuffed jersey pockets.
jersey pockets when travelling.

>> In addition, we have Part 2 also Mini tool and ratchet sets tested <<

>> In a Interview with a flight rescuer we learn the most important points in the First aid after a bicycle accident <<

And to get the MTB back on the road after a flat tyre, an air pump is of course a must. It should pressurise the fat studded tyres again with just a few strokes. If it also displays the current air pressure, as the models we tested do, you can do without the tried and tested thumb test. Even if the really fundamental problems in mountain biking have still not been solved, things have changed for the better since Kelly and Co. suffered their first punctures on the Mount Tamalpais have been brought in.

You can find these products in the test:

SWAT tools

• Lezyne Dual Insert Kit L
• Wolf Tooth Encase Bar Kit
• Syncros IS Cache 2.0 HV
• OneUp EDC Pump / V2 Tool

High-volume pumps

• Crankbrothers Klic HV Gauge
• Giant Control Mini Combo
• Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HVG
• SKS Injex Control
• Topeak Mountain 2Stage Digital

(Click to go to the individual rating)

Bike tools and pumps in the test:

Swat tools - the invisible ones

These bike tools are concealed in the frame, handlebars or bottle cage and are now replacing entire mini-tools. Practical: they make stuffed jersey pockets or heavy rucksacks a thing of the past. We have tried out four different models.

Mini pumps - the handy ones

A pump is an essential piece of basic equipment. In order to inflate the wide knobby tyres as quickly as possible, the volume should be as large as possible with the smallest possible installation space. With an integrated pressure gauge, you can always keep an eye on the correct air pressure.

Fully integrated: A comparison of clever SWAT tools

Deception and camouflage is the motto of these tools. They are hidden under the bottle cage or in the handlebar ends. In the event of a breakdown, they are immediately to hand. We tested the strengths and weaknesses of these four clever tool solutions.

1 Lezyne Dual Insert Kit L

• Price: 80 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 128 grams (BIKE measured value)
• Functions: 11 possible applications

Equipment: 3.5 out of 6 points

Handling: 4.5 out of 6 points

Even if the bits are a little difficult to remove from the holder, the Lezyne tool with its fold-down head sits comfortably in the hand and scores points with its large lever. The numerous bits stay firmly in place. The tubeless tool with thick plugs is also impressive. Unfortunately, the 17.5 mm thick tool does not fit in every handlebar and fixing it in place with O-rings is tedious. The figure-of-eight bit can get lost in the handlebars if there is a lot of shaking. There is no chain riveter and nipple tensioner.

2 Wolf Tooth Encase Bar Kit

• Price: 110 Euro
• Weight: 96 grams (BIKE measured value)
• Functions: 18 possible uses

Equipment: 5.5 out of 6 points

Handling: 4.5 out of 6 points

More functions can hardly be accommodated in such a small space. Chain tool, tubeless tool and all the important bits. The compact design doesn't get in the way when wrenching, quite the opposite. Here too, the head can be folded down and tight spots are easy to reach. Unfortunately, the bits are difficult to remove. Stowing them in the handlebars is much easier than with Lezyne.

3 Syncros IS Cache 2.0 HV

• Price: 80 Euro >> available here
• Weight: 261 grams (BIKE measured value)
• Functions: 8 possible uses

Equipment: 3 out of 6 points

Handling: 4.5 out of 6 points

Pump, bottle cage, mini-tool - Syncros delivers an all-round package with the IS Cache. The pump with extendable hose manages one bar in approx. 140 strokes and has already proven itself on many tours. The tool, on the other hand, is less carefree and more of an emergency solution. Many thru-axles cannot be loosened without a 6 mm Allen key, the 8 mm is also missing and the flattened 5 mm is not ideal. The handling of the tiny bike is also less convincing, but at least the bits are long enough. Clever: The bottle cage can be mounted for right or left-handed riders.

4 OneUp EDC Pump /V2 Tool

• Price: 149 Euro
• Weight pump / tool: 153 / 109 grams (BIKE measured value)
• Functions: 18 possible uses

Equipment: 5.5 out of 6 points

Handling: 4 out of 6 points

If you're talking about the jack of all trades, then this is it: The powerful aluminium pump (78 strokes per bar!) conceals a fully equipped mini-tool, chain tool, tyre lever, spoke spanner and all the important bits - what more could you want? The handling of the tiny tool is also fine. The small box holds small items, but can also be replaced by a tubeless puncture kit (49.50 euros) or a CO² cartridge. The pump head then serves as a connection for this, but only fits on Sclaverand valves - one of the really few disadvantages. The tool is also available as an optional insert for the steerer tube. However, a special threading tool is required for installation.

Pressurise: 5 high-volume air pumps in the test

High-volume air pumps are ideal for voluminous MTB tyres. Which model with pressure gauge inflates bike tyres most efficiently?

Crankbrothers Klic HV Gauge

Manufacturer information

• Price: 50 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / length x diameter: 136 g / 26 x 2.5 cm
• Pump strokes² per bar / max. pressure: 118 / 7.6 bar

Equipment

• Folding handle
• Hose with magnetic coupling
• Analogue pressure gauge
• Frame bracket

Valuation

Equipment / processing (25 %): 8 out of 10 points

Handling (40 %): 8 out of 10 points

Manual force (25 %): 6 out of 10 points

Compact and cleverly designed: The hose and pressure gauge are concealed behind the practical folding handle of the Klic HV. It is attached to the pump with a magnet, closes securely and airtight and makes it easier to screw onto the valve. Even though pumping with the Klic air pump is pleasant, the manual force increases considerably at two bar. The slim piston provides little volume. The pressure gauge measures accurately enough, but is only roughly scaled. Nice detail: The hose connection can be sealed to prevent dirt from getting in. The hose itself rattles in the piston while riding.

BIKE judgement³: 48 points - good

Giant Control Mini Combo

Manufacturer information

• Price: 35,90 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / length x diameter: 193 g / 29.8 x 2.5 cm
• Pump strokes² per bar / max. pressure: 113 / 8.2 bar

Equipment

• Folding handle/foot
• Telescopic function
• HP/HV mode
• Round manometer
• Hose
• Frame bracket

Valuation

Equipment / processing (25 %): 5 out of 10 points

Handling (40 %): 6 out of 10 points

Manual force (25 %): 8 out of 10 points

With two quick hand movements, the Giant can be transformed into a mini floor pump with a folding handle and telescopic function. The former ensures low manual force, the latter makes it possible to switch between high pressure and high volume. The hose is sufficiently long, but the tiny pressure gauge is barely legible and inaccurate. The slim piston only brings a small amount of air into the tyre per stroke. There are also deductions in terms of workmanship: The handle and telescopic function are rickety, the stand twists easily when pumping and the pressure gauge cover is little more than a film.

BIKE judgement³: 42 points - satisfactory

Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HVG

Manufacturer information

• Price: 85 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / length x diameter: 241 g / 31 x 2.7 cm
• Pump strokes² per bar / max. pressure: 78 / 6.2 bar

Equipment

• Folding foot
• Hose
• Digital pressure gauge
• Frame bracket

Valuation

Equipment / processing (25 %): 9 out of 10 points

Handling (40 %): 7 out of 10 points

Manual force (25 %): 9 out of 10 points

Even if the Lezyne is anything but "micro" - if you want to pressurise quickly and comfortably, this is the right pump for you. Because the pump rests on the ground with its folding foot, you can use your body weight to pump, which saves a lot of energy. The large cylinder quickly inflates even fat tyres to two bar. However, the cuddly handle presses into the palms of your hands. The digital pressure gauge displays the current pressure clearly and accurately. The long hose makes handling easier, but is reluctant to be screwed onto the bracket. Clean workmanship, but expensive.

BIKE judgement³: 51 points - very good

SKS Injex Control

Manufacturer information

• Price: 32,99 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / length x diameter: 218 g / 28.3 x 2.6 cm
• Pump strokes² per bar / max. pressure: 128 / 10 bar

Equipment

• Telescopic function
• Folding handle
• HP/HV mode
• Round manometer
• Frame bracket

Valuation

Equipment / processing (25 %): 9 out of 10 points

Handling (40 %): 9 out of 10 points

Manual force (25 %): 8 out of 10 points

The SKS requires just under 130 strokes per bar of pressure, but the manual force remains pleasantly low thanks to the telescopic function. The Injex is fixed to the valve in the classic way using a lever, and its ergonomic folding handle is very comfortable to hold. Although the pressure gauge is small, it is easy to see and displays sufficiently accurate values. All of this results in comfortable and uncomplicated handling. Because the SKS also has a high-pressure mode, even road bike tyres are no problem for it. The pump head fits Presta and Schrader valves without having to be changed.

BIKE judgement³: 49 points - good

Topeak Mountain 2Stage Digital

Manufacturer information

• Price: 100 Euro >> available here
• Weight¹ / length x diameter: 221 g / 26.2 x 2.7 cm
• Pump strokes² per bar / max. pressure: 98 / 20.7 bar

Equipment

• High-pressure and high-volume mode
• Digital pressure gauge
• Swivelling hose
• Air release valve

Valuation

Equipment / processing (25 %): 10 out of 10 points

Handling (40 %): 7 out of 10 points

Manual force (25 %): 5 out of 10 points

What an all-rounder: The 2Stage is an air and shock pump in one, has a very precise, easy-to-read pressure gauge and the option to switch between high pressure and high volume. The pump is comfortable to hold, but the manual forces in HV mode are extremely high. Even at less than two bar, you'll be sweating. The pressure release valve only works on Schrader valves. As a fork or shock pump, the Topeak does an excellent job, but if you want to inflate tyres quickly and effortlessly, you won't be happy here.

BIKE judgement³: 46 points - good

¹BIKE measured values, the weight is included in the overall judgement with 10 %.

²Measured on a 29 x 2.4 inch tyre

BIKE judgement: > 55 super, > 50 very good, > 45 good, > 35 satisfactory

Conclusion on the air pump test by Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor:

The models with a small stand are a real relief because you can use your body weight when pumping. Even if the analogue pressure gauges measure with sufficient accuracy, the small displays are sometimes so difficult to read that you can feel the current fill level by pressing your thumb.