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1966 SKS racing compressor
- Floor-standing air pump
- Metal cylinder and piston.
- Piston rod with wooden handle.
- Made in Germany
- Weight: 3000 g
No, this is not the world's first air pump. It was developed back in 1649 by the resourceful mayor of Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke. This enabled scientists to prove the existence of a vacuum, for example. It was not until 1888 that the Scottish vet John Dunlop filled the first bicycle tyres with air - albeit using a foot pump. In 1921, Karl Scheffer-Klute founded the company Scheffer-Klute Sundern, SKS for short, in Sauerland. Initially, curtain rods were manufactured, followed by metal pumps from 1932. When the Belgian racing cyclist Eddy Merckx triggered a cycling boom in the 1960s, SKS company boss Walter Scheffer developed a floor pump with a robust metal tube, precision pressure gauge and ergonomic wooden handle: the racing compressor (see photo). This was originally designed for professional sport, but quickly found a large fan base among amateur cyclists and has since been affectionately known as the "father of all floor pumps".
What began with curtain rods culminated in high-performance pumps. Founded in 1921, SKS GERMANY combines German engineering expertise and modern pump technology. A tradition that continues to this day.
The development in the timeline
2025 SKS racing compressor
- Floor pump with cult character
- Height: 650 mm
- Stroke: 271 cm³
- RRP: 69.99 euros >> at Rose or Bike Components available
- Made in Germany
The racing compressor has been the most popular pump in international cycling for almost 60 years. Then as now, it is manufactured in Sundern in the Sauerland region. Spare parts are still available so that many "old favourites" can be repaired if necessary. The term "compressor" is also used metaphorically here, as the floor pump is of course operated manually. The large standpipe generates a high volume so that tyres can be inflated quickly. As with the original, the handles are made of beech wood and are very comfortable to hold. The centrepiece of this modern floor pump is the precision pressure gauge. Today, the floor pump is equipped with the modern "MV Easy" multi-valve valve head with innovative rocker technology. With its robust appearance, the racing compressor remains true to the tool character of the original model.
With the support of SKS GERMANY
Dimitri Lehner
Editor
