​Hutchinson is expanding its range of accessories to include the FlashAir electric mini-pump. According to the manufacturer, it weighs 130 grams and features a display, an automatic shut-off function and an LED light, priced at 69.99 euros. It is not yet known how quickly it inflates high-volume MTB tyres or how many inflations the battery allows.

Compact design for when you’re on the move

With the FlashAir, the French tyre manufacturer is introducing an alternative to the traditional hand pump and CO₂ cartridge. According to Hutchinson, the device weighs 130 grams and measures 71 × 45 × 32 millimetres. This makes it compact enough to carry in a jersey pocket, a saddle bag or a cycling rucksack. A silicone sleeve is designed to protect the casing and improve grip when handling it.

Hutchinson states the maximum pressure as 8.2 bar or 120 PSI. The pump is compatible with Presta and Schrader valves, i.e. Sclaverand and car valves. A ball needle expands its range of uses beyond cycling.

However, when it comes to use on a mountain bike, the maximum pressure only answers some of the questions. The manufacturer’s information provided does not specify how quickly the FlashAir can inflate a large-volume MTB tyre to the desired pressure, nor how many inflations a single battery charge allows.

Set target pressure, stop automatically

According to Hutchinson, the digital display shows both the current pressure and the set target value at the same time. Once the desired pressure has been reached, the FlashAir is designed to stop pumping automatically.

The accuracy of the pressure gauge and the automatic shut-off function has not yet been independently tested. When assessing performance on a mountain bike, the accuracy at low tyre pressures would be of particular interest. We do not have any measurements of our own on this.

A built-in LED is designed to make operation easier in the dark, for example when attaching the pump head to the valve. It is not possible to assess from the manufacturer’s specifications just how well it actually illuminates the work area.

Charging via USB-C

A multi-stage LED indicator shows the battery level. According to the manufacturer, three bars indicate 71 to 100 per cent, two bars indicate 31 to 70 per cent, and one bar indicates 5 to 30 per cent remaining charge. A flashing indicator warns of a critically low battery level.

Charging is via USB-C. According to Hutchinson, a suitable cable is included in the pack. The indicator light glows red whilst charging and green when the battery is fully charged. The information provided does not specify a specific charging time.

Pumping capacity and battery life still to be confirmed

We currently lack key information to assess its suitability as a breakdown aid on MTB tours: how long does it take to inflate a tyre, how many MTB tyres can be inflated on a single battery charge, and how accurately does it reach the set target pressure? We also do not have any test results of our own regarding noise levels and heat build-up during operation.

The manufacturer’s information provided does not confirm whether the FlashAir also offers sufficient air flow to seat a tubeless tyre in the rim for the first time. The specified maximum pressure alone does not allow us to draw any conclusions on this point.

According to Hutchinson, the FlashAir costs 69.99 euros. On paper, it offers a compact design and features such as pre-set pressure, an automatic shut-off function and a light. A practical test will be needed to determine how reliable and durable it is on the trail.