Flat tires are annoying. No question. But they only become really annoying and time-consuming if you have poorly prepared for them. In order to be able to continue cycling after a short stop at the side of the road, in addition to the breakdown kit and a small tool tool, a mini bicycle pump should always be “on tour”. Because even the accurately patched inner tube is worthless if it cannot be filled with air. The times when air pumps were clamped between the frame tubes can probably only be dimly remembered by fans of frame gears. Dozens of times the pump slipped out of the frame at the slightest pothole and rolled uncontrollably across the road until I picked it up again. It wasn’t particularly smart.
Bicycle pumps for on the go are now little longer than a small ruler and easily fit in any jersey or saddle bag. Best of all: they are technically so sophisticated that with a little perseverance and manageable effort, 10 bar and more pressure can be blown into the tires.
In this small comparison we present six current models for the jersey pocket.
Let’s start with the absolute flyweight of this comparison. The 55 grams of this carbon fiber pump rocket are negligible even for weight fetishists. Even in the aluminum version, the Micro Rocket only weighs ten grams more. The Topeak Micro Rocket can be conveniently clamped in a bracket on the frame. Dirt and dust must stay outside. This is ensured by an integrated protective cap. According to Topeak, up to eleven bar can be pressed into hoses with a Presta valve. However, this is only relevant, if at all, for road bike tires. MTB tubes are usually satisfied with around three bar. Which brings us to the small downer of this carbon pump: The Micro Rocket is nothing for Schrader or car valves. In short: the very light mini pump from Topeak is a visual highlight and the right tool for every racer.
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The fold-out foot is the highlight of this mini bicycle pump from BBB. At just under 37 centimetres, the cylinder is also the longest in this comparison. But: The mini floor pump shows the current tire pressure on a pressure gauge. Clear plus point. An integrated hose with interchangeable attachments is connected to the valve for pumping. This makes the Traveler Telescopic equally suitable and interesting for e-bikers, gravel fans, MTB riders and racing cyclists. For the jersey pocket, this model is rather impractical because of its length. A bracket for mounting on the frame is included. With a maximum of eight bar, the pump can easily keep up with the competition. Conclusion: Bikers who don’t mind 250 grams of additional ballast will have a lot of fun with the miniature pedestal pump.
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With a length of 14 centimeters, the Lezyne Pocket Drive Pro fits easily into any jersey pocket. If you don’t have a jersey, you can clamp the Pocket Drive Pro to the frame using the bracket provided. The Dutch still offer this mini bicycle pump in a slightly slimmed down version. The black Pocket Drive HV model is almost identical in appearance, but not nearly as powerful. The Pro version comes with a casual neo-metallic cylinder and is designed to press up to eleven bar into hoses with Presta and Schrader valves. According to the manufacturer, the HV model recommended for mountain bikers only manages 6.2 bar. For this, Lezyne has installed an approximately ten centimeter long ABS flex hose with an integrated valve tool in both mini pumps. It can be converted in no time at all according to your mood and mood.
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The manufacturer also uses a short piece of hose for the mini bicycle pump from SKS Germany, which is hidden in the almost 20 centimeter long cylinder. Unfortunately, the end piece can only be screwed onto the heads of Presta/Sclaverand valves and is therefore not an option for most mountain bikers. With a maximum of eight bar tire pressure, the Airflex Racer doesn’t have to hide. That’s easily enough for everyday life and weekend rides with the racer. The mini pump, manufactured in Germany, consists mainly of aluminum and carbon components. As with some other pumps in comparison, a cap protects the hose end piece and the cylinder from dust and dirt while driving.
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The cheapest mini bicycle pump in this comparison cannot come up with a flexible hose. The valve head of the Red Cycling Clever Air HP can be locked with a small lever for inflation. More than eight bar can be pressed into hoses with all common valve types via the 17 centimeter long aluminum cylinder. A holder for the frame plus Velcro strap are included. According to the manufacturer, the Clever Air HP was primarily designed for racing bike fans. Red Cycling has launched a second version of the Clever Air with the abbreviation HV (High Volume) so that mountain bikers and city bikers can quickly get air out of their tires again. The Red Cycling Clever Air HV is available here.
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Even if the air compressor from Xiaomi is not a classic mini bicycle pump, it should complete this comparison. At more than 500 grams, the compact device is noticeably out of the ordinary, but can be conveniently stowed in a backpack or a pannier for tours lasting several days. Up to 10.2 bar can be preset and blown into almost any hose at the push of a button. A digital display shows how much or little air is in the tire. The integrated battery can be charged via micro USB. You should plan about three hours for a battery charge. The Mi Portable Electric Air Compressor comes with adapters for Presta and Schrader valves, as well as a charging cable and a small storage bag. Alternatively, the e-pump also helps when the air is out of the children’s balls. There is also a matching needle.
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Practical tip: The flexible hoses integrated into some mini-pumps, which can be screwed onto the valve, make pumping up much easier in the event of a breakdown. However, they have a small disadvantage: When unscrewing, you have to be extremely careful not to unscrew the upper part of the valve. Because then not only is the air out again within seconds, but at the same time the air pump is “clogged” and blocked. A helper in an emergency is what is known as a valve key, with which the intruder can be screwed out of the mini-pump again.
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