Mini bicycle pumps in comparison: These six models are suitable

Flat tires are annoying. No question about it. But they only become really annoying and time-consuming if you are poorly prepared for them. In order to be able to continue riding after a short stop at the side of the road in the event of an emergency, you should always have a mini bicycle pump with you “on tour” in addition to the puncture kit and a small tool. Because even the most accurately patched tube is worthless if it cannot be filled with air. Only fans of frame gears can probably vaguely remember the days when air pumps were clamped between the frame tubes. A few times the pump slipped out of the frame at the smallest pothole and rolled uncontrollably across the road until I picked it up again. That wasn’t particularly smart.

Nowadays, bicycle pumps for on the go are hardly longer than a small ruler and fit easily into any jersey or saddle bag. The best thing is that they are so technically advanced that with a little perseverance and a manageable amount of effort, 10 bar or more air pressure can be pumped into the tires.

In this short comparison we present six current models for the jersey pocket.

1. Topeak Micro Rocket Carbon

Let’s start with the absolute flyweight of this comparison. The 55 grams of this pump rocket made of carbon fiber are negligible even for weight fetishists. Even in the aluminum version, the Micro Rocket weighs only ten grams more. The can be conveniently clamped into a holder and attached to the frame. Dirt and dust must stay outside. An integrated protective cap ensures this. According to Topeak, up to eleven bar can be pressed into tubes with Presta valves. However, this is only relevant for racing bike tires, if at all. MTB tubes usually make do with around three bar. Which brings us to the small downside of this carbon pump: the Micro Rocket is not suitable for Schrader or even 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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2. BBB Traveller Telescopic

The fold-out foot is the highlight of this mini bicycle pump from BBB. At just under 37 centimeters, the cylinder is also the longest in this comparison. But: The mini floor pump shows the current air pressure via a pressure gauge. A clear plus point. To pump, an integrated hose with exchangeable attachments is connected to the valve. This makes the suitable and interesting for e-bikers, gravel fans, mountain bikers and racing cyclists alike. However, this model is rather impractical for the jersey pocket due to its length. However, a bracket for mounting on the frame is included. With a maximum possible pressure 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 stand pump.

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3. Lezyne Pocket Drive Pro

With its length of 14 centimeters, the 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 also offer this mini bicycle pump in a slightly slimmed down version. The black model is visually almost identical, but not nearly as powerful. The Pro version comes with a cool neo-metallic cylinder and is designed to pressurize up to eleven bar into tubes with Presta and Schrader valves. The HV model recommended for mountain bikers only manages an air pressure of 6.2 bar according to the manufacturer. Lezyne has installed a ten centimeter long ABS flex tube with an integrated valve tool in both mini pumps. This can be converted in no time at all to suit your mood and valve.

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4. SKS Germany Airflex Racer

The manufacturer also uses a short piece of hose for the mini bicycle pump from SKS Germany, which is hidden in the almost 20 centimetre 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. The pump has to make do with a maximum of eight bar tyre pressure. not hide. That’s more than enough for everyday use and weekend trips with your racing bike. The mini pump, made in Germany, consists mainly of aluminum and carbon components. As with some of the other pumps in the comparison, a cap protects the hose end and the cylinder from dust and dirt while driving.

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5. HiLo sports Tour Air mini pump

The . With a maximum of 6 bar, it is not quite as powerful as its competitors in this small comparison. But when it comes to flexibility, the almost 20 centimetre long mini pump has nothing to hide. In addition to Dunlop valves, it also takes on the common Sclaverand and car valves and is therefore a reliable companion for e-bikes, MTBs, racing bikes and bike trailers. According to the manufacturer, around 120 strokes are enough to make a flat racing bike tire ready to ride again. Practical: The scope of delivery includes a bracket with screws for the frame (bottle holder) and a small transport bag.

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6. Xiaomi Mobile Air Compressor

Even if the is not a classic mini bicycle pump, it should conclude this comparison. At more than 500 grams, the compact device is noticeably out of the ordinary, but can be easily stowed in a backpack or bicycle bag for tours lasting several days. Up to 10.2 bar can be preset and pumped into almost any tube at the touch of a button. A digital display shows how much or how little air is in the tire. The integrated battery can be charged via micro USB. You should allow around three hours for a battery charge. The Mi Portable Electric Air Compressor is supplied with adapters for Presta and Schrader valves, as well as a charging cable and a small storage bag. Alternatively, the e-pump can also help when the air goes out of children’s balls. A suitable needle is also included.

Short & sweet

Practical tip: The flexible hoses integrated into some mini pumps, which can be screwed onto the valve, make pumping up the tire much easier in the event of a breakdown. However, they have one small disadvantage: when unscrewing them, you have to be extremely careful not to unscrew the upper part of the valve. Because then not only will the air come out again within seconds, but the air pump will also be “clogged” and blocked. A so-called with which the intruder can be unscrewed from the mini pump.

More information can be found here.