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 means it can be stowed away in a jersey pocket or a saddle bag. A silicone sleeve protects the device and provides a better grip when handling it.
Hutchinson specifies a maximum pressure of 8.2 bar or 120 PSI. The pump is compatible with Presta and Schrader valves, so it covers both the Sclaverand valves commonly found on road bikes and car valves. A ball needle expands its range of uses beyond cycling. For road cyclists, however, it is not so much this versatility that matters as how reliably and consistently the pump performs when out and about.
Set target pressure, stop automatically
The digital display shows both the current pressure and the set target value simultaneously. As soon as the desired pressure is reached, the FlashAir is designed to stop pumping automatically. This eliminates the need to switch it off manually. However, it is not possible to deduce exactly how the display and shut-off function work from the description of the function alone. This would require calibration against a reference pressure gauge.
A built-in LED is designed to make working in the dark easier. In the event of a breakdown, for example, it can help you locate the valve and attach the pump head. A practical test would be needed to determine whether the light provided is sufficient for this purpose.
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 the manufacturer, a suitable cable is included in the pack. The indicator light glows red whilst charging and green when the battery is fully charged. The manufacturer does not specify a specific charging time.
Battery life remains the key question
To put this into perspective: in TOUR tests to date, a comparable electric mini-pump has, on average, managed to inflate a 30-millimetre-wide road bike tyre to 4 bar four to five times.
The available information does not indicate how many such fillings the Hutchinson model can perform on a single battery charge. Pumping time, noise levels and heat generation also remain untested. The features therefore provide practical operating aids; however, they do not replace an assessment of the actual pumping performance; for this, the small compressor, priced at 70 euros, is comparatively inexpensive. Whether the FlashAir achieves the stated benchmark will have to be determined by a separate test.
Matthias Borchers
Editor
