Test 2020: Testing small pumps for travelling - Pressure makers: mini pumps, hybrid pumps and CO2 cartridges put to the test

Seen in the light of day, the mini pump is probably the only road bike accessory that you buy in order to avoid using it as much as possible. However, even in the age of puncture-proof tyres and tubeless tyres, you can't rely on it, so it's a good idea to check what you don't want to use the pump for before you buy it. Modern road bikes today roll on 25 to 30 millimetre wide tyres as standard, which are filled with five to seven bar depending on the rider's weight. If you are still riding on 23 millimetre narrow tyres, you may have to inflate them to eight bar or more, depending on your body weight. Gravel bikes, on the other hand, roll on 35 to 40 millimetre wide tyres that rarely require more than four bar.

What does this mean for the pump of choice? Slim pumps (with a piston diameter of around 10 millimetres) can generate a lot of pressure, but the smaller they are, the more strenuous strokes they require until seven or more bar are required to bulge the hose. If things go badly, several hundred pump strokes may be required. Voluminous pump models may pump more air into the tyre per stroke, but the pressure limit is quickly reached.

Quick air support is provided by CO2 cartridges. These are small compressed air reservoirs made of metal, which are usually available in sizes of 16 or 25 grams. Equipped with an appropriate adapter, they can be used to inflate tyres in no time at all. A relatively new idea is to combine mini pumps with cartridges so that compressed air is initially available and can then be pumped up by hand, or vice versa. After use, the small pumps are rubbish, but at least they are fully recyclable scrap metal.

17 pumps in the test

Mini pumps:

• Btwin mini hand pump road bike -15 Euro
• Bontrager Air Support - 35 Euro
• Lezyne Pressure Drive - 50 Euro
• Rose Airik Mini - 19 Euro
• SKS Airboy - 25 Euro
• SKS Raceday - 18 Euro
• SKS Supershort - 23 Euro
• Specialised Airtool Road - 36 Euro
• Zéfal Z Cross XL - 30 Euro

CO2 cartridges:

• Crankbrothers Klic CO2 - 10 Euro
• Pro Micro CO2 adapter - 16 Euro
• Xtreme Air Coach Light CO2 dosing unit - 12 Euro
• Zéfal CO2-EC Control FZ Adapter - 20 Euro

Hybrid pumps:

• BBBCO2 blaster - 40 Euro
• Crankbrothers Klic HP Gauge + CO2 - 58 Euro
• Topeak Hybridrocket HP - 50 Euro
• Xtreme Rocket Drive III CO2 pump - 19 euros

The test with all dimensions, maximum achievable pressures, valve compatibilities and our rating can be downloaded below for 1.99 euros.

Downloads:
PDF: Test: Pumps for travelling