The pump with a cool head: Trek AirRush remains the coolest in the test

Mini compressors are intended to replace mini pumps and CO₂ cartridges - they are practical and convenient, but also loud and require battery power instead of manual power. The Trek AirRush came fifth out of seven models in our test. Its biggest advantage: it remains pleasantly cool even under full load, while the competition sometimes runs hot.

Seven candidates in a comparison test

Mini compressors have developed from a trend to a permanent accessory. In the test, seven candidates from Cycplus, Dynamic, Muc-Off, NG Sports, Silca, Topeak and Trek had to prove their capabilities. Technically, the devices are similar: a small piston compressor with a high speed requirement has to press a lot of air into the tyre in a short time. The expensive and large Silca does the best job, while the inexpensive pump from NG Sports, which is much more compact, revealed slight weaknesses. The Trek AirRush is positioned in the midfield - with a special trump card in terms of temperature development.

Slow but cool

In the practical test, all pumps had to bring a 30-millimetre road bike tyre up to four bar. The differences were clear: the large Silca completed the task in just 30 seconds, while the Trek AirRush took 73 seconds - last place in the speed ranking. But when it came to temperature development, the picture changed: at four bar, the Trek only reached 29 degrees, while in the maximum test up to seven bar it remained lukewarm at 35 degrees. Only Silca and Trek were still comfortable to touch without gloves after pumping, while the competition got very hot in places.

All information about the Trek AirRush

• Price / country of production: 89.99 Euro / China
• Equipment / extras: Standard adapter, hose, silicone cover, light
• Dimensions / weight: 35 x 58 x 117 mm / 145 grammes
• tyres per battery charge (700 x 30): 4,6
• Pumping time in seconds (4.0 / 7.0 bar): 73 / 202
• Temperature at 4 and 7 bar in degrees Celsius: 29 / 34

The notes in detail

• pumping capacity (35 %): 3,5
• Battery performance (35 %): 2,5
• Handling / Display (20 %): 1,3
• Equipment (10 %): 2,5
• TOUR grade (100 %): 2,6

That is our conclusion

The Trek AirRush does not honour the "Rush" part of its name in the test. At 73 seconds to four bar and almost three and a half minutes to seven bar, it is the slowest pump in the field. At least it works reliably: It manages four tyres on one battery charge, and almost manages the fifth. One positive aspect is the very low heat build-up - at just 35 degrees, the AirRush remains the coolest pump in the comparison. The multi-coloured display is clear and easy to read, and the small transport bag proves to be a practical accessory. All in all, a functional but rather cosy pump with good ergonomics and uncritical temperature development.