Recommend me a decent portable pump

[CAPP0]

I'm sure this has been covered before, but as we all know, searching for old information on this forum is passively discouraged

I've been a cyclist on and off since I was a kid (which was a Very Long Time ago) but I've never found a portable pump which is actually worth carrying around. I had a puncture whilst out last night, fortunately I also carry CO2 so I was sorted but I'd prefer to have a usable pump.

Criteria are:

- has to be portable, I don't usually have a backpack on, so saddle-bag sized or frame fitted
- if frame fitted, has to not fall off the frame when trail riding
- has to be capable of blowing up a flat 2.6" 29er without taking several hours to do so

Thanks.

[Johnny]

Check Silca.

Plenty of options.

[dontlookdown]

I am not really a fan of their gear, but I have a small Lezyne pump which does what you want. Its always in my bag and has come in handy over the years.

It's not super quick and a bit fiddly to handle but it does the job.

If I were buying today I think I would go for co2.

[benny.c]

The Topeak Race Rocket MT is worth a look. It’s pretty much the shortest mini pump around unless you go for the really tiny pumps that are no good for large volume tyres. I’ve recently swapped from the Topeak to a Specialized Air Tool mini which is smaller but a little less easy to use, but I do carry CO2 too.

Edited by benny.c on Sunday 13th September 09:24

[Paul Drawmer]

I have a couple of these mounted on a bracket under the bottle cage on each bike. Would buy again, they work well.

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-grip-drive-hp-mini...

[CAPP0]

Thanks chaps, will take a look - and probably order some more CO2 canisters at the same time then!

[defblade]

For MTB you want the HV (high volume) version of the Lezyne pump, rather than the HP (high pressure, for road tires). And you do want it, best performance/£ in my book. Much easier to use with the flexi tube than small pumps that attach directly to the valve.
Also, the bottle cage mount they come with has a decent velcro strap to hold it... it really shouldn't ever go missing while riding.

[CAPP0]

defblade said:

For MTB you want the HV (high volume) version of the Lezyne pump

Damn, jumped in and ordered the Topeak when I read the post above! I get the high volume requirement, absolutely, the Topeak does reference MTB tyres but does't speak directly about volume - hopefully will do the job.

[addey]

I've ridden with 2 different people recently who have had issues with a lezyne pump that for some reason removes the valve core when being unscrewed after inflating. Not sure if it is a specific model but it definitely had a flexi extension. A quick Google suggests it is a common issue....

I've stopped carrying a mini pump and now only have a CO² inflator.

[benny.c]

CAPP0 said:

Damn, jumped in and ordered the Topeak when I read the post above! I get the high volume requirement, absolutely, the Topeak does reference MTB tyres but does't speak directly about volume - hopefully will do the job.

If it’s the MT version you’ll be fine, it’s designed for large volume tyres. The Racerocket and Racerocket HP are the roadie versions. I’ve used the MT to inflate a 27.5 3.0 without too much effort.

[CAPP0]

benny.c said:

CAPP0 said:

Damn, jumped in and ordered the Topeak when I read the post above! I get the high volume requirement, absolutely, the Topeak does reference MTB tyres but does't speak directly about volume - hopefully will do the job.

If it’s the MT version you’ll be fine, it’s designed for large volume tyres. The Racerocket and Racerocket HP are the roadie versions. I’ve used the MT to inflate a 27.5 3.0 without too much effort.

It was the MT, yes, thanks for the info.

[defblade]

addey said:

I've ridden with 2 different people recently who have had issues with a lezyne pump that for some reason removes the valve core when being unscrewed after inflating. Not sure if it is a specific model but it definitely had a flexi extension. A quick Google suggests it is a common issue....

I've seen somewhere - can't remember if it was the instructions! - that a drop of threadlock on your valve cores is a good idea.
But not had any trouble with mine... only tried it out in the garage though; I've never needed it in anger! (Touch wood)

[dhutch]

The number of times I get a flat with modern mtb tires is seriously low, so like a lot others I have taken to carrying C02 as my solution.The part count is hugely reduced so much more robust a solution, if a one-hit wonder (x no of C02 cylinders)

However good have suggestions of brands to go for

Only used their lights, but very happy with what I have seen of the Lezyne kit elsewhere, topeak are a very established brand.

defblade said:

For MTB you want the HV (high volume) version of the Lezyne pump, [rather than the HP linked above]

Link for others ref:

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/lezyne-grip-drive-hv-mini...

Daniel