This lightweight aluminium pump comes from UK cycling brand BDBikes. The pump weighs 90g, measures 21cm long, and costs from £7.50 based on a quick internet search. It comes complete with a mounting bracket and Velcro strap but no pressure gauge, so the primary purpose appears to be as an emergency pump for that flat tyre out on the road.
The design of the pump looks simple and clean with a brushed aluminium body. There are also diagrams and instructions on the packaging card so that you can easily see how to arrange the three parts of the reversible valve ends to use on both Presta and Schrader valves. An attachment is also included for use on footballs and other non-bicycle items, should you tolerate such things in your life.
However, after that you are on your own. Trial and error led me to work out that aligning the marked arrows on the head led to the release of the extending hose when in use. This adds another 120mm to the length and makes the pump easier to use. At the business end the head is attached to the valve on your wheel, and then flipping the lever on the head holds it in place.
So far so good, but the problems started when actually attempting to inflate the presta valve on my bike. The design of the pump meant that I trapped the skin of my hand between the head and body of the pump on several occasions. The right noises were coming from the pump but when I checked the tyre against a pressure gauge it showed no actual air had gone into it. Several attempts later and I was no more successful.
There was probably a sizeable dose of operator error, but shouldn't something like this be simple and straightforward to use? My experience is the smaller the pump the less likely it is to work properly. This pump looks good but appears to be a triumph of style over substance and a little over-engineered. I am much happier to rely on the CO2 canister and valve solution for a quick inflation job on the road - it's simpler, and also requires less storage space.
That being said, the BDBikes pump is something of a best seller with a swathe of overwhelmingly positive Amazon reviews. The manufacturers even claim that it will get your road bike tyre from flat to 80psi in 40 seconds. I seem to be in a minority!
Ultimately, with such a reasonable price tag, perhaps it's worth trying the lightweight mini pump for yourself?
BDBikes Lightweight Aluminium Bike Pump, £7.50 from bdbikes.co.uk
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