When it comes to choosing a bicycle pump there's a trade-off to be made: smaller pumps are lighter and more portable, but the price you pay for that is reduced efficiency when it comes to inflating your tyre.
The million dollar question is, which pump offers the best compromise between performance and size?
After testing the Airbone micro pump over the past 8 months, we may just have found a winner. Let's start with size: the Airbone is tiny. Just 9.9cm long, and tipping our scales at a feathery 61g, this is not a pump for the man with personal insecurities. It is however one of the smallest pumps on the market, and as you might expect it is extremely portable.
While the Airbone comes supplied with a mount for attaching it to your frame, why detract from the sleek lines of your bike by attaching accessories? The point of this pump is that it's easily small enough to slip into a jersey pocket or saddle bag.
As for performance, despite its dinky dimensions the Airbone is surprisingly effective. We've suffered about half a dozen roadside flats over the past year, and the Airbone has bailed us out on each occasion. It takes about 5 minutes of feverish pumping to get the tyre hard, during which you will look ridiculous - but given you're standing forlornly at the side of the road in a pair of tight shorts anyway, the relative loss of dignity is negligible.
The manufacturers' claim of 100psi is perhaps optimistic - or maybe I just need to pump harder - but the Airbone certainly packs enough punch to get you rolling again. It's versatile too, and fits both Schrader and Presta valves using the included adaptor. It takes a few seconds to attach, but the screw-on seal is a secure one - a good thing, as you can get your sweat on without worrying about the pump breaking free from the valve.
Even better, replacement adaptors are available for a couple of quid if, like us, you manage to lose yours at the side of the road.
The icing on the cake is the Airbone's slick good looks. The body is a reassuringly solid feeling brushed aluminium, available in a range of bright colours to match your bike.
You can find the Airbone online for about £14, and at that price we think this little pump is well worth adding to your sportive arsenal.
Verdict: 9/10
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