Obviously I’m not getting any younger. Since resuming cycling three years ago I’ve managed to break two hand operate bicycle tyre pumps. It’s probably a combination of cheap pumps and excessive force, likely due to exhaustion!
Interestingly, since purchasing the first pump I’ve not experienced a puncture whilst riding. However I’ve needed to reinflate tubes after replacing worn tyres and the airline has required the tyres to be deflated for transport.
A number of years ago an Australian company invented the first small battery operated bicycle pump. They then made the usual mistake of having it manufactured in China. The pump was a success and it didn’t take long for their concept to be copied.
One potential issue with the original design (and a number of clones) was the lack of an inbuilt air pressure gauge. To check the required pressure had been achiever the pump needed to be disconnect and a separate gauge used.
Finally a Chinese manufacturer has produced a derivative of the pump with a display and at a price I’m prepared to pay.
It was delivered today.
It was well packaged and upon opening the box the first thing I noticed was the comprehensive manual; a Quick Guide and the pump in a silicon case
Underneath the pump were several valve attachments and a USB-c charging cable.
A – Presta hose
B – soft spacer
C – Needle attachment for ball inflation
D – Schrader Valve Attachment
E – Presta attachment
Both our bikes have Presta valves. I could therefore use either A or E. I’ve opted for A
When turned on the display shows the tube pressure, battery state and the pump mode. The modes are Bicycle, Motorbike and Ball.
The functions of three buttons below the screen are:
Left – Increase pressure in increments of 0.5psi
Centre – On/Off and change mode
Right – Decrease pressure in increments of 0.5psi
The default pressure setting is 45psi
The pump will operate continuously for 2.5 minutes before automatically turning off. It can’t be reused for 8 minutes. This enables the pump to cool. 2.5 minutes should be enough time for me to reinflate at least two tyres. Well I only have two!!
The specifications state recharging time is less than 1.5 hours.
I have three options when it comes to a recharging source.
- Use a mains powered USB charger
- Use one of my portable power banks
- Use the USB socket on the Bafang motor battery
The final step in this project was to identify a suitable location to carry the pump on the bike. The handlebar bag was the most obvious location. Eventually I opted to secure it under the saddle and save some space in the bag. Hopefully it won’t need to be used and will just be one of those items you wish you had when you need one!
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