Singletrack Unscripted – Talking about mini pumps

Inflation. It’s hitting the headlines everywhere at the moment. But what about inflators? And small, portable inflators at that? Yes, we’re talking about mini pumps!

What is a mini pump? A mini pump is any pump small enough to take with you on a ride. How small a pump needs to be entirely depends on where you’re going to be storing it.

If you ride with a backpack, a mini pump can be relatively big. If you’re a bumbaggist, a pump needs to be a bit smaller. If you stash things in your jersey pockets – or attach things to your bike – you’re going to really prioritise a dinky mini pump.

Sure, you can use CO2 cartridges but, let’s face it, they are something of a gamble. And not the single-use nature of them is not exactly eco is it?

In the video below, seasoned hot air producers Benji and Hannah waffle on and on about what they think is important to look out for in a mini-pump. Valve locks, mini hoses, big handles, T-handles, foot-hitches, plastic, metal, weight, brand, how small is too small? Portability versus useability. All that sort of jazz.

They also delve into the bags to pull out what mini pumps they’ve ended up going with over the years. It’s funny what mini pump you end up sticking with. Quite often it isn’t a pump you would have chosen to pluck off the shop shelves beforehand.

The proof is in the pumping.

Featured pumps

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Ben Haworth

Orange Switch 6er. Stif Squatcher. Schwalbe Magic Mary Purple Addix front. Maxxis DHR II 3C MaxxTerra rear. Coil fan. Ebikes are not evil. I have been a writer for nigh on 20 years, a photographer for 25 years and a mountain biker for 30 years. I have written countless magazine and website features and route guides for the UK mountain bike press, most notably for the esteemed and highly regarded Singletrackworld. Although I am a Lancastrian, I freely admit that West Yorkshire is my favourite place to ride. Rarely a week goes by without me riding and exploring the South Pennines.

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