SPECIALIZED AIR TOOL SWITCH FRAME PUMP

SPECIALIZED AIR TOOL SWITCH FRAME PUMP £20 198g (inc bracket)

Specialized air tool switch frame pump is another CNC machined, brushed aluminium beauty finished in gloss black. However, weight and dimensions are more pocket friendly than the others on test.

There’s a slight MTB bias here too-that corpulent 17cm prioritises high volumes, over high pressures, although strangely enough there’s no dust plug. Nonetheless, the “Switch hitter” smart head morphs to fit Presta or Schrader valves - ultra-convenient for road derived trailer tugs or riders wanting a single pump for their fleet.

Aesthetically chameleon, it also “belongs” on semi/compact geometry road framesets and is easily disguised by sculpted composite bottle cages. Talking of which, the resin carry bracket oozes industrial chic and dis/engages with a reassuringly audible “snap”. The pump’s handle also locks shut with a simple twist, so no danger of it rattling and/or dinging delicate tubes.

Thoughtful design doesn’t stop here- Specialized have secreted a batch of glue-less patches and a slither of sandpaper inside the storage handle. Gimmick may be on the tip of some tongues and I’d be inclined to upgrade them in due course. However, these seem serviceable and could save your blushes (not to mention a very long walk home) should you forget your regular patch kit and spare tube...

All metal construction inspires confidence when ramming every last psi in. Talking of which, 190 strokes had our 700x35 to 62psi. Another ninety and the piston had locked out, I was gasping for breath, yet euphoric having reached said rubber’s optimal 85psi. I also hit 100psi with a 700x25 in 200 - just.

The final thirty were extremely laboured but great news if you’ve 80miles to go and clean out of CO2 cartridges. Predictably, it was quicker than the Lezyne when tackling 26x1.75 sections - I’d hit 50ps within 170 and a sorry looking 20x1.75 trailer hoop was back on track at 45 in 130. Smaller, angular profiles are less ergonomic and dug into the palms when creeping past 80psi but this is unproblematic wearing gloves or mitts.

Michael Stenning

Verdict: 4 out of 5: Rugged and dependable pump that achieves realistic pressures across most genres of tyre - Great value.

Kindly supplied by Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative www.edinburghbicycle.com

PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2016

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