At a measly 106g, just 220mm long and capable, according to the manufacturer, of inflating a tyre to a meaty 123psi (I’m sure I could reach 125 given time), BBB’s Hose Road mini pump is both small and powerful. Following a recent scare, before fitting it to a cycle I made sure it was capable of getting a tyre hard enough to ride, for which my test protocol is now to inflate to 100psi using a floor pump and see if I can get more in with the item on test…
Constructed in 6061T6 aluminium alloy, it works very nicely, the hose (on-trend these days after three decades in the wilderness) possessing a threaded “chuck” suitable for both Presta and Schrader valves with no part swapping. There’s a smooth, supple feel to the pump action and just about enough stroke-to-bore ratio to get to 105 psi without much trouble. Of course, the hose adds dead space, the volume of air left when the plunger is fully home, and thereby limits maximum achievable pressure. 123psi feels about right.
A bracket for attachment to the cycle under and to one side of a bottle cage is provided. It has one rubber coated small-diameter grip and one large with no gripper. The small grip holds the barrel while the large grip holds the head; there’s a rubber strap on the latter to prevent the pump falling off after a jolt.
There’s only one obvious failing with this bike babe; the lack of a plug for the hose chuck. Mount the pump so the hose is at the top and crap can get in. Mount it the other way up and water can flow down inside the head. Neither looks ideal; I used a bit of cork to stopper the chuck. Plug please, Mr BBB.
Otherwise, high marks. Including for looks; available in black or silver.
BBB Hose Road Mini Pump £24.95
