The Park Tool Micro Pump Is Jersey-Pocket Friendly and Easy to Use on the Fly
Price: $18
Weight: 106.5g
The right pump for: Riders who want to carry a pump-and forget they’re carrying it
The Micro Pump is the smallest pump that Park Tool makes and, at 7? inches, one of the smallest of the models we’ve tested recently (the PDW Little Silver is a hair shorter at 7.5 inches, but it weighs 9 grams more and costs $45). The Micro’s maximum pressure is 100 psi-enough for just about everybody-and its small chamber size makes getting the last few psi into the tire easier. The connection to the valve is easy to secure and is compatible with both Schrader and presta valves-simply flip the valve on the head.A lock lever keeps it in place during inflation. The flip-out T-handle on the end of the plunger locks into place and provides good grip and a great pumping platform.
Park Tool Blue Hidden On the Plunger
The pump is constructed entirely of aluminum and comes in two colors: Park Tool Blue and black. If an (almost) all-blue pump isn’t your style, but you still want a hint of the company’s famed color, no worries. The plunger on the black version is anodized in Park Tool Blue. Because, well, it just wouldn’t be Park Tool without it.
Other Pumps in the Park Tool Family
The Micro Pump is the smallest of the three pumps currently offered by Park Tool. The slightly larger Mini Pump costs $20, weighs approximately 25 grams more, and is 3 inches longer. It has a max pressure of 90 psi, and the larger barrel will get you to your desired pressure faster. The largest of the family, the Home Mechanic Floor Pump, costs $37 and accommodates Schrader and presta valves without having to switch parts thanks to its dual head. It has a large, stable base and an easy-to-read gauge. Park Tool offers a rebuild kit for $5 should you happen to break the head.
Ride Impressions
Because I spend more time carrying mini-pumps than actually using them, I like them to be as small and light as possible. That’s what I love about the Park Tool Micro Pump. It can blend it into your jersey pocket or frame and you won’t even notice it. What surprised me was how happy I was to take it out and use it. When doing adventure and gravel rides, I tend to inflate my tires to a do-it-all pressure and just head out for the ride. The Micro Pump was so easy to grab and use that I had no problem stopping to lower the pressure knowing that I could quickly grab the pump out of my jersey pocket and re-inflate. I used it to improve the quality of my ride rather than just rescue my ride when I flatted.
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