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How to choose your mini-pump ? 

For those who don't know, Zéfal's core business is inflation and therefore pumps. After inventing the Presta Valve in 1880, Zéfal became a specialist in pumps.

As technology advances and mid-cycle development, the types of pumps have become multiple, and the pumps have become smaller and smaller. Mini-pumps have appeared and they are the ones that save us after a puncture in the middle of nature. We prefer to use it as little as possible, but when it does, we want it to work as well as possible to avoid wasting time for groups of friends, catching cold or having too much pain in the stomach. arms. To do this, you have to choose the model that best suits your practice and your needs!

Road and MTB, not the same constraints depending on the practice

The characteristics to ensure an inflation in adequacy with the practice (Road or MTB) are the Ø (diameter) and the length of the pump tube. Let's start from the following premise:The larger the diameter and length of the tube, the greater the volume of air delivered...

So far, it seems logical. But where does the practice comes in (Road or MTB)?

The practice intervenes at the level of the pressure to be reached in your tire which will result in an effort to be made on the handle of the pump when engaging the air in the tire. This force is linked to the diameter of the inflation tube.

1/ At Low pressure and large volume (MTB) all pumps are suitable, small and large diameters, short or long. On the other hand, it is preferable and more efficient to have a large diameter and a long length. If you choose a small diameter and short pump for the MTB, inflation will be possible but the number of strokes and the time spent will be very high.

2/ At high pressure (Road) not all pumps are suitable. To ensure high pressure The pump must have a small diameter, which reduces the effort when inflating. If you associate this small diameter with a large length, the inflation effort will not change, but the pump will be more efficient. On the other hand, if you take a large diameter pump, regardless of its length, you will be limited and you will not be able to exceed a pressure of 4 to 5 bar which will not be sufficient for a road tire.

In summary, a mini-pump for the mountain bike requires a large diameter of tube, while the one for the road requires a small one. The length of the tube does not change the orientation of the pump, road or MTB, but improves the efficiency of the product. The longer the tube, the more efficient the pump, and the faster you will be.

And what type of fitting to choose?

When choosing your mini-pump, the type of connection it will take into account in your choice. There are 4 types, here they are:

+ Direct without lever

The special feature of this connection is that the user, in addition to the inflation effort, must constantly keep the pump nozzle on the valve to seal. This type of inflation requires experience.

+ Direct with lever

Valve connection similar to the previous one, but with a compression lever for sealing. The connection is made in two stages, placing it on the valve and then operating the lever to compress the valve seal. Inflation is easier, but has the risk of bending the valve. This phenomenon occurs when the rider is leaning on the valve and not on the rim when the air is introduced into the tire.

+ Direct to flexible hose with lever

This connection works in the same principle as the direct lever connection but has the big advantage of not having a rigid connection between the connection and the pump body. Indeed, this connection is made by means of a flexible pipe. The risk of damaging the valve does not exist

On the other hand, as this support does not exist a counter force to compensate for the force of introducing air into the tire is mandatory. This counter-effort is disagreeable at high pressure.

+ Screw-on flexible hose

The peculiarity of the latter is that the sealing on the valve is done by screwing.

The seal is very good and unlike other fittings the head does not have the risk of detaching from the valve. As the connection between the pump body and the screw connection is made by a hose, we find the disadvantage of the counter force to be provided to compensate for the force of introducing air into the tire.

Our small selection

+ The Zéfal Road Mini is, as its name suggests, a mini bike pump designed for road bikes! Its diameter and direct connection with lever will allow you to inflate your tires at high pressure efficiently. If you are looking for an even more compact and light product, choose the Zéfal Road Micro, a smaller version of the Mini!

+ If you are a mountain biker, the Zéfal Mt. Mini is for you! It has a flexible direct connection that allows remote inflation to avoid stress on the valve and its large diameter will allow you to quickly reinflate your tire.

+ You're a Gravel enthusiast and are looking for a mini-pump, Zéfal has designed a specific pump for you, the Zéfal Gravel Mini. Its flexible connection allows a remote inflation and a security of the valve. Moreover, its anti-mud protection avoids clogging and keeps the connection clean!

+ You do many family bike rides, regular bike comuting trips, and therefore want a practical and versatile mini-pump the Zéfal Switch Mini is the solution! This pump fits all sizes and types of bikes.

There are other options for quickly inflating your tire after a puncture. Our EZ Max FC mini-pump has the particularity of combining two functions in one product, the mini-pump and the CO2 inflator. You can therefore use a CO2 cartridge with it, in addition to the classic use as a mini-pump. CO2 cartridges with their inflators or Repair Spray are other solutions to consider.

You now have all the information you need to choose the mini-pump that will suit you! We still hope that you will use it as little as possible.