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Lezyne Pen Gauge Hose

7
£14.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Well crafted and clever hose kit but incompatibility with other brands limits appeal
Weight: 
29g
Contact: 
www.upgradebikes.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Lezyne’s pen gauge is a replacement specific hose for the brand’s M(edium) and L(arge) HP series mini pumps complete with integral pressure gauge, precision machined Presta/Schrader ends and durable hose.

While there’s no denying the aesthetic beauty and clever detailing, the gauge is tricky to read-especially in low light and 15 quid while not unreasonable for the quality of construction is halfway to a new pump, let alone a replacement attachment. That said, consumables are readily available from dealers meaning it should last a good while.

Measuring 19.5cm, the hose is longer than most thanks in part to the integral pressure gauge that gives readings to a 120psi (8 bar) maximum-greater than even the strongest will achieve from a frame fit, let alone pocket inflator and the red marker provides a useful in-a-glance reference, although this is something of a moot point should you be unfortunate enough to flat along a dark lane without portable illumination. In many respects it’s a double-edged sword- very user friendly and much kinder to valve ends on the one hand but less efficient than some high-pressure press-fits. Measured alongside a high quality digital model, the readings I got were very accurate and within the quoted 5psi deviation. However, regularly inspect this connection to ensure the cylinder hasn’t slackened as this not only reduces accuracy but also permits condensation inside.

Enclosure within the pump barrel provides excellent protection from damage caused by dirt, water, spills and road/trail shock. Attempts to pair it to frame fit and other mini pumps have proved a little hit and miss, limiting the appeal slightly and in this context a digital pressure gauge with backlight might be more prudent.

Verdict

Well crafted and clever hose kit but incompatibility with other brands limits appeal.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Lezyne Pen gauge hose

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The pen gauge hose as the name suggests, is a replacement hose for Lezyne series mini pumps complete with integral pressure gauge. To this end it does exactly what it says on the tin.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

19.5 cm long, 120psi (8bar) maximum, CNC machined Presta/Schrader ends, durable hose.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

20g

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

There's no doubting the design works very well and is in the main very pleasant to use, if lacking the outright convenience of smart-head push on ends. However, the gauge while very accurate isn't so easy to read in low light and a being brand specific limits the appeal slightly.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Nice design and good build quality with ready spares availability.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing in particular, although the gauge could be improved.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? So long as I had a compatible Lezyne pump

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, so long as they had a Lezyne pump

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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2 comments

Avatar
Mr Will | 12 years ago
0 likes

I recently bought a RoadDrive medium pump and (after abandoning my track pump at a friends house 70 miles away) bought one of these to supplement it. Not cheap, but a great little gadget and the 120psi on the gauge is perfectly achievable with a little bit of persistence.

Avatar
bicycleworld | 14 years ago
0 likes

The best pump range on the market.
Very accurate gauges & used with the Micro Floor Drive pump.
This has to be the ultimate mini pump.
Carry it in your back pack.
You will never have to spend ages pumping up your flats again..

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