Zefal Air Profil Micro pump

In terms of size and weight (165mm long and 94g respectively), the Zefal Air Profil Micro is about as 'mini' as they come, disappearing easily into a rear pocket.

Attached to the bike via the provided water bottle mount, the Air Profil is unobtrusive.

The light overall weight belies the fact that the Air Profil is made from aluminium throughout, with the sole exception of a plastic flip-lock lever. The all metal construction promises good reliability and in the hands, feels reassuringly sturdy and well made.

The plastic lever is stiff and locks the pump onto the valve with a positive action, creating a seal that easily withstands road tyre pressures and the inevitable tug-of-war of a roadside puncture.

The pump includes an o-ring between the handle and the main pump body to prevent water ingress when not in use. Rather niftily, the body features a second o-ring groove so you can slide the o-ring out of the way when pumping.

In lab conditions (my front room), approximately 200 strokes were needed to reach a pressure of 80-90psi, or enough to get home on. For a rated maximum pressure of only 100psi, the Air Profil works well and still feels remarkably comfortable at higher pressure.

The handle never feels like it's digging a hole in your hand, nor do you need super human strength to eke out those last few psi. That 100psi maximum is quite limiting though, in that most people will normally be riding pressures above that. As such, a puncture will always have to be inflated to full pressure back at home using a more appropriate track-style pump.

Really, the Air Profil works best as an emergency tool, used occasionally to get you home. You wouldn't want to rely on it if you had to use it regularly. For many road cyclists, that will do just fine.

What isn't fine though, is how the Air Profil has lasted in the longer term.

Despite its all-metal construction, the pump is now showing an alarming amount of play given that it has only been called into action a handful of times.

The handle in particular is very wobbly and is threatening to come off.

Admittedly, the pump hasn't been treated with the greatest respect, being thrown into the back of a car boot every weekend can take its toll, but a mini pump should be able to handle this abuse and still be functional at the end of it.

Verdict

Light and cheap, but slightly worrying durability.