Specialized AirForce2: An all Around Great Bike Pump
Written: Aug 30 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Dependable, Sturdy, Lightweight, Pumps Quickly, Schraeder/Presta Convertible.
Cons: Few. Read the review.
The Bottom Line: Specialized created a very dependable pump for the average cyclist.
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| rodeo7's Full Review: Specialized Airforce II Mini |
A pump for your bike may not be an extravagant accessory to own, but unless you have friends with pumps, an air compressor or don’t mind the occasional trip to the gas station, a pump is definitely needed. Not having the cash to buy a large floor pump and a smaller mini pump, I opted for the latter to handle all my pumping needs.
I have owned my Specialized AirForce2 over two years and it has proven itself to be very reliable. Without a floor pump, I’ve had to use the AirForce2 to pump new tubes and it hasn’t been much trouble at all. It gets the job done, and that’s what I was looking for. On top of that, I can take the pump with me on the trail incase I’m in need of some pressure.
The pump has a very durable aluminum barrel (which comes in black, silver, red or blue), and a Kraton head and handle for a nice and comfortable grip. It is all together only 10” long with a 6 3/8” dual-action stroke. This means that air is pumped on the down stroke as well as the upstroke. This cuts down pumping time and energy spent by a great deal. It is rated to a whopping 160psi capacity. That’s a pretty strong punch for such a little, and inexpensive pump. Pumping a new Schraeder tube, for my mountain bike, up to 80psi takes about 100-120 pumps.
The pump’s head can be set to fit Schraeder or Presta valves by unscrewing the end of the head and flipping a fitting to be Schraeder or Presta. Screw the top back on and you’re good to go. It can be quite annoying if you have both types of tubes in use at the same time. If that’s the case, spend a few extra bucks to buy the AirForce4, which has two heads, one for Schraeder and the other for Presta. I have never had a problem with the lever that secures the pump to the tire valve. It has always flipped into place nicely and has never been a problem getting in between spokes.
The pump comes with a hard plastic case, which closes clamshell style over the pump to protect it from wear and tear, grit and grime. The case can also be mounted to your frame. I’ve always carried the pump in a pack but I’ve heard that the case sometimes scratches your legs if you mount it.
Some of the downsides to this pump are simply lack of features. Many pumps have a T-handle, or a foldout T-handle. This helps save hand strain while pumping. I personally find that the Kraton handle is fine and have never had a problem with it. Lack of a foldout handle also means one less movable part to break. Another feature it doesn’t have is a built in pressure gauge, but those are hard to find, especially in this price range.
In another comparison, the Schrader/Presta insert is safe inside the pump head on the AirForce2. Many other pumps out are set to Schraeder and to convert them to Presta, you screw in a fitting that is kept clicked into either the thumb lock or the handle. That fitting usually gets unintentionally detached and lost.
Although the AirForce2 may feel an ounce or two heavier than some other plastic pumps for sale, it is much more durable and pumps much more air. For me, that’s worth the couple ounces and cash. If you’re racing, you should be using CO2 anyway.
The Specialized AirForce2 is overall a very dependable, sturdy, and inexpensive pump for the average bicyclist, mountain or road. It has saved me from being stranded a long way’s from home on a few occasions. If you can do without some of the extras that I mentioned, then consider getting this pump. It will last you a very long time.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rodeo7
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Member: Eddie
Location: Virginia, USA
Reviews written: 29
Trusted by: 71 members
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