Cannondale Airport Plus Track Pump

SO GOOD…

The Airport Plus’s footprint is large, giving a solid, stable base for pumping. The handle may be one of the narrowest here but its teardrop shape fits comfortably into your palms.

NO GOOD…

Swapping between Presta and Schrader valves means fiddling with rubber grommets. It’s not difficult, but ‘smart’ heads are more convenient. Airflow isn’t as good as some despite a stiff stroke, and the hose is one of the shortest on test. The numbers on the gauge – which goes up to 160psi – are small and closely packed. It’s not the cheapest pump on test but the finish and feel aren’t as good as the rest.

25 strokes to 30psi

PRICE: 60$

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

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KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

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SKS Airbuster CO2 inflator

The alloy Airbuster has a large knob so you can regulate the flow of gas, a mechanical stop to prevent the cartridge being pierced in transit and a dust cap to keep the valve free of debris. While it works with Presta and Schrader valves, switching between them requires a fiddly change of the valve head. The thin rubber sleeve doesn’t provide much protection from cold spent canisters. You can’t insert much of the valve into the inflator head, so you have to be careful to avoid leaks. Price $33 w/16g cartridge

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