Skip to main content

Fabric Stratosphere Sport track pump


At just over $45, this new track pump from Fabric looks and feels like it should cost a lot more. Although the dual-valve head doesn’t stow in the base of the pump, as on its pricier counterparts, it’s still attached to the same usefully long hose, which will reach a bike hung in a workstand. There’s also a clip to secure the hose to itself to keep things tidy when it’s not in use. The valve head clamps securely in place with very little effort to keep things leak free, and the pressure gauge is large, easy to read and accurate too. The Stratosphere Sport uses the same footplate as the other pumps in Fabric’s line-up, which, although quite wide, isn’t particularly deep. This means it works fine on a flat workshop floor but on uneven ground it isn’t the most stable pump out there. Still, considering the price tag, it’s hard to argue with the sturdy body, decent gauge and general quality on offer here.

Price $48

Popular posts from this blog

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.

Nukeproof Vector AM Comp Cro-Mo saddle

The Vector AM is pretty race focused, with minimal padding. There’s a deep (if narrow) pressurerelief channel to keep the blood flowing where it’s meant to. Used with bib shorts, we found it pretty comfortable for shorter rides and suffered no pain or discomfort in the central region. On steep climbs the slightly downturned nose provides a reasonable forward perch, while the svelte profile and smooth edges make it particularly unobtrusive when moving about on the descents. It’s quite stiff though, and can feel harsh on long rides or bumpy ground. We definitely wouldn’t want to spend much time on it without a chamois. It’s heavier than we’d expect for such a lightly padded perch too. There’s a lighter Pro version with titanium rails for $105, but at 241g it’s only 10g lighter. Weight 251g Price $67

GT Zaskar Evolution

While some bike models last just a couple of years, others change with the times to stay at the top of riders’ wishlists. In the second part of this series looking at the evolution of bikes that enjoy enduring popularity with UK riders, we turn to the GT Zaskar – a bike that was at the forefront of our sport for a long time and still has plenty of appeal today.

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.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.