If you've been riding for any length of time, you've probably dealt with the two most common options for on-the-go tire inflation: the trusty hand pump or the CO2 cartridge. The hand pump gets the job done but it's a workout in itself, especially when pumping up a completely flat tire. CO2 cartridges are faster but require a little finesse, and once it's gone, it's gone. There has to be a better way, right?
While I've been on a bit of a hiatus from the blog, I've tried to keep an eye on what's been happening in the industry. One of the categories I've had my eye on for a while now is mini pumps. I'd already researched a number of the most popular ones when Airbank reached out and asked me to review their Pocket 2 Pro Mini Bike Pump. I didn't hesitate to say yes — and I'm glad I did. This has been an amazing introduction to the world of mini pumps.
The Pocket 2 Pro promises to replace both your hand pump and CO2 cartridges with a single rechargeable electric pump that fits in your jersey pocket. Bold claim. Based on my initial time with it though, I'm a believer — though I'll reserve final judgment for a long-term review down the road. I'm also working on a video review, so stay tuned for that as well!
Breaking Down the Specs
Before getting into my experience with it, let's talk about what this thing actually is. The Pocket 2 Pro is a battery-powered mini pump that weighs just 130g — about a quarter of a pound — and measures only 2.8" x 1.14" x 2". In other words, it's small. Really small. Small enough to toss in a saddlebag, backpack, or jersey pocket without a second thought.
It maxes out at 120 PSI, delivers up to 15 L/min of airflow, and features a built-in LED pressure gauge with ±1 PSI accuracy. The battery charges via USB-C in about 30 minutes and, according to Airbank, has enough juice to inflate a 700x25C road tire from 0 to 80 PSI four times on a single charge. It also features an auto-off function that stops inflation once you hit your target pressure, which is a nice touch to avoid over-inflation.
It works with both Presta and Schrader valves, and comes with a ball needle too, so it's not just for your bikes.
Two ways to connect it to your valve. You can use it directly, which works fine, though it can feel a little cramped with shorter stems. The easier option is the included hose, which screws on and off with minimal pressure loss. By default the hose works with Schrader valves, but it comes with a Presta converter. I found the hose to be the way to go for most situations.
Everyday Use
Here's where the Pocket 2 Pro really shines for me, at least in my early use. A lot of my rides involve taking my wife and kids along, which means before we head out I'm topping off the tires on four bikes. With a manual pump, that's a bit of a chore. Not exactly how I want to start a ride. With the Pocket 2 Pro, it's a different story entirely.
I haven't had a chance yet to time how long it takes to pump up a completely flat tire, but I've done plenty of top-offs across all the bikes I own and the difference is pretty remarkable. Each tire only takes a matter of minutes — significantly faster than what it used to take with a manual pump. At this point, I rarely even have to touch my old bike pump anymore. That alone makes the Pocket 2 Pro worth having around.
The one-button operation makes it dead simple to use too. Set your target pressure, attach it to the valve, and press the button. The LED display shows real-time pressure as it inflates and the pump shuts off automatically once it hits your target. No guessing, no over-inflating. Just set it and forget it.
As for Airbank's speed claims, they say a 700x25C tire can go from 0 to 80 PSI in around 50 seconds. I ride on 700x35C tires at around 55 PSI so my situation is a little different, but topping off is consistently quick. I'll have proper timing data for you in the long-term review once I've had a chance to run more thorough tests.
Emergency Use
Now, what about using it out on the road when you actually need it most?
If you're running a tubeless setup and you're dealing with a puncture that requires reseating the bead, I'll be honest — the Pocket 2 Pro may struggle with that just like a CO2 cartridge would. For that kind of situation, you may still want a floor pump or a compressor at your disposal. This is one area I haven't had a chance to fully test yet, so I'll be sure to revisit it in the long-term review. But for the more common repair scenarios — swapping out a tube or patching one up — this pump already looks like a game changer from what I've seen so far. Pumping up a completely flat tire with a hand pump is a serious workout. With the Pocket 2 Pro, it should be almost effortless by comparison.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
No review would be complete without a quick rundown of what I like and don't like, even at this early stage.
On the plus side: it's faster and easier than any hand pump, it takes up almost no space, the built-in pressure gauge eliminates the need for a separate gauge, and the auto-stop function means you'll never over-inflate again.
On the downside, the biggest thing to be aware of is the battery. This pump is only as good as its charge, so you need to get into the habit of charging it after every ride. I learned this the hard way — I left it in my top tube bag for a few days and went to power it up on my next ride only to find it completely dead. Not a great feeling! The good news is it charges via USB-C in about 30 minutes, so it's not a huge inconvenience as long as you stay on top of it. The pump is also a bit loud when running, though honestly not to an annoying degree. Lastly, the silicone case is a little snug, which can make it slightly awkward to handle at first.
First Impressions Verdict
So far, the Airbank Pocket 2 Pro is shaping up to be a worthy replacement for three things you used to carry: a manual pump, a pressure gauge, and a CO2 cartridge. That's a lot of utility packed into something the size of a deck of cards. Just remember to charge it after every ride — don't make the same mistake I did!
I'll have a lot more to say once I've put more miles on it, so keep an eye out for the full long-term review and the upcoming video review. In the meantime, if you're tired of wrestling with a hand pump or burning through CO2 cartridges, the Pocket 2 Pro is well worth a look.
Keep calm and pedal on!
Post a comment!
Comments
Be the first to leave a reply!