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review
Pumps & CO2 inflators
SKS Spaero Sport Deep Black PumpSKS Spaero Sport Deep Black Pump

SKS Spaero Sport Deep Black Pump

8
by David Arthur @davearthur
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jun 5, 2013

4
£29.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Small but effective mini pump with well designed valve attachment system that lets you concentrate on pumping
Weight: 
97g
Contact: 
www.madison.co.uk www.raleigh.co.uk www.chickencycles.co.uk
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The SKS Spaero Sport Deep Black Pump is a recent addition to the German company's range and uses a retractable hose with an easy-to-use screw-on head. The pump action is smooth and solid feeling, and it'll inflate up to 70 psi relatively easily making it a good pump to get you home.

It's good looking as pumps go with a sleek black construction. You get to the short rubber hose via a rubber flap, the hose is only compatible with Presta or Dunlop valves. As I said up top it screws into place easily and once in place it stays put during inflation.

The small pump manages to offer a 13cm stroke and with the rubber hose attached to the valve, you can firmly grasp the pump in both hands and pump vigorously to quickly inflate the tyre. The beauty of the hose arrangement is you don't have to also hold the pump onto the valve with one hand, so you're free to concentrate on pumping.

The ergonomics are the noticeable compromise of such small pumps, but you can clasp this one firmly in the hands and with gloves on it's no trouble. It takes up very little space in a jersey pocket, or you could attach it to the frame with the supplied water bottle mount. As you'd expect it's very light at just 97g.

As with most mini pumps of this size, it does take a while to reach a satisfactory tyre pressure, but persist and you will eventually get to a decent level. You can get to about 70 psi, happily enough to continue your ride without cutting your route short. I only ride with 90-100 psi in my tyres anyway.

Verdict

I'm not the biggest fan of mini pumps but I have been happily using this one for several months, and a few punctures have proven that it's up to the task. Its decent pumping performance makes it a top choice if you're in the market for a new mini pump. A good alternative to Lezyne's mini pumps

road.cc test report

Make and model: SKS Spaero Sport Deep Black Pump

Size tested: One size

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Classy design combined with sophisticated technology and high pressure power distinguish the SPAERO SPORT minipump. Under the dust cap there is an extendable hose with a screw-on head that guarantees a tight fit to SV and DV valves.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Elegant, cutting edge pump design with integrated extendable hose for easy use

Alloy internals for strength and long life

Extendable hose is hidden neatly within the body when not in use and screws securely onto valve heads

Narrow barrel version, perfect for high pressure road tyres

Weighs only 110 grams

Max pressure 115 psi

Fits Presta valves

Made in Germany

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Despite its lack of weight it proved strong and solid during earnest pumping

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Very impressive for such a small pump, the screw-on valve head is the best feature, making it much easier overall to use

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Yes, it is durable

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

You won't notice it in your jersey pocket that's for sure

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

Most mini pumps struggle in the ergonomics department and this one is no different, but it's not too bad really

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

It's on a par with most other pumps, but there are some cheaper mini pumps available

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It worked very well, certainly reliable enough for more than just getting you home, you can be safe in the knowledge it won't let you down

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The screw-on head is very secure and the bendy hose makes it easy to use

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

As with most mini pumps, you work up a sweat and get a good bicep workout inflating to high pressures

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180  Weight: 67

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,

 

SKS Spaero Sport Deep Black Pump
SKS
mini pump
David Arthur @davearthur

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes. 

Add new comment

4 comments

Avatar
Doctor Fegg | 11 years ago
0 likes

I bought one of these little Quicker pumps on the basis of road.cc's review and have been delighted: http://road.cc/content/review/6815-quicker-pro-mini-pump

Avatar
Zee replied to Doctor Fegg | 11 years ago
0 likes
road.cc wrote:

The pump action is smooth and solid feeling

road.cc wrote:

It's good looking.. with a sleek black construction

road.cc wrote:

it screws into place easily and once in place it stays put.

road.cc wrote:

you can clasp this one firmly in the hands and with gloves on it's no trouble.

road.cc wrote:

As with most..of this size, it does take a while to reach a satisfactory pressure, but persist and you will eventually get to a decent level.

Utter filth 4

Avatar
bike_food replied to Zee | 11 years ago
0 likes
Zee wrote:
road.cc wrote:

The pump action is smooth and solid feeling

road.cc wrote:

It's good looking.. with a sleek black construction

road.cc wrote:

it screws into place easily and once in place it stays put.

road.cc wrote:

you can clasp this one firmly in the hands and with gloves on it's no trouble.

road.cc wrote:

As with most..of this size, it does take a while to reach a satisfactory pressure, but persist and you will eventually get to a decent level.

Utter filth 4

You missed...

road.cc wrote:

...get a good bicep workout inflating to high pressures

Avatar
Beardandsandals | 11 years ago
0 likes

My Topeak Micro Rocket: 55 gm, and very effective and easy to use.

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