Tested: Park Tools PMP-3 Micro-Pump

                                               Image courtesy Park Tools

It is an unfortunate fact of life – If you ride bicycle, you will get a flat, eventually. Just as much as air escapes a tube (or a tubeless tire), it must be put back in somehow if you want to continue a rollin’.  From here you basically have two choices – Either an air pump or a CO2 inflator. 

I have used both methods with great success, however, no matter how hard you try, CO2 inflators are a 50/50 prospect – Sometimes you get all of the gas in, and sometimes you don’t.  Plus, you usually get the pleasure of a few frozen finger tips to add to the aggravation of the flat.  However, with an air pump, all the air goes in with nothing more than some sweat from the physical act of operating the pump.

My weapon of choice lately has been the Park Tools PMP-3 pump.  This super small micro-pump fits in just about any bag or jersey pocket, or mounts directly to the frame, making it ideal to take along when space and weight are an issue. It has an aluminum barrel with a locking dual Presta/Schrader head, plus a soft-touch, dual-density, flip out handle.
Highlights are:

• Presta and Schrader valve compatible
• Max. pressure: 100 psi / 7 bars
• 7.825 inches long (200mm)
• Weight: 3.60 ounces (100 grams)
• Retail: $17.95 USD

                          Schrader configuration.  Image Courtesy Park Tools

                            Presta configuration.  Image courtesy Park Tools

I have been using the PMP-3 for about six months now, and it has saved me everytime.  It is light, reliable, and other than making me work to get 100 psi in the tires, I have had no issues with it.

Park Tools offers a one-year warranty on all air pumps.