Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Back to REVIEWS
review
Pumps & CO2 inflators
Push O2 Ultralite Alloy mini pumpPush O2 Ultralite mini pump

Push O2 Ultralite Alloy mini pump

7
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Mar 31, 2009

0
£13.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Nicely finished, competent pump that genuinely delivers 100psi
Weight: 
160g
Contact: 
www.fisheroutdoor.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.

What the road.cc scores mean

Good scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.

  • Exceptional
  • Excellent
  • Very Good
  • Good
  • Quite good
  • Average
  • Not so good
  • Poor
  • Bad
  • Appalling

Sporting a slender 6063 aluminium barrel, T handle for improved grip and two way action capable of delivering 100psi, the Ultralite would suit riders demanding moderate tyre pressures and needing a reliable pump for roadside emergencies

Arranging the valve head to presta I set to work on a flat 26X1.5. Initial impressions were favourable, the T-handle delivering a smooth, progressive action and the thumb lock’s secure purchase on the valve head preventing annoying leakage. Five minutes, 150 strokes and considerable resistance later, I had achieved 65psi. My right arm didn’t feel like it was about to explode as is often the case, so I persevered for another ten strokes and got a respectable 70-psi before the pump nigh on locked out. Attached to a 700x23c tyre, 85 strokes gave me 100psi, impressive given the barrel is only 18cm long. The stated max of 160psi was, as ever, fanciful.

Build quality is surprisingly good, resisting accidental carelessness and ejection from its nylon bracket while taking the scenic route through the fields. Refreshingly, long Allen screws eliminate problems when sharing space with heavier gauge alloy cages and a nylon closure is provided for additional security but isn’t required unless fitted to cross or mountain bikes.

"Energy saving" and "mini pump" aren’t words generally used in the same sentence. The Push doesn't give you too much of a workout though and while not on a par with the best frame-fit inflators, the Ultralite is nicely made and will deliver a genuine 100PSI in about five minutes.

Verdict

Nicely finished, competent pump that genuinely delivers 100psi

road.cc test report

Make and model: Push O2 Ultralite Alloy mini pump

Price: 13.99

Weight: 160g

Size tested: n/a

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?

The O2 is a lightweight aluminium mini pump designed to accomodate presta or schrader valves. Being two way maximises efficiency but having the unit lock out at 100, I remain dubious about the assertion it will ever deliver 160psi.

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

The strong yet lightweight 6063 alloy barrel is complimented by a T handle for increased grip while the thumb lock prevents frustrating leakage from the valve during inflation on both the pull and push strokes

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

Fairly hardy, copes reasonably well with unexpected drops/ejection and accidental carelessness.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10

Efficient given the size but still demands several minutes to get close to the higher pressures.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

No problems during testing

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

Despite weighing a mere 165g it seems remarkably tough and would be a good choice for more aggressive riding.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
6/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

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

The Ultralite performs very, very well given the size and has a reassuringly solid feel- fine by the roadside but I would stick with CO2 catridges for racing.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Pleasant to use and with good build quality

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Swapping valve heads can be a pain-especially when you're in a hurry.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Possibly

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Possibly

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

Ultralite
Push
pump
mini pump
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

Latest Comments