Surly Big Fat Dummy

This is what a Big Dummy looks like.  Courtesy Surly Blog

The Surly Big Fat Dummy, a long tail, fat-tired cargo bike, will be available around April 2017.  Price TBD.

If you're familiar with Surly, then you know this bike was inevitable.  Surly's Big Dummy has been a dependable long-tail cargo bike for years (yet somehow we never managed to discuss it here). 

And then Surly began to roll out one fat bike model after another: Moonlander, Pugsley, Ice Cream Truck, Wednesday, along with fat do-it-all bikes like the Troll, Ogre, and ECR.  In fact, we imagined Surly making the following pitch at a QBP product meeting:

QBP Head Honcho: OK, let's talk 2016 products.  Surly, go ahead.

Surly: Fat, fat, fat, fat. As you know, we're all about the fat bikes.  And we just keep getting fatter.  Like land-on-the-moon fat.

But Surly wasn't done getting fatter, and we should've known that.  The Big Fat Dummy will take 26x5.25 tires!  Complete bikes will ship with 26x3.8 tires.

The Surly blog has a long post with everything you need to know about the Big Fat Dummy. So if you're interested, check it out.

Farm Fresh. Courtesy: Surly Blog

Specialized AWOL Expert

The Specialized AWOL Expert is a do-everything bike. Photo courtesy: specialized.com

The Specialized AWOL Expert retails for $2,500.

If you follow bicycle retail, you've probably noticed some interesting models labeled "adventure," "bikepacking," "gravel" or "offroad touring."  These are bikes like the Soma Wolverine, the Salsa Marrakesh or Vaya, and Surly's Troll or Ogre. They take wide tires, they tend to be made from high quality steel, and they come with disc brakes. Basically, they're designed to handle the rough stuff while carrying a load.

Specialized's offering is pricey, but it has it all: dyanamo-powered lights (add it to Edwin's list!); fenders with mudflaps; front and rear racks; disc brakes; really wide (comes with 700x45) tires; and a many gear combinations.  You could ride across the continent on this, or you could just ride to work. It will do whatever it is you want it to do.

Here is a 2014 review from Bicycle Times. 

Here are the specs:

• • FRAME

    Heat-treated custom-butted Premium Cr-Mo tubing, internal light cable routing-ready, Adventure Geometry, post disc mount, fender/rack mounts, kickstand plate

  • FORK

    Butted premium Cr-Mo, unicrown, heat-treated

  • FRONT HUB

    Shimano Dynamo hub, Center Lock disc, 32h 

  • REAR HUB

    Shimano Center Lock disc, 32h

  • SPOKES

    Stainless,14/15g w/self-locking threads

  • RIMS

    Specialized 29" disc front, 6061-T6 aluminum, 32h

  • INNER TUBES

    Standard, Presta valve

  • FRONT TIRE

    Specialized Borough Armadillo, 60TPI, 700x45mm

  • REAR TIRE

    Specialized Borough Armadillo, 60TPI, 700x45mm

  • CRANKSET

    Shimano Tiagra

  • CHAINRINGS

    50/39/30T

  • BOTTOM BRACKET

    Shimano Tiagra

  • SHIFT LEVERS

    Shimano Tiagra

  • FRONT DERAILLEUR

    Shimano Tiagra

  • REAR DERAILLEUR

    Shimano Tiagra

  • CASSETTE

    Shimano, 10-speed, 11-36t

  • CHAIN

    KMC X10EPT Anti-Rust, 10-speed, w/reusable MissingLink

  • FRONT BRAKE

    TRP HY/RD, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor

  • REAR BRAKE

    TRP HY/RD, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor

  • HANDLEBARS

    Specialized Adventure Gear AWOL, alloy, 125mm drop, 70mm short-reach, 12-degree flare-out

  • TAPE

    Specialized Adventure Gear S-Wrap Canvas Tape

  • STEM

    Specialized, 3D forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise

  • SADDLE

    Body Geometry Phenom Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails, 143mm

  • SEATPOST

    Specialized CG-R, FACT carbon, single bolt, reflective, 27.2mm

  • SEAT BINDER

    AWOL forged alloy, CNC, stainless bolt, 29.8mm

You can ride it in the country; you can ride it in the city. Photo courtesy: specialized.com

GT Traffic 1.0

Traffic 1.0 is GT's top city bike.  Photo courtesy of  GT Bicycles.

The GT Traffic 1.0 is an aluminum 8-speed with disc brakes that retails for $660.

In a recent review, Adam Newman of the Bicycle Times sums up Traffic 1.0:

The Traffic is a solid platform for getting where you need to go and fun enough to take you a little bit beyond. While I will admit to being spoiled by some of the high-end bicycles we get to demo, I was impressed with the value of the build. Included are Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, full coverage fenders and even a bell. Add some lights and a lock and you’re off.

I would add that the Traffic 1.0 is built for wide tires.  It comes with 700 x 40c Schwalbe Roadcruiser tires that feature reflective sidewalls and puncture resistance.  These are quality tires -- I think they go for about $25 apiece -- and they should offer a cushy, flat-free ride and last for a long time.

Here are the specs:

Sizes:

	XS, S, M, L, XL
Frame:	NEW GT Traffic Triple Triangle 6061 series alloy, smooth welded, and hydroformed (TT,DT), forged drop-outs, chainstay disc mounts, all utility braze-ons
Fork:	GT Traffic fork with hydroformed alloy raked legs, Disc brake tabs, rack and fender eyelets, steel steerer.
Chain:	KMC Z72
Crank:	SR Suntour XCC 48/38/28t
Bottom Bracket:	Cartridge sealed
Pedals:	New GT high impact nylon platform
Front Derailleur:	Shimano FM-191
Rear Derailleur:	Shimano Altus RD-M310 8spd
Shifters:	Shimano Acera 8spd
Cog Set:	Sunrace CSM55 8-spd 11-32t
Rims:	Alex R500 disc specific aero profile
Tires:	700x40c Schwalbe Roadcruiser w/ puncture protection and reflective sidewalls
Hubs:	F: Formula Disc 32h; R: Formula Disc 32h Freehub
Spokes:	Stainless steel 14g
Nipples:	Brass CP
Brake:	Shimano BR-M355, Hydraulic Disc, W/ 160mm Rotor SM-RT56
Brake Levers:	Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brake Lever
Handlebar:	All New Melt forged Alloy Ahead type
Stem:	New GT 3D forged Alloy Ahead type
Grips:	GT Wing design
Headset:	Threadless Ahead
Saddle:	New GT Traffic saddle
Seat Post:	Alloy one bolt seat pillar
Seat Clamp:	Bolt type
Extras:	Polycarbonate full wrap front & rear fender
*All prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

 

Raleigh Superbe

The 2016 Raleigh Superbe.  Courtesy: Raleigh USA

The 2016 Raleigh Superbe is a 7-speed that comes with fenders, a chainguard, and a rear rack and has an MSRP of $450.

Last we checked, the Raleigh brand was owned by a Dutch conglomerate after being sold and resold several times.  So it's not the same company that was founded in Nottingham, England in 1887 and once dominated the bicycle industry in terms of quality and performance.  The old Raleighs, like our friend old Binnie, have held up to the test of time.  If you're feeling nostalgic, you should check out this promotional film made at the Nottingham factory.

Nevertheless, the Raleigh brand rides on, and the names of the most famous old Raleigh models are being recycled: first, with the Clubman model and now Superbe.

According to the late, great Sheldon Brown, the Raleigh Superbe model "was always the super-deluxe version of [Raleigh's] top-of-the-line bike."  Sheldon Brown's Superbe looked like this:

Sheldon Brown's 1954 Raleigh Superbe. Courtesy: sheldonbrown.com

The 2016 Superbe is a poor imitation of the real thing.  That sounds harsh, but compare the 2016 model with Sheldon's 1954 model:

The 1954 model came with a dynohub light system.  The 2016 model does not include lights.

The 1954 model had an internal gear hub, protecting those gears from rainy English weather.  The 2016 model comes with a plastic derailer.

The 1954 model had a full chaincase, shielding the chain from moisture and the rider's pants from the drivetrain.  The 2016 model has a chainguard.

The 1954 model came standard with a leather Brooks B-66 sprung saddle. The 2016 model has a synthetic sprung saddle.

The 1954 model came with a pump and pump holder.  The 2016 model comes with neither.

There was a time when a bicycle came standard with a pump, along with a pump peg or holder.

And it still should. pic.twitter.com/ltn2HphtDr

— Bikes4TheRestOfUs (@Bikes4RestOfUs) January 4, 2016

The 2016 Superbe is a useful, functional bike.  It's just not superb, like the Superbe of yore.

2016 Specs:

Frame Material	Steel
Bike Wheel Size	700c
Frame	Raleigh Classic Steel, Twin Tube Low Step-thru
Fork	Steel 1" Threaded w/ Brake Bosses
Cranks	Forged Alloy, 170mm w/ 42t Heron Chain Ring
Bottom Bracket	Cartridge Steel w/ Oversize Bearings, Chromoly Spindle
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Tourney 7spd
Shifter	Shimano 7spd Revo Shifter
Brake Levers	Promax Alloy
Brakes	Promax Alloy V Brake, Silver
Cogset	Shimano Tourney 7spd 14-28
Rims	Weinmann 700c Alloy 36h
Tires	Kenda 700x35 Skin Side Wall
Pedals	VP Classic Steel Cage
Handlebar	Alloy Silver 640 Width 60mm Sweep
Stem	Silver Anodized 1" Quill
Seatpost	Alloy Micro Adjust 25.4x300mm
Seat	Raleigh Comfort Saddle w/ Springs
Headset	Silver, 1" Threaded
Chain	KMC
Front Hub	36h Nutted
Rear Hub	36h Nutted,
Spokes	14g Zinc Plated Steel
Grips	Velo Black Cork
Extras	Rack w/ bungee cords, Metal Fenders, Silver Kick Stand

Scott Sub EVO 20

The 2016 Scott Sub Evo 20. Photo courtesy of Scott Sports.

The Scott Sub Evo 20 is currently on sale at Big Wheel Bikes for $800 (the MSRP is $1,000).

The first thing we need to do is add this to Edwin's list of bikes that come with lights. The front headlight is a Busch and Muller Eyc, which is powered by Shimano Deore dynamo hub.  The rear light is also from B and M.

Scott calls this a 30-speed.  It comes with a cassette with a range from an 11-tooth cog up to a mountain-tackling 34-tooth large cog.  The Sub Evo has an aluminum frame and fork and is equipped with Shimano disc brakes.  Overall, my impression is that this bike can handle a mix of terrain and climates.

The Sub Evo comes with fenders and a Racktime rearcarrier.  Racktime is a complete system which works with "snap it" accessories, as depicted in this youtube video.

Overall, this looks like a well-designed and thought-out bike.  There's a review of the Sub Evo 30 bike on youtube (a similar, but not the same, model).

Specs:

Frame

SUB Evo 6061 Tig welding

---

Fork

Sub Evo Alu Rigid Forged

---

Headset

VP-A41AC Semi integrated

---

Rear Derailleur

Shimano RD-T610 SGS 10 Speed

---

Front Derailleur

Shimano Deore FD-T610

---

Shifters

Shimano SL-T610

---

Brake Levers

Shimano BL-M355

---

Brakes

Shimano BR-M355

---

Crankset

Shimano FC-T611 Black 48x36x26 T

---

BB-Set

Included with crankset

---

Handlebar

JD-MTB 25AF

---

H'stem

JD-ST57A

---

Pedals

VP-615

---

Seatpost

JD JD-SP68T.1.

---

Seat

Syncros Urban Solution 2.5

---

Hub (Front)

Shimano Deore DH-3D37 Dynamo 32h

---

Hub (Rear)

Shimano FH-M615 CL 32h

---

Chain

KMC X10

---

Cassette

Shimano HG62 11-34 T

---

Spokes

Pillar Steel 14G

---

Rims

X12 Disc, 32h

---

Tires

Continental City Ride II

---

Lights

Front B&M EYC and Rear Integrated B&M Ilu Jr

---

Rack & Fenders

Racktime Standit w/ spring clamp

Curana C-lite D45 with integrated Rear Light

---

Approx weights in KG

15

---

Approx weights in LBS

33.07

---

Republic Bikes

Republic's Plato Dutch Step-through available through Urban Outfitters. Photo courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Republic Bikes' Plato Dutch diamond and step-through 3-speeds are advertised for $499 at Urban Outfitters.  The singlespeeds are $399. They can also be ordered directly from Republic.

Republic Bikes jumped on the fixie/singlespeed bandwagon in the late 2000's.  Republic fixies were quickly derided by bike snobs as cheap and heavy.  They were, after all, made from tensile steel (*gasp*).  There were also grounds to mock Republic fixies based on the partnership between Republic and Urban Outfitters.  In 2009, the world's funniest bike snob commented:

You can certainly continue to enjoy something after it's received the Urban Outfitters treatment, though you can no longer tell yourself that the fact that you enjoy it makes you special.

Bike Snob was talking about fixies and hipsters, but the same sentiment can now be applied to "Dutch bikes" and the city dwellers who love them.  Yes, we know these are not *real* Dutch bikes.  But will Dutch bikes ever hold the same allure after receiving the "Urban Outfitters treatment"?

The Republic Bikes/Urban Outfitter "treatment" includes a web page where you "build your own bike," by which they mean you get to choose a color scheme.  I'm not going to make fun of this.  Urban Outfitters sells fashion, and "Dutch" bikes have long been considered a fashion accessory.

Republic has built a fleet of these "Dutch" bicycles for Google employees to cruise from building to building at the Googleplex campus in Mountain View, California.  These are useful bikes, even if they are tanks designed as fashion accessories.

Specifications

Total assembled weight: 40 lbs (18.14 kgs)

Frame: Custom lugged design in hi-ten steel. Adjustable alloy seat tube clamp. Front and rear pipe carrier racks included.

Forks: Crown Lugged, hi-ten steel.

Gearing (1-speed): 36T chainwheel, 18T freewheel

Gearing (3-speed): Shimano Nexus 3-speed internal hub, 36T chainwheel, 18T freewheel

Grips: Custom stitched comfort grips.

Saddle: Custom two-tone button saddle with Republic logo plate.

Chaincase: Fully covered PVC chain protector

Skirt: Clip-on PVC skirt nets attach to rear fender.

Wheels: Alloy 26 x 1.5". Nutted axles to both front and rear.

Tires: 26 x 2.25" custom hue balloon tires

Rear hub (1-speed): Coaster brake hub with 18T freewheel.

Rear hub (3-speed): Shimano Nexus 3-speed Coaster brake hub with 18T freewheel.

Front hub: Shimano Nexus roller brake.
Chainset: Steel 1/2 x 1/8 x 36T with 165mm Alloy cranks

Handlebars: Alloy, 600mm wide semi-raised.

Pedals: 9/16 PVC with reflectors.

Brakes: Rear coaster brake, front Shimano roller brake.

Seat post: Alloy 28.6mm x 400mm.

Center kickstand included.

Front, rear and wheel reflectors included.

Biria CitiClassic Series

Biria Classic i3 (top) and Sport i3 (bottom). All photos courtesy: www.biria.com

These 3-speeds from Biria's CitiClassic series go for about $615.

Biria is... different.  Biria produced the only shaft-driven bike that you will find on these pages. The flagship Biria model is the Easy Boarding, which looks like it's half bike, half scooter.  And Biria puts out a road bike with 20" wheels.

A few years ago, however, Biria noticed that American cities were actually putting in bike lanes, so they produced a really nice, functional city bike, which Joseph wrote about here. The CitiClassics are basically the same model, but look at all that sleek nickel chrome.  The CitiClassics come with fenders, chainguards, rear racks, and internal gear hubs.

Here are the specs for the Sport i3:

Frame: Chromoly and Hi-ten Steel Fork Steel Crown Rims Double wall aluminum Tires 700 x 35 Gear Shimano Nexus 3, free wheel, with grip shifter Stem Aluminum Handlebar Aluminum Brake Aluminum Tektro Caliper Standard Fenders, Aluminum rear rack, chain guard, kickstand Size and Color 46 cm (18"): Nickel Silver 55 cm (21.5"): Nickel Silver

Priority Eight

The Priority Eight is a belt-driven 8-speed. Photo courtesy of http://www.prioritybicycles.com

The Priority Eight has a "pre-sale" price of $800.  Priority anticipates that the bikes will be available by April 1.

According to Priority, the purpose of their bikes is "to make cycling more simple." Their first models were belt-driven "Classic" 3-speeds offered in a  diamond or step-through aluminum frame. Priority marketed these models as "low-maintenance" bikes available in black or white.

Since launching those classic models, Priority says it has received overwhelming demand for a bike with more gears, hence the Priority Eight.  The Eight, like the Classics, has a Gates carbon belt and an internal gear hub for a clean, low-maintenance ride.  It also comes with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.

There has been some hype about the release of the Priority Eight.  You can read about it at Gizmodo and Bike Rumor.

The Priority Eight is available in three sizes: 17", 19" and 21.5". Here are the specs:

Component	Description
Frame	Ultralite 6061 T6 Aluminum
Fork	Ultralite 6061 T6 Aluminum
Rims	Double Wall Alloy, 36h
Front Hub	Priority Alloy Sealed
Rear Hub	Shimano Nexus 8 Disc
Spokes	Black Stainless Steel
Shifter	Shimano Nexus 8 Twist
Brakes	Tektro HD-M330 Hydraulic Disc Dual Piston
Crankset	Gates by FSA
Front Chainring	50t Gates CDN
Rear Cog	24t Gates CDN
Pedals	Alloy
Bottom Bracket	Sealed Cartridge
Seat Post	27.2 Alloy Microadjust 350mm
Belt	Gates Carbon Drive, CDN
Saddle	Velo dual density
Handlebar Stem	Alloy
Handlebar	Alloy, 31.8, 6 degree rise, 630mm
Headset	Neco Alloy
Tires	Continental Puncture Resistant 700x32
Fenders	Alloy Paint Matched
Color	Matte Charcoal Grey
Sizes	17", 19" and 21.5"
Weight	Approx. 26lbs

Fuji Nichibei Series

New for 2016, Fuji offers Sagres (top), and Cambridge (bottom)

For 2016, Fuji is offering this line of "retro-inspired steel bikes that pay tribute to Fuji's Japanese-American heritage."  Both the Sagres and Cambridge have an MSRP of $249.

Apparently, "Nichibei" translates to "Japanese-American."  Fuji actually started as the Nichibei Trading Company in 1899.  For more fun facts about Fuji's history, check out classicfuji.com.

The Sagres and Cambridge are cheap steel 7-speeds with fenders, chainguards, and wide 700 x 35C tires.  The styling is fairly elegant as well.  There is a third Nichibei model, the single-speed Sport, that's less interesting but still good basic transportation.

The Cambridge should not be confused with the Fuji Cambridge that we talked about here back in 2009.  That was a beautiful steel bike with an internal 8-speed hub. I hope Fuji will bring that one back even if they have to rename it.

Sagres specs:

SIZES	17" (43cm), 19" (49cm), 21" (53cm)
COLOR(S)	Forest green
FRAME	Hi-ten steel city
FORK	Hi-ten steel
CRANKSET	Single, 44T
PEDALS	Alloy
FRONT DERAILLEUR	N/A
REAR DERAILLEUR	Shimano Tourney
SHIFTERS	Right/ Shimano Tourney Thumb shifter
CASSETTE	14-28T freewheel, 7-speed
CHAIN	KMC 7-speed
WHEELSET	Alloy rims 36H / nutted hubs
TIRES	700 X 35C city
BRAKE SET	Alloy caliper
BRAKE LEVERS	Alloy
HEADSET	Threaded
HANDLEBAR	Steel slight rise city
STEM	Alloy city
TAPE/GRIP	Stitched vinyl
SADDLE	Padded city
SEAT POST	Steel
EXTRAS	Steel fenders, kickstand

Cambridge specs:

SIZES	17''(43cm)
COLOR(S)	Champagne
FRAME	Hi-ten steel step-through city
FORK	Hi-ten steel
CRANKSET	Single, 44T
PEDALS	Alloy
FRONT DERAILLEUR	N/A
REAR DERAILLEUR	Shimano Tourney
SHIFTERS	Right/ Shimano Tourney Thumb shifter
CASSETTE	14-28T freewheel, 7-speed
CHAIN	KMC 7-speed
WHEELSET	Alloy rims 36H / nutted hubs
TIRES	700 X 35C city
BRAKE SET	Alloy caliper
BRAKE LEVERS	Alloy
HEADSET	Threaded
HANDLEBAR	Steel slight rise city
STEM	Alloy city
TAPE/GRIP	Stitched vinyl
SADDLE	Padded comfort
SEAT POST	Steel
EXTRAS	Steel fenders, kickstand

Soma Wolverine

The Soma Wolverine frameset includes fork and Tange IRD stainless steel sliding dropouts. Photo courtesy of Soma Blog.

The Soma Wolverine frameset is available from Soma Fabrications for $620.

We once had a commenter -- our resident curmudgeon, really -- who called himself "Al in Philadelphia." Whenever we posted about a bike like this one, Al would exclaim: "Why is this THING being reviewed on a site that calls itself 'Bikes for the Rest of Us'?"  I'm not even paraphrasing. Check out Al's comments on the All City Space Horse.

So for Al and anyone else who wonders why I consider this THING a bike for the rest of us, let me explain.  It all comes down to one word: VERSATILITY.

This Wolverine will take racks and fenders. It can be built up with an internal gear hub.  It is compatible with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive.  But best of all, it accommodates really wide tires.  According to Soma, it will fit 700 x 45 tires with fenders.

A Wolverine with racks and fenders. Courtesy: Soma Blog.

Bike tires are shock absorbers.  Skinny tires might make sense on racing bikes, but they make for an uncomfortable ride in the real world. Wide, fat tires are great for riding on unpaved surfaces as well as roads that are paved but strewn with potholes and bumps.  Wide tires are also useful when hauling cargo.  So get with the cush.

One more thing about this bike: the color.  We never talk about the color here, even though, let's face it, many bicycle (and car) purchase decisions are made on color alone.  The Wolverine is pumpkin orange, which brings to mind the bike that set the standard for versatility nearly 25 years ago: the 1993 Bridgestone XO-1.

By the way, there is a great review of the Wolverine on reddit: Soma Wolverine vs. Surly Straggler. It's recommended reading if you're interested in this bike

Here are the specs:

- Tange Prestige heat-treated CrMo front triangle; butted CrMo rear end
- Clearance for 700x45c tires w/ fenders
- Rear hub spacing:135mm
- Gates Carbon belt drive compatible
- Matching lugged flat crown fork Tange Infinity CrMo steel fork; double eyelets pannier rack and mini rack mounts (mini rack mounts not pictured)
- Braze-ons for rear rack and fenders (disc brake-compatible racks only)
- 1-1/8" size headtube
- Sizes:50, 52, 54, 56, 58. 60, 62cm
- 4.79 lbs (frame); 2.3 lbs. (fork, uncut steerer)
- Color: Pumpkin Orange
- Compatible with Paragon Machine Works "flat/flanged sliding dropout" replacement inserts (Rohloff, Single Speed, Direct Mount, Thru Axle)

Viva Juliett

The Viva Juliett is a Danish-made 7-speed.

The Viva Juliett is currently on sale at Nashbar for $970.  Viva is a small Danish company that was started in 2006 by Lars Andersen.

First I was struck by the beauty and elegance of this bike: the intricate design on the chaincase, the spokes on the rear fender where, traditionally, the skirt guard/coat protector would be, the rear carrier which appears to be wound with bamboo.  Then I was impressed that it's available for less than $1,000.

The Juliett comes with dynamo lights and roller brakes (which should make Mr. Hembrow happy). Here are the specs:

CRANKSET	Viva Classic
CHAINRINGS	42 t alloy
CHAIN COVER	Viva Signature alloy cover
BOTTOM BRACKET	Cartridge bearing, allen bolt
PEDALS	Viva classic pedal
RIMS	Viva 700c alloy
FRONT HUB	Sturmey Archer drumbrake/dynamo
REAR HUB	Shimano 7 speed Rollerbrake or 3 speed coaster
SPOKES	Stainless
TIRE	Schwalbe Delta Cruiser. Kevlar on Entry model
INNER TUBE	Presta valve
SADDLE	Gyes leather saddle. Vinyl on entry models
SEATPOST	Alloy 26,2 mm
CARRIER	Viva design alloy

RoadAir Mini Pump

The RoadAir Mini Pump is currently available on amazon for $30.

RoadAir sent me this pump to test out and review.  Before I get to my review, I'd like to rant a little about pumps and bikes for the rest of us.

We here at Bikes For The Rest Of Us have high expectations when it comes to what should come standard on a bike.  Not long ago, Joseph started a list: fenders, chainguard (or chaincase), baskets and racks, gears, lights, brakes, lock, kickstand, bell.  I would add to that list a pump and pump peg or holder.  That used to be a standard feature on English bikes and it should be standard today. Car buyers would be dismayed if their new car did not come with a spare tire, jack, and tire iron. Why do we allow bicycle manufacturers to get away without providing the basics to deal with flat tires?

Back to reality: Most bikes sold in the USA do not come with pumps or even a pump peg to hold a frame pump.  So the essential flat tire kit for your bike bag should include a spare tube, patches, rubber cement, and a mini-pump.

I have tried out many mini-pumps over the years and eventually settled on one that was made by crankbrothers (they don't appear to make it any more).  I tested the RoadAir pump against the old crankbrothers pump.

Crank Brothers vs. Road Air. Both are less than 10 inches in length.

There are certain issues that a designer of a mini-pump has to confront.  First, there are two types of tube valves -- presta and schrader -- and the pump has to work on both of them.  My crankbrothers pump dealt with this issue with a dual head, with one side for presta and the other for schrader. You just rotate the pump head and lock it onto the corresponding valve type.  The RoadAir has a standard schrader head, but comes with a presta valve adapter.  The presta adapter is stored inside a compartment in the handle, along with a tapered nozzle and a pump needle.  This is a nice touch.

A compartment inside the pump handle holds a presta adapter, needle, and tapered nozzle.

Another issue for mini-pumps is their miniature nature (both RoadAir and crankbrothers are less than 10 inches long). Their short pistons can only pump so much air, so typically it takes a lot of work to re-inflate your tube after it's been patched.  I liked the crankbrothers pump because I could get a comfortable grip on it.  The RoadAir pump has a feature that I haven't seen before: there is actually a hose inside that you pull out and connect to the tube valve. This allows you to pump without having your hands between the spokes.  I had no trouble getting to 80 PSI (on amazon, RoadAir states that its mini-pump can inflate to a maximum PSI of 90-110).

A flexible hose pulls out from the RoadAir pump, making it easier to reach the valve.

For what it's worth, the RoadAir is lighter than my crankbrothers pump. On the other hand, the RoadAir does not come with a pressure gauge or a protective case, so that lessens the weight.  I plan to continue using the RoadAir to test out its durability and will update this review at some point.

In the comments, tell us about your pump and why you like it (or don't).