Test: With the SKS Airflex Explorer, we tested an inexpensive, versatile mini pump that is particularly suitable for modern gravel bikes.
Mini pumps usually lead an extremely lonely, dreary life on two wheels. They spend most of their time either in the darkness of a bicycle backpack or in the inhospitable environment of the frame mount, at the mercy of wind and weather. From time to time, however, there is an opportunity in which they become the rescuers in need and can prove their quality and necessity - namely, when the exit is abruptly stopped by a flat tyre.
For the biker this means: You don't want to spend an excessive amount of time and money on the purchase of a mini pump; when do you need them?! But as probably all of us know only too well: A flat tire becomes much more annoying when, after a successful tube change, the pump refuses to work or is only reluctant to be made to work together. With the Airflex Explorer, the pump specialists from SKS are launching a model that promises comfortable features, a wide range of uses and reliable function for a very reasonable price (30 euros RRP, approx. 25 euros "street price").
The key data of the SKS Airflex Explorer
- Weight: 136 g
- L: 205 mm
- Valve Types: Presta/Schrader
As the name suggests, the Airflex at SKS is aimed at "explorers", off-road touring riders, bikepackers, gravel bikers and the occasional mountain biker. Accordingly, the pump cylinder itself has a large diameter, transports a corresponding amount of air into the tire or tube per stroke, but sweats at high pressure. SKS specifies a maximum of 5 bar, which was achievable in our test, but pumping from 4 bar turned out to be a feat of strength.
The SKS Airflex Explorer had to prove itself on our gravel bike with thick 45 mm tires. It's nice that SKS supplies a good holder for the bottle cage; This allows the pump to be attached to the frame unobtrusively and ready to hand at all times. A tight rubber band prevents the Airflex from letting itself go in the event of heavy rumble. Small point of criticism at this point: With fine vibrations such as rough road surface or fine gravel, the pump makes an audible rattling or humming noise, which probably comes from the pump cylinder itself.
Successful valve head for Presta and Schrader
If you depend on the quality of the pump, it knows how to convince: The valve head is pulled out of the pump housing with a short hose and attached to the valve with ease. The hose extension makes pumping much more comfortable and valve-friendly than with models that are attached directly to the valve. The head is suitable for Schrader and Presta valves and can be easily switched from one valve type to the other. A short turning movement releases the mechanism, pull the head apart or put it together - done.
It is attached to the valve itself by screwing it on - with Schrader valves, only a few threads are required to activate the check valve and start pumping. This has advantages and disadvantages: An advantage that should not be underestimated is that you can pump without problems even with very short valves (e.g. in the case of high-profile rims and short extensions). On the other hand, the seat is not quite as tight and you should not shake the valve head too much after installation to avoid damage.
Also suitable for MTB tires
The processing of the pump is successful and gives a reliable impression. The pumping feeling is good, there is no uncomfortable play and thanks to the rubberized handle it is very easy to grip even in the rain. The SKS Airflex Explorer was ideal for the 45 mm tires of our test bike and brought the tires to the target pressure of approx. 2,5 bar with relatively few strokes and hardly any effort. Of course, we also wanted the limits in terms of volume and pressure explore. Accordingly, the anodized aluminum pump still had to prove itself on a 30 mm road bike tire and a 2,4 inch wide MTB tire. While she had little trouble with the MTB tires - provided she had a little patience - pumping up her racing bike from 4,5 bar turned out to be a feat of strength. But the pump is not made for that.
