Test: XLC is probably one of the best-known component and accessory manufacturers in the bicycle sector. Of course, the manufacturer's large product range also includes floor pumps - we took a closer look at the XLC Gamma PU-S03 and were surprised.
The first contact with the Gamma pump from XLC triggered skepticism: plastic dominates everywhere: base, manometer, pump head - apart from the handle and the hose, the pump is made entirely of plastic. Of course, there is also a steel pump cylinder hidden inside, but this is also in a plastic casing. The fact that the pump is one of the extremely small representatives with a height of just over 60cm increases our doubts even more.
The grip is reminiscent of a short handlebar with two attached handlebar grips. Maybe XLC actually used it in its own portfolio, but what counts is that the handle offers a lot of grip and feels good in the hand. The plastic base really doesn't make a very good impression. The footprint is small and XLC has also completely dispensed with anti-slip measures. What is even more serious, however, is that the connection between the pump cylinder and the base is not too stiff: Even when you are standing on the base, the cylinder can be moved in all directions because the plastic simply twists.
XLC goes its own bold way with the pressure gauge. This is not in the base, but attached to the pump itself. This improves readability, as you don't have to look all the way down as you're pumping. The contrast on the dial is okay, but the digits are very small - especially those on the bar scale - and that means that the advantage of the higher pressure gauge is gone again. The transparent plastic glass is also very reflective and makes reading it even more difficult. On the other hand, the attachment of the pump hose is nice: It is mounted on the manometer and the connection can be rotated 360°.
The pump head is also made of plastic, but is extremely solid. It can be used for all valve types without conversion and provides a reliable seal. As with many other pumps, the clamping lever is quite stiff the first few times and can only be operated with one hand with some effort.
The big surprise then comes with the pump performance and the pump feeling: The Gamma really knows how to score here. The piston feels very good, slides easily and has no play. The performance is also convincing: The operating forces are low, even when we approach the specified maximum pressure of 8 bar. Unfortunately, the very low overall height and the overall rather unstable construction clearly cloud the good impression.
[pricemesh]
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