
It’s just a few inches long and weighs 3 ounces. But the Air Smith ALX pump from Planet Bike can inflate a tire to 80psi or greater in a couple minutes.
I’ve long looked for a portable bike pump that fits in a jersey pocket and can fix a road-bike flat without too much hassle.
The Air Smith ALX, new this year for $24.99, is close to perfect.
The killer app is its flexible hose. A length of rubber hose extends out of one end, and it connects to a tire valve.

As you pump to inflate, the hose gives a bit of space from the tire. It also allows some literal “wiggle room” as you’re pumping.
I’ve counted on solid (non-hose equipped) mini pumps for years. They are adequate but harder to use because you need to be careful not to damage the valve while pumping.


