Compressor pump test: Equipped with a frame mount, the Michelin cordless air pump is ideal for bicycle tours. Further features of the compact compressor pump include the analogue display, the maximum pressure of 8 bar and the integrated LED light. A pump with strengths and weaknesses, as our test should show.
Michelin cordless air pump: structure and functions
Visually, the pump body is reminiscent of a conventional mini pump. So it's hardly surprising that Michelin includes a practical frame mount. Attached to the bottle holder, the pump is always with you and takes up no space in your backpack. The hose required for use is located on the back of the holder and must be screwed into the air hose outlet of the pump before inflation. It is only operated with an on/off switch. This means that as soon as the switch is pressed, the pumping process begins. The good thing is that the switch does not have to be held permanently. An integrated 12,8 volt / 500 mAh lithium-ion battery is responsible for the power supply; the AC 100 - 220 V charger is included. However, charging via USB is not possible. Unfortunately, the charge status of the battery cannot be read in any way - neither during operation nor while charging.
The compressor pump in the test
Screwing the pump hose into the pump body seems complicated at first glance, but it can be done in just a few steps. What is rather surprising is that the rubber stopper, which has to be removed from the device for this purpose, is not secured against loss with a small tab. The multifunctional pump head can be rotated and has an attachment for Schader and Presta valves. Despite its compact size, the Michelin cordless air pump impresses with its quick inflation. It only takes 700 seconds to fill an empty 23x4C tire with 42 bar, even at 8 bar - and that is after all the maximum specified pressure - the pump only takes 2:08 minutes. The small pump is not lacking in power, even when filling several tires in a row. However, the analog display in bar / PSI is not very easy to read and is a bit undetailed.
Measured values: Duration of inflating a 700x23C tire
- 4 bar: 42 seconds
- 8 bar: 2:08 minutes
Michelin cordless air pump: The details at a glance
- Power supply: 12,8 volts / 500 mAh lithium-ion battery
- Max. pressure: 8 bar / 120 PSI
- Display: Analog – bar and PSI
- Autostop function: No
- Lighting: Yes
- Charging option: AC 100 – 220 V charger
- Weight: 415 grams
- Hose length: 24,6 cm
